Understanding Reckless Driving Laws in Ohio

Ohio law identifies driving recklessly like an act of driving a vehicle with deliberate or reckless disregard for safety of individuals or property  as defined by R.C. Section 4511.20. This can also include instances such as off-road reckless driving and operating a watercraft recklessly. Due to its broad definition, law enforcement and prosecutors have the discretion to decide if someone’s driving behavior qualifies as demonstrating intentional and reckless disregard Reckless driving offenses often stem from more severe traffic infractions like aggressive driving, tailgating, exceeding speeds of 90 mph, street racing, or erratic lane changes. Furthermore, charges of driving a vehicle Impaired (OVI) can sometimes be negotiated down to reckless driving under R.C. Section 4511.20.

Have you been arrested for reckless operation? The Youngstown Criminal Law Group, with its team of seasoned Youngstown criminal lawyers, defends clients implicated in various traffic violations throughout Youngstown and Mahoning County, Ohio.

Potential Penalties for Reckless Driving in Youngstown, Ohio

In the state of Ohio, reckless driving is considered a misdemeanor. The repercussions for a first-time offense may include a fine up to $150. Repeat offenses carry harsher penalties; a second infraction within a year can be classified as a fourth-degree misdemeanor with potential consequences including 30 days in jail and a fine reaching $250. A third offense in the same timeframe might escalate to a third-degree misdemeanor, risking a jail term of up to 60 days and a $500 fine.

After a conviction for reckless operation, your Ohio driver’s license will be assigned four points under the rule of Ohio’s R.C. 4510.036(C).

Core Components of Reckless Vehicle Operation in Ohio

Here are the legal criteria under R.C. Section 4511.20 that constitute reckless vehicle operation:

• Handling a vehicle;
• On any road or highway;
• With a blatant disregard for the safety of people or property.

Offenses that fall under the umbrella of reckless operation include:

• Off-road driving recklessly like laid out in O.R.C. 4511.201l;
• Reckless operation of a watercraft following O.R.C. 1547.07 regulations.

Securing Legal Help for Reckless Driving Charges in Youngstown, Ohio

If you find yourself facing charges for reckless operation in Youngstown or within the broader Mahoning County area, call us at (330) 992-3036 or reach out to the accomplished Youngstown OVI attorneys at Youngstown Criminal Law Group. Our Youngstown criminal lawyer is well-equipped to represent clients across a spectrum of traffic-related offenses and vehicle-related criminal activity.