Information on What Reckless Driving is in the State of North Carolina

In North Carolina, a conviction of reckless driving can result in harsh consequences.

The state of North Carolina considers reckless driving a misdemeanor offense. The laws of the state don't discuss specific actions that are considered reckless driving. However, a person convicted of the offense can suffer severe penalties to their driver's license.

Reckless Driving

General statute 20-140 states that a person is guilty of reckless driving if he drives upon a street, highway or parking lot carelessly without any regard to others' personal safety. The statute also states that a person is guilty if she drives "without due caution" and at an unsafe rate of speed.

Aggressive Driving

A person may plead to reckless driving as a lesser-included offense to the charge of aggressive driving, according to general statute 20-141.6. The statute also defines aggressive driving as speeding and committing any two of five specific violations, such as failing to stop at a red light and illegal passing.

Penalties

Drivers who have two or more convictions of reckless driving within 12 months will have their driver's license revoked by the state DMV. A driver who is convicted of reckless driving while illegally transporting "intoxicants for the purpose of sale" will also have his driver's license revoked.

References

• North Carolina General Statutes: GS 20-140
• North Carolina General Statutes: GS 20-141.6
• North Carolina General Statutes: GS 20-17