Reckless Driving.
A charge for reckless driving in the state of Pennsylvania can bring about three potential penalties. They are as follows:
I. Fines
Reckless driving is considered as summary offense in Pennsylvania and if such, the fine for the offense will be a minimum of Two hundred dollars. Additional fines are possible if the person was involved in an accident.
75 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3736 indicates that the driver must have “willful or one time disregard” for others which refers to pedestrians on the street, passengers in the car as well as other motorists.
II. License Suspension
75 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 1532 B delineates the MANDATORY SUSPENSION for those convicted of driving recklessly. The statute requires the convicted operator of any vehicle to receive a SIX MONTH SUSPENSION in addition to any fines stemming from the conviction.
Please note that the driving privileges are suspended immediately once the department receives the certified record of the party’s conviction of said violation.
III. Jail Time
Another potential by-product of a reckless driving conviction is jail time. Please note that the facts and circumstances will determine the potential penalty.
For reference, below is the following provision of 75 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3736:
§ 3736. Reckless driving.
(a) General rule.--Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is = guilty of reckless driving.
(b) Penalty.--Any person who violates this section commits a summary offense and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of $200.
(May 30, 1990, P.L.173, No.42, eff. Apr. 1, 1992)
1990 Amendment. Act 42 added section 3736. Cross References. Section 3736 is referred to in sections 1532, 3326, 3327
of this title.