Connecticut's Reckless Driving Laws and Penalties

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

Defend your rights. We've helped 95 clients find attorneys today.

There was a problem with the submission. Please refresh the page and try again
Full Name is required
Email is required
Please add a valid Email
Phone Number is required
Please add a valid Phone Number
Zip Code is required
Please add a valid Zip Code
Description is required
By clicking "Find a Lawyer", you agree to the Martindale-Nolo Texting Terms. Martindale-Nolo and up to 5 participating attorneys may contact you on the number you provided for marketing purposes, discuss available services, etc. Messages may be sent using pre-recorded messages, auto-dialer or other automated technology. You are not required to provide consent as a condition of service. Attorneys have the option, but are not required, to send text messages to you. You will receive up to 2 messages per week from Martindale-Nolo. Frequency from attorney may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Your number will be held in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

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.

In Connecticut, "reckless driving" is a crime. Generally, a person can be convicted of reckless driving for operating a vehicle:

  • in a manner that puts others at significant risk and with an awareness of that risk
  • at a speed that endangers the life of another, or
  • at over 85 miles per hour.

In assessing whether a motorist's driving meets the definition of recklessness, a judge or jury might consider factors like road, weather, and traffic conditions.

Reckless Driving Penalties

The consequences of a reckless driving conviction depend on the circumstances. But the possible penalties are:

  • First offense. A first reckless driving conviction is a class D misdemeanor. Convicted motorists face up to 30 days in jail and/or $100 to $300 in fines. The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles will also suspend the driver's license for 30 to 90 days.
  • Repeat offense. A second or subsequent reckless driving conviction is a class A misdemeanor. A conviction carries up to a year in jail and/or a maximum $600 in fines. The driver is also looking at a license suspension of at least 90 days.

And for any reckless driving offense that's committed in a construction zone, the fines are doubled.

Reckless Driving and OUI Charges ("Wet Reckless")

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

Talk to an Attorney

The consequences of a reckless driving conviction in Connecticut can be serious, especially if the driver has prior convictions. 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.

DEFEND YOUR RIGHTS
Talk to a Defense attorney
We've helped 95 clients find attorneys today.
There was a problem with the submission. Please refresh the page and try again
Full Name is required
Email is required
Please add a valid Email
Phone Number is required
Please add a valid Phone Number
Zip Code is required
Please add a valid Zip Code
Description is required
By clicking "Find a Lawyer", you agree to the Martindale-Nolo Texting Terms. Martindale-Nolo and up to 5 participating attorneys may contact you on the number you provided for marketing purposes, discuss available services, etc. Messages may be sent using pre-recorded messages, auto-dialer or other automated technology. You are not required to provide consent as a condition of service. Attorneys have the option, but are not required, to send text messages to you. You will receive up to 2 messages per week from Martindale-Nolo. Frequency from attorney may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Your number will be held in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

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.

How It Works

  1. Briefly tell us about your case
  2. Provide your contact information
  3. Choose attorneys to contact you