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Understanding Missouri's Reckless Driving Laws
A reckless driving charge in Missouri is serious. These are not just considered traffic violations; but a serious criminal offenses that can affect your freedom and future.
Combs Waterkotte handles reckless driving cases just like yours every day. Contact one of our St. Louis traffic lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP.
Missouri is one of few states that doesn't have a specific "reckless driving" law. Instead, Missouri Revised Statute §304.012 states that:
Every person operating a motor vehicle on the roads and highways of this state shall drive the vehicle in a careful and prudent manner and at a rate of speed so as not to endanger the property of another or the life or limb of any person and shall exercise the highest degree of care.
So instead of "reckless driving," Missouri refers to driving that puts others in danger as "careless and imprudent" driving. In short, careless and imprudent driving is driving behavior that lacks the necessary caution or fails to observe the standard driving practices expected under the given circumstances. Examples of careless and imprudent driving include:
- Excessive speeding
- Failure to yield
- Unsafe lane changes or weaving through traffic
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Distracted driving
- Street racing or performing driving "stunts"
- Ignoring traffic control
- Aggressive driving
Because the definition of reckless driving in Missouri is broad, police officers and courts have a lot of leeway in deciding what should or shouldn't be charged. That's why you need an experienced St. Louis reckless driving and traffic violations lawyer to defend your rights and protect you.
What Are the Penalties for Reckless Driving in St. Louis and Missouri?
Anyone who's gotten a traffic ticket in St. Louis will tell you you'll have to pay a hefty fine. Beyond that, careless and imprudent driving is a class B misdemeanor in Missouri, unless it causes an accident, in which case it becomes a class A misdemeanor. A class B misdemeanor can lead to up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine, while a class A misdemeanor could lead to up to a year in jail and a $2,000 fine.
A conviction also adds 4 points to your license, which could lead to a suspension if you accumulate 8 or more points within 18 months.
Lastly, a careless and imprudent conviction in St. Louis, MO will almost certainly lead to higher insurance rates.
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