Indiana's Reckless Driving Laws and Penalties

In Indiana, reckless driving is a criminal offense and can lead to jail time, fines, and license suspension. This article explained how Indiana defines reckless driving and the penalties you'll face for a conviction.

What Is Considered "Reckless Driving" in Indiana?

Indiana defines "reckless driving" as operating a vehicle recklessly and:

• going at such an unreasonably high or low rate of speed that it endangers the safety of persons or property or blocks the proper flow of traffic
• passing another vehicle on a slope or curve where visibility is limited to less than 500 feet, or
• passing a stopped school bus that has an arm-signal device in an extended position.

Generally, an act is done "recklessly" when the person knows or should know the conduct is risky but decides to do it anyway. (Ind. Code Ann. § 9-21-8-52.)

Indiana's Reckless Driving Penalties

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

Fines and Jail Time for Standard Reckless Driving in Indiana

Reckless driving offenses that involve driving too fast or slow or unlawfully passing another car on a slope or curve are generally class C misdemeanors. A conviction carries up to 60 days in jail and a maximum of $500 in fines.

Fines and Jail Time for Recklessly Passing a School Bus in Indiana

Where a reckless driving offense involves unlawfully passing a school bus, it's a class A misdemeanor. Convicted motorists face up to one year in jail and a maximum of $5,000 in fines. The judge can also suspend the driver's license for 90 days (up to a year if a second offense).

Fines, Jail, and License Suspension for Reckless Driving With Property Damage in Indiana

Reckless driving offenses that involve property damage are class B misdemeanors (see penalties above). In addition to the other penalties, a judge can suspend the motorist's license for up to a year.

Fines, Jail, and License Suspension for Reckless Driving With Injuries in Indiana

A motorist who causes injury to another person while driving recklessly is guilty of a class A misdemeanor. The consequences of a conviction include up to one year in jail, a maximum of $5,000 in fines, and a license suspension of no more than one year.

Reducing an OWI Charge to Reckless Driving in Indiana

In Indiana, it's possible for a driver who's charged with operating while intoxicated (OWI) 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."

When a driver who was originally charged with operating while intoxicated ends up entering a plea to a reckless driving charge, in addition to the reckless driving penalties, there's a $200 "alcohol and drug countermeasures" fee.

Talk to an Indiana Defense Attorney

The consequences of a reckless driving conviction in Indiana can be serious, especially if the offense involves property damage or injuries. 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.