Reckless Driving in North Carolina: Why It’s More Serious Than a Traffic Ticket
Most people don’t expect to walk away from a traffic stop with a criminal record. Yet in North Carolina, a reckless driving charge can do exactly that—leaving you with consequences that reach far beyond the roads of Guilford County. As a trusted Guilford traffic law firm, the Law Office of Tony Huynh, PLLC has seen firsthand how these charges disrupt lives, raise insurance costs, and threaten employment. If you’re accused of reckless driving, knowing your legal options is the first step to defending your future.
Reckless Driving Is a Misdemeanor Crime—Not Just a Ticket
Unlike most traffic violations, reckless driving in North Carolina is a Class 2 misdemeanor under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-140. This law covers operating a vehicle “carelessly and heedlessly in willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others” or at a speed or manner that endangers people or property. The definition is intentionally broad, giving law enforcement wide discretion.
What does this mean for drivers in North Carolina? A conviction for reckless driving creates a permanent criminal record, not just a blemish on your driving history. It’s a charge that requires an appearance in criminal court, and cannot be paid off like a standard speeding ticket. That’s why consulting with a top-rated Guilford county traffic lawyer is critical from the start.
The Penalties Can Be Severe and Long-Lasting
The consequences of a reckless driving conviction in North Carolina are far more severe than many drivers realize. Unlike a standard traffic citation, reckless driving is a Class 2 misdemeanor that stays on your criminal record, sometimes for life. Jail time is a very real possibility—even for a first offense, the court can impose up to 60 days behind bars. For drivers with prior convictions or aggravating circumstances, such as excessive speed or endangering others, the penalties can increase, and a judge may consider longer jail terms or supervised probation.
Fines for reckless driving are also much higher than typical traffic tickets. Defendants face up to $1,000 in fines, plus mandatory court costs, which can quickly add up. For working families or students in Guilford County, these financial penalties alone can be overwhelming.
Driver’s license points add another layer of consequence. North Carolina assigns four points to your license for a reckless driving conviction. Accumulating too many points may result in license suspension or mandatory driving classes. On top of that, your insurance company may assign four insurance points, causing premiums to spike by 80% or more.
Effective July 1 2025, new insurance-rating rules extend the ‘inexperienced-operator’ surcharge period from three to eight years and raise North Carolina’s minimum liability limits to $50,000 / $100,000 / $50,000. Those changes can make any reckless-driving conviction even more expensive.
Most misdemeanor reckless-driving convictions become eligible for expungement five years after the conviction or completion of sentence under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-145. Teens, CDL holders, and repeat offenders face even harsher penalties, especially if the offense involves a crash or injury. Don’t risk these consequences—get immediate help from a top-rated reckless driving lawyer in Guilford county.
Don’t Risk Jail–Speak with a North Carolina Reckless Driving Attorney Now
Reckless driving in North Carolina is a criminal matter, not just a ticket. The Law Office of Tony Huynh, PLLC delivers personal attention and strategic advocacy for drivers in Guilford County and beyond. Don’t let a reckless driving charge threaten your future—contact us today for a confidential consultation.