New York’s Reckless Driving Law (VTL 1212) – A Simple Explanation

Reckless driving is a serious traffic violation in New York that can lead to misdemeanor charges, fines, license suspension, and even jail time. But what exactly constitutes “reckless” driving under New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) Section 1212? This article will explain the law in simple terms, including what reckless driving is, penalties you may face, and potential defenses.

What is Reckless Driving in New York?

Under VTL 1212, you can be charged with reckless driving in New York if you drive a vehicle in a way that:

Unreasonably interferes with the proper use of a roadway, or
Unreasonably endangers other users of the road.

So reckless driving is more than just your typical traffic violation – it’s a criminal misdemeanor charge. Some examples of reckless driving include:

Driving the wrong way down a one-way street
Passing a stopped school bus
Speeding at over 100 mph
Racing another vehicle
Weaving dangerously through traffic

As you can see, many common traffic violations can become reckless driving if done in an unsafe enough manner. The key is that your driving must be found to be “unreasonable” under the circumstances. This makes reckless driving a very fact-specific charge, with a lot of gray area.

Penalties for Reckless Driving in New York

A reckless driving conviction in New York can lead to:

Jail time – up to 30 days for a first offense, up to 90 days for a second offense within 18 months, and up to 180 days for a third offense within 18 months
Fines – up to $300 for a first offense, up to $600 for a second offense within 18 months, and up to $1,200 for a third offense within 18 months
License suspension – mandatory minimum of 6 months
5 points on your license

In addition, your auto insurance rates will likely increase significantly after a reckless driving conviction. As you can see, the punishments quickly escalate for repeat offenses within an 18-month window.

Defenses to Reckless Driving

Since reckless driving is such a subjective charge, there are many potential defenses if you’ve been accused. An experienced New York traffic ticket lawyer can help evaluate the facts of your case and build an argument to fight the charges. Some possible defenses include:

You were not driving recklessly – Argue that your driving was reasonable under the circumstances, not reckless.
Police officer is exaggerating – Challenge the officer’s account of your driving if it seems embellished.
Medical emergency – If you were driving erratically due to a medical issue like low blood sugar, it may be a defense.
Necessity – In limited cases, you may have been driving recklessly out of necessity for safety reasons.
Improper traffic stop – If you were pulled over illegally, the reckless driving charges could potentially be dropped.

An attorney can also negotiate with the prosecutor to get the charges reduced or dismissed. Many cases are resolved through plea bargaining agreements to avoid the risks of trial.

Fighting Reckless Driving Charges in New York

Here are some tips if you’ve been accused of reckless driving in New York:

Get a lawyer – An experienced traffic ticket attorney is key to navigating these complex criminal charges.
Don’t plead guilty – Pleading guilty means you’ll have a permanent criminal record.
Review evidence – Examine any dash cam footage, police reports, or other evidence.
Negotiate – Your attorney may be able to plea bargain the charges down to a traffic infraction.
Go to trial – You have the right to fight reckless driving at trial if you believe you are innocent.

The most important thing is to take any reckless driving charge seriously and get experienced legal help right away. The penalties can be severe, so you want an attorney on your side fighting for the best possible outcome under the circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get jail time for reckless driving in New York?

Yes, a reckless driving conviction can result in up to 30 days in jail for a first offense, 90 days for a second offense within 18 months, and 180 days for a third offense within 18 months.

Will my license be suspended if I’m convicted of reckless driving?

Yes, New York law mandates a minimum 6 month license suspension if you are convicted of reckless driving.

How much are the fines for reckless driving?

Fines can be up to $300 for a first offense, $600 for a second offense within 18 months, and $1,200 for a third offense within 18 months.

Can I get a reckless driving charge reduced?

In many cases, yes. An experienced attorney may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor to get the charges reduced to a non-criminal traffic infraction through a plea bargain.

Should I just plead guilty and pay the fine?

No, pleading guilty to reckless driving means you will have a permanent criminal record. It’s best to consult with a lawyer to look at options to reduce the charges if possible.

The Bottom Line

Reckless driving is a serious criminal traffic violation in New York that you should never take lightly. The subjective nature of the law means police and prosecutors have a lot of leeway in applying it. An experienced traffic ticket lawyer can thoroughly examine the facts of your case and build defenses to have the charges reduced or dismissed. This can help avoid the severe penalties of a reckless driving conviction in New York.