Alabama's Reckless Driving Laws and Penalties

Read about Alabama’s reckless driving laws and the consequences of a conviction.

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In Alabama, a person can be convicted of "reckless driving" for driving:

  • "carelessly and heedlessly in willful or wanton disregard for the rights or safety of persons or property," or
  • "without due caution and circumspection and at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property."

In other words, a person who drives dangerously, and is at least negligent in doing so, can be convicted of reckless driving.

Reckless Driving Penalties

Reckless driving is a misdemeanor in Alabama. The consequences of a conviction depend on the circumstances. But generally, the possible penalties are:

  • First offense. A first reckless driving offense carries five to 90 days in jail and/or $25 to $500 in fines.
  • Repeat offense. Motorists convicted of a second or subsequent reckless driving offense are looking at 10 days to six months jail time and/or $50 to $500 in fines.

In addition to these fines, the court must also impose "assessment" fees ranging from $35 to $1,010.

Any motorist convicted of reckless driving faces a license suspension of up to six months. And a third reckless driving conviction within a 12-month period will result in license revocation. A reckless driving conviction will also add six demerit points to the motorist's driving record.

Reckless Driving and DUI Charges ("Wet Reckless")

In some states, it's possible for a driver who's charged with driving under the influence (DUI) to "plea bargain" for a lesser charge. When a DUI is plea-bargained down to a reckless driving charge, it's sometimes called a "wet reckless."

Alabama law doesn't restrict or prohibit plea bargaining in DUI cases. So, for someone who's charged with driving under the influence, convincing a prosecutor to reduce the charge to reckless driving is a possibility.

Talk to an Attorney

The consequences of a reckless driving conviction in Alabama can be serious. If you've been arrested for or charged with reckless driving, get in contact with an experienced defense attorney. A qualified attorney can explain how the law applies to the facts of your case and help you decide on how best to handle your situation.

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You should not send any sensitive or confidential information through this site. Any information sent through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship and may not be treated as privileged or confidential. The lawyer or law firm you are contacting is not required to, and may choose not to, accept you as a client. The Internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent through this site could be intercepted or read by third parties.

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