The definition of reckless driving in the California Vehicle Code is driving with willful "disregard for the safety of persons or property." Reckless driving extends to private properties and off-street parking facilities.

The elements of reckless driving require the justice system to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:

  • The accused person drove a motor vehicle.
  • The motor vehicle was driving on a public roadway, highway or off the street parking facility.
  • The accused person intentionally drove with wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. This offense exists when the defendant is aware of the risk of harm his or her actions pose and ignores it.

Reckless driving comes with criminal penalties, specifically, it's a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine. Although in itself this charge might not be extremely serious, it is often associated with more severe ones that exist, for example, when someone was hurt or killed in the incident.

Reckless Driving Bail Bonds Costs in San Diego County

These are some of the reckless driving misdemeanors mentioned in the San Diego Bail Schedule:

  • Reckless driving causing bodily injury (off-highway vehicle)
  • Reckless driving
  • Reckless driving, bodily injury
  • Reckless driving with specified injuries

At King Triton Bail Bonds, we have seen bail amounts range from $1,000 to $150,000 for these charges based on the specific circumstances of the case.

Call a local bail bondsman at King Triton Bail Bonds after a charge of reckless driving. We help people charged with reckless driving and other motor vehicle crimes get out of jail in San Diego, Vista and Santee.

Call 24/7: (760) 505-0811 (Local) | (844) BAIL-400 (Toll Free)

Pre-approved in 5 minutes »

How Much Time in Jail Can Someone Get for Reckless Driving in San Diego County?

Reckless driving can lead to:

  • Five to ninety days in jail
  • And/or a fine of $145
  • And/or a fine of $1,000

Reckless Driving in San Diego County: Case Examples

  • The defendant was pursued by The Highway Patrol for more than 4 miles. When asked to stop he did not comply and continued to increase the speed up to 85 miles per hour. The Police stopped him and charged him with reckless driving.
  • Police stopped the defendant based on reports received from witnesses. As the police officer found the driver was intoxicated, he escorted him to the police station and charged him with reckless driving.
  • The Police started a pursuit after they noticed a Jeep rev its engine and speed up. The reckless driver even passed through a residential area where people where walking and children were playing in the street. Eventually, he stopped and was arrested and charged with reckless driving. 
  • After a driver complained that the defendant cut her off intentionally and boxed her in, police pulled the accused driver over and arrested him. 
  • A number of drivers reported that the defendant was driving erratically on a State Highway, forcing other motorists to take action to avoid a collision. Finally, the reckless driver ran out of petrol and the police arrested him.
  • A deputy indented to pull over a car that didn't have the headlights on. As the driver sped up, the deputy recognized a local gang member. A chase ensued. Finally, the driver was stopped with the help of a patrol car and was arrested, one of the charges pressed being reckless driving.