Nevada’s Reckless Driving Laws and Penalties

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

• driving "in willful or wanton disregard of the safety of persons or property"
• driving in an "unauthorized speeding contest" (street racing),
• unauthorized "trick driving displays," or
• failing to yield to or evading a police officer.

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.

A driver can be cited for reckless driving on any roadway to which the public has access. For example, shopping center parking lots are private property but open to the public.

Other Forms of Reckless Driving

Nevada's reckless driving law also lists a number of traffic violations that constitute reckless driving if—while committing the violation—the motorist causes a collision with a pedestrian or person riding a bike. These violations include:

• failing to drive with due care with respect to pedestrians and bicyclists
• failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk
• disobeying the directions of a school crossing guard
• exceeding 15 miles per hour or making a U-turn in a school zone while school is in session, and
• speeding.

In other words, if a driver hits a pedestrian or bicyclist while committing one of these traffic offense, it's reckless driving per se.

Reckless Driving Penalties

In most situations, a Nevada reckless driving conviction is a misdemeanor. However, the consequences of a reckless driving violation depend on which type of offense the driver is convicted of.

Willful or Wanton Disregard Offenses

For a reckless driving offense based on a willful or wanton disregard for the safety persons or property, the possible penalties are:

• First offense. For a first offense, the motorist is looking at up to six months in jail and/or $250 to $1,000 in fines.
• Second offense. A second offense carries up to six months in jail and/or $1,000 to $1,500 in fines.
• Third offense. A driver who's convicted of a third offense faces up to six months in jail and/or $1,500 to $2,000 in fines.

A reckless driving conviction will also add eight demerit points to the motorist's driving record. Accumulating 12 points or more within a year leads to a six-month license suspension.

Reckless Driving Offenses Involving Collisions

For reckless driving offenses involving collisions, the possible penalties are:

• First offense. For a first offense, the motorist is looking at up to six months in jail, $250 to $1,000 in fines, and 50 to 99 hours of community service.
• Second offense. A second offense carries up to six months in jail, $1,000 to $1,500 in fines, and 100 to 199 hours of community service.
• Third offense. A driver who's convicted of a third offense faces up to six months in jail, $1,500 to $2,000 in fines, and 200 hours of community service.

All motorists convicted of collision-related reckless driving will have their license suspended for six months to two years. A judge can also order vehicle impoundment of 15 days for a first offender and 30 days for a motorist convicted of a second or subsequent violation.

Trick Driving Offenses

For trick driving per se offenses, which are gross misdemeanors, the possible penalties are:

• First offense. For a first offense, the motorist is looking at up to 364 days in jail, $1,000 to $1,500 in fines, and 100 to 199 hours of community service.
• Second or subsequent offense. A second offense carries up to 364 days in jail, $1,500 to $2,000 in fines, and 200 hours of community service.

The court can also issue a license suspension for six months to two years and impound the driver's vehicle for 30 days.

Reckless Driving Violations Involving Injuries or Fatalities

A motorist who causes "serious bodily harm" or death to another person while committing a reckless driving offense can be convicted of a category B felony. A conviction carries one to six years in prison, $2,000 to $5,000 in fines, and a three-year license suspension.

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."

Nevada law restricts plea bargaining in DUI cases. So, in most DUI cases, it isn't possible to plea bargain for a wet reckless or any other lesser charge.

Talk to an Attorney

The consequences of a reckless driving conviction in Nevada can be serious, especially if the offense involved injuries or deaths. 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.