In Delaware, unsafe driving can lead to criminal charges. This article explains Delaware's reckless and careless or inattentive driving laws and the penalties you'll face for a conviction.
Delaware defines "reckless driving" as driving "in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property." The term "willful" refers to conduct that is intentional or purposeful. And "wanton" generally means the person understood but disregarded the consequences of the conduct.
Delaware's reckless driving law also prohibits driving at a speed of 90 miles per hour or faster.
(Del. Code Ann. tit. 21, § 4175.)
The consequences of a reckless driving violation depend on the circumstances. The possible penalties are described below.
A first reckless driving conviction carries ten to 30 days in jail and/or $100 to $300 in fines.
For a second or subsequent reckless driving violation within a three-year period, the motorist is looking at 30 to 60 days in jail and/or $300 to $1,000 in fines.
For a first reckless driving offense involving driving at least 90 miles per hour, the motorist faces $150 to $300 in fines and/or having to complete a traffic safety course.
For a second reckless driving offense involving driving at least 90 miles per hour within three years, the motorist faces $300 to $800 in fines and/or 10 to 30 hours of community service.
For a third reckless driving offense involving driving at least 90 miles per hour within three years, the motorist faces $500 to $1,000 in fines and/or 30 to 90 hours of community service.
A reckless driving conviction will also add six demerit points to the motorist's driving record. Accumulating 14 or more points within a 24-month period leads to mandatory license suspension.
Delaware has another law that prohibits "careless or inattentive driving." The law defines "careless driving" as operating a vehicle "in a careless or imprudent manner, or without due regard for road, weather and traffic conditions then existing." And "inattentive driving" means failing to give "full time and attention" or "maintain proper lookout" while behind the wheel. (Del. Code Ann. tit. 21, § 4176.)
The difference between reckless and careless or inattentive driving might be subtle in some cases. Generally, reckless driving involves the operation of a vehicle that's obviously dangerous, whereas more subtle instances of bad driving might be in the careless or inattentive driving category.
The possible penalties for a careless or inattentive driving violation are explained below.
A first careless or inattentive driving conviction carries $25 to $75 in fines.
For a second or subsequent careless or inattentive driving violation within a three-year period, the motorist is looking at $50 to $95 in fines.
A careless or inattentive driving conviction will also add two points to the motorist's driving record. And additional penalties might apply if the offense involves injuries to another person.
In Delaware, 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."
The facts of every case are different. 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.