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While most people might assume that a DUI charge is the most severe offense out there, reckless driving is also one of the most serious offenses on the road. Since 2000, aggressive driving has been an element in over 50% of vehicle crashes.
The study showed that speeding and driving under the influence were the two most common examples of aggressive driving.
In 2016, speeding killed over 10,000 people in the United States. Even only a 10 mph increase in driving speed increases the risk of a crash by over 9%.
But almost everyone speeds at one point or another, and sometimes reckless driving happens by mistake. So what is reckless driving? And what are the fines and sanctions associated with it?
If you’re charged with reckless driving, it’s because the officer who charged you deemed that your driving demonstrated indifference to or disregard for the property or safety of others.
It’s a much more serious offense than, say, improper driving or careless driving. A reckless driving conviction can result in hefty fines, a driver’s license suspension, or even imprisonment.
Some of the reckless driving behaviors associated with fatal crashes in 2026 are as follows:
Some other examples of aggressive driving are failing to signal, racing, failure to follow traffic signs or warnings, passing where it’s prohibited, and driving on a road shoulder, sidewalk, or median.
You might forget to signal one day, and only get charged with careless driving. But depending on the outcome of your carelessness and the intent behind your driving, forgetting to signal can also result in a reckless driving charge.
If you received a reckless driving ticket, you might need a traffic ticket attorney, depending on the severity of your charges.
Reckless driving in Florida is a criminal traffic offense that requires a court appearance. Careless driving is a civil traffic offense which is much less serious.
If you roll through a stop sign and cause an accident, you may be charged with careless driving. But if you rolled through that same stop sign going 80 mph, you’d likely be charged with reckless driving.
If you’re charged with reckless driving in Florida, some of the possible penalties are:
All of these examples are results of reckless driving convictions. While you may have received a ticket, you won’t necessarily be charged.
In addition to legal consequences, your insurance company may drop you or significantly raise your rates.
Every situation is different, and your traffic ticket attorney will use the details of your particular case to try and reduce your charges or get you off the hook completely.
While circumstances vary, some of the more common defenses used in the face of reckless driving charges are:
While every state is different, in Florida, excessive speed alone is not enough to constitute reckless driving.
Maybe you were speeding and ran a red because you had to get to someone you love and fast.
Perhaps you forgot to use your blinker because your mind was racing with work details and as a result, you ran over someone’s mailbox.
Maybe you weren’t the one driving your vehicle when a reckless driving ticket was issued.
While reckless driving endangers society, it can sometimes be chalked up to carelessness, distraction, or other factors that may affect someone’s ability to drive safely.
If you’re charged with reckless driving, your lawyer can use every detail to your advantage. A traffic ticket attorney will use their knowledge and resources to reduce your charges so that you can live a normal life.
If you’re panicked about what to do and the damage those charges could cause, don’t hesitate to call someone who will be with you every step of the way.
Reckless driving is a serious offense that may significantly affect your life, your job, and your bank account. Everyone makes mistakes, and while you may have been at fault, you may not deserve the potential charges you’re facing.
If you’re worried, contact us to see how we can help. You may upload your ticket and provide some basic information here so we can discuss how we can help.
