Reckless Driving - VTL 1212

Written By: Benjamin Goldman, Esq.


At a traffic stop, one of the most serious charges you can get is Reckless Driving. It is a Misdemeanor and if you plead guilty or are found guilty you are subject to thirty days jail. While it is rare for a judge to order incarceration for Reckless Driving, you still get a criminal record.

Reckless Driving is a unique charge because it is only a criminal offense that also gives you points on your license (DWI and driving with a suspended license do not carry points). If convicted, you will get five points on your driving record. The maximum fine for a first-time offender is $300 + $93 mandatory surcharge.

The exact wording of the statute (New York Vehicle & Traffic Law§ 1212) is as follows:

Reckless driving shall mean driving or using any motor vehicle, motorcycle or any other vehicle propelled by any power other than muscular power or any appliance or accessory thereof in a manner which unreasonably interferes with the free and proper use of the public highway, or unreasonably endangers users of the public highway. Reckless driving is prohibited. Every person violating this provision shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

If you were charged with Reckless Driving, it is imperative that you contact a traffic ticket lawyer. If handled properly, the charge can be reduced to a minor parking ticket or dismissed entirely.

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office has successfully handled Reckless Driving charges. Very often, the charging instruments are prima facie insufficient. This allows us to argue for the summons or ticket to be thrown out entirely. At minimum, it gives us the upper hand when negotiating for an advantageous plea offer. Attorneys are often allowed to appear in court in the place of their clients.

If you were cited with Reckless Driving, you can contact the Benjamin Goldman Law Office. We will review the ticket or summons and tell you what we think can be done. Consultations with our firm are free.

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Disclaimer: All the content of this website has been prepared by Benjamin Goldman Law Office PC for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information on this website shall not be construed as an offer to represent you, nor is it intended to create, nor shall the receipt of such information constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Our hope is that you will find the information useful and informative, and we would be happy to communicate with you and answer any questions you may have about our legal services. Readers should not act upon the information on this website, or decide not to act based upon the information on this website, without first seeking appropriate professional counsel from an attorney licensed in the home state of the drivers license of the person who received the relevant traffic citation.