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What speed is considered reckless driving?

My driver’s ed teacher told us we can get a reckless driving ticket just for speeding too much. Not gonna lie, that makes me pretty anxious. I tend to go 10 mph over the limit when I’m not thinking. What speed do you have to be going for it to be considered reckless driving?

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Shannon Fitzgerald · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
I hate to break it to you, but your driver’s ed teacher is telling the truth. You can get a reckless driving ticket for speeding—but the amount you can speed before it’s considered reckless driving varies quite a bit state-to-state.
Generally, the following speeding infractions will run into reckless driving territory:
  • Driving 15 to 25+ mph in excess of the posted limit, depending on the state
  • Driving over 100 mph
  • Driving 30+ mph over the speed limit on a highway
  • Driving any speed over the limit in a school or construction zone
While driving 10 mph over the limit won’t typically earn you a reckless driving ticket, it can still earn you a regular speeding ticket. The best practice, of course, is to stay focused and always drive at the posted speed limit. Remember—they can’t give you a reckless driving ticket for excessive speeding if you were never speeding in the first place.
Should you encounter any reckless drivers out there, having good car insurance can protect you financially. As a new driver, you may see some higher premiums, but
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The Jerry app offers custom quote comparisons from over 50 top insurance companies for you to shop and compare. The average user ends up saving $887 a year on
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