What You Need to Know About Speeding and Reckless Driving

It’s pretty clear to most people what Missouri laws mean by speeding. If you’re speeding, you’re going faster than the legal speed limit. In reckless driving, speed may or may not be a factor. But it goes beyond that simple definition. What is it? Here are some facts to help you understand the difference between speeding and reckless driving.

How Does Missouri Define Reckless Driving?

In Missouri reckless driving laws, there actually is not a law that uses the term “reckless driving.” Instead, Missouri driving Missouri law uses the term “careless and imprudent.” It’s a vague law, but it’s based on the idea that every driver should drive in a prudent manner.

Prudent is a synonym of wise. Imprudent driving, on the other hand, is careless driving or dangerous driving. Missouri uses the word prudent to define driving that meets the following criteria.

So, who decides when you are driving imprudently, not just speeding but reckless driving? It’s up to the law enforcement officer to make that call. It’s strictly a judgement call, since there is no specific action that always breaks this law.

What Happens If Your Get Caught?

Getting caught for careless and imprudent driving can have serious consequences. If you plead guilty or are convicted, you’ll take a 4-point hit to your driving record. Is reckless driving a misdemeanor? Yes, careless and imprudent driving alone is a Class B misdemeanor. If you have an accident due to careless driving, that’s a Class A misdemeanor.

Then, what is reckless driving ticket cost beyond the damage to your license? A reckless driving penalty can be up to a 6-month jail term and fines up to $500 if you don’t have an accident or up to a 1-year jail term and fines up to $1,000 if you do have an accident. 

In addition, your insurance rates will likely go up. If you get a traffic ticket for careless and imprudent driving and you have a CDL, you could lose your commercial driver’s license and possibly your job.

Why Contact a Lawyer?

The rules for careless and imprudent driving are vaguer than those for an ordinary speeding ticket. What’s more, the penalties can vary widely from case to case. So, it makes sense to talk to a traffic lawyer in Kansas City, Missouri who can explain your situation and help you decide what to do next. In reality, speeding and reckless driving are both offensives you want to keep off your record. Call me if you have any questions.