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What speed is considered reckless driving in California?

I want to take a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway, but I’m a bit limited on time when it comes to the actual driving part. I can handle a speeding ticket, but how fast is considered a reckless driving ticket in California?

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
No specific speed is considered
reckless driving in California
. Instead, it's up to the discretion of law enforcement whether to charge someone speeding with reckless driving.
California Vehicle Code Section 23103 defines reckless driving as willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Some examples of reckless driving are:
  • Swerving across multiple lanes
  • Street racing
  • Going the wrong way down a one-way street
  • Passing a stopped school bus
  • Driving on a sidewalk
A reckless driving charge in California is a misdemeanor, which could result in:
  • Jail time of up to 90 days
  • Fines from $145 to $1,000
Hopefully, you never get a speeding or reckless driving ticket—if you do, your
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