PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Loans
Car Loan
Compare Car Loans with Jerry
Jerry's Expert Advice
Car Loan Guides
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
What is wet reckless driving in California?
My buddy is from California, and he said that his cousin from back home just got a wet reckless. He sort of explained it, but I’m still confused. What is wet reckless driving?
Maxine Boyko · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
In California, “wet” reckless driving is essentially a nickname for an alcohol-related
reckless driving
charge.Generally speaking, reckless driving charges can be leveled against drivers who participate in careless or intentionally harmful driving habits that put the safety of others at risk—and “wet” reckless driving is a more serious extension of that principle.
Typically, a wet reckless driving charge is a plea offering for a first offense DUI in California. Offenders typically take this plea because it is less serious and has lighter penalties than a DUI conviction.
The advantages of taking a wet reckless plea deal include:
- No mandatory court-ordered driver’s license suspension
- Maximum jail sentence of 90 days
- Lower fines
- Shorter probation period (1-2 years)
- No DUI on driving record
Keep in mind: A wet reckless driving charge can lead to a quicker expungement—otherwise, reckless driving convictions remain on your record in California for 10 years. The charge also adds two demerit points to your driver’s license, meaning your
insurance rates will likely go up
.View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies
