Washington State Reckless Driving Law

Reckless driving, under RCW 46.61.500, is defined as: “Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.”

Violation of the provisions of this section is a gross misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of not more than one year, a fine of not more than five thousand dollars and a license suspension of not less than thirty days.

Reckless Driving is a “major moving violation” for purposes of the Habitual Traffic Offender law.

Racing is per se evidence of Reckless Driving, under RCW 46.61.530, which states: “No person or persons may race any motor vehicle or motor vehicles upon any public highway of this state. Any person or persons who wilfully compare or contest relative speeds by operation of one or more motor vehicles shall be guilty of racing, which shall constitute reckless driving under RCW 46.61.500, whether or not such speed is in excess of the maximum speed prescribed by law.”

Note: A DUI reduced to a Reckless Driving still counts as a “prior DUI” should the person get a new DUI charge in the next seven years. The advantages are that there is no Interlock Ignition Device requirement for a first offense and the license suspension is only 30 days. There is no mandatory minimum jail or fines and probation is a maximum of two years. The disadvantage is that the license suspension is not qualified for an Interlock Ignition License and the driver must apply for an occupational license. No credit for any time served on a DOL administrative suspension is given.

2011 Update: As of July 22, 2011, anyone (1) convicted of an alcohol related reckless driving (such as DUI reduced to Reckless Driving), and (2) has a prior DUI conviction, will be required to have an Interlock Ignition Device installed on their vehicle for a minimum of 6 months.

Find out how you can get your DUI reduced to Reckless Driving in Everett, Edmonds, Woodway, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood, Brier, Bothell, Woodinville, Monroe, Mukilteo, Sultan, Gold Bar, Index, Start Up, Stevens Pass, Highway 2, Highway 9, Snohomish, Maltby, Tulalip, Marysville, Arlington, Granite Falls, Darrington, Evergreen, Cascade, and South Division.