Michigan's Reckless Driving Laws and Penalties

Read about Michigan’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 Michigan, a person can be convicted of "reckless driving" for driving a vehicle "in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property." Generally, the term "willful" refers to conduct that is purposeful or intentional, rather than accidental. And "wanton disregard" basically means the person understood the conduct was risky but decided to do it anyway.

Reckless Driving Penalties

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

  • Standard reckless driving. Generally, reckless driving is a misdemeanor in Michigan. Convicted motorists typically face up to 93 days in jail and/or a maximum $500 fine.
  • Reckless driving involving serious injuries. A reckless driving offender who causes "serious impairment of a body function" to another is guilty of a felony. The conviction carries up to five years in prison and/or $1,000 to $5,000 in fines. The judge must also order that the motorist's vehicle be immobilized for up to 180 days or forfeited altogether.
  • Reckless driving involving death. A reckless driving offender who causes death to another person is guilty of a felony. The conviction carries up to 15 years in prison and/or $2,500 to $10,000 in fines. The judge must also order that the motorist's vehicle be immobilized for up to 180 days or forfeited altogether.

A reckless driving conviction also results in a 90-day license suspension and six demerit points going on the motorist's driving record—likely meaning increased insurance rate.

Careless Driving

Michigan has another offense called "careless driving." The offense is defined as driving "in a careless or negligent manner likely to endanger any person or property, but without wantonness or recklessness."

The difference between careless and reckless driving is a matter of degree—and the dividing line isn't always clear. But generally, "reckless driving" involves operation that's obviously dangerous whereas "careless driving" tends to cover less conspicuous instances of bad driving.

Unlike reckless driving, careless driving isn't a crime—it's a civil infraction. Motorists who are convicted of careless driving face a fine and three points on their driving record.

Reckless Driving and OWI Charges ("Wet Reckless")

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

Talk to an Attorney

The consequences of a reckless driving conviction in Michigan can be serious, especially when the offense involved 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.

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