Reckless driving is one of the more serious traffic offenses in South Carolina. A charge like this can bring heavy fines, license points, and even a suspension in some situations. Insurance companies also pay close attention to reckless driving convictions, which can cause your premiums to rise for years.
If you’ve been charged with reckless driving in Charleston County or the surrounding areas, Attorney Joe Good can review your case, explain your options, and work to reduce the impact on your driving record and insurance.
Fast & Easy: Send Us Your Ticket
If you want a quick review, you can simply take a photo of your ticket and send it directly to Attorney Joe Good:
📱 Text the photo to: 843-412-1401
📧 Email it to: [email protected]
Once sent, Attorney Good will review the ticket and respond promptly with guidance on your best next step and what outcomes may be possible.
What Counts as Reckless Driving in South Carolina?
South Carolina law defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle “in a manner that shows a disregard for the safety of others.” This is broader than many people expect, and law enforcement can use this charge in a variety of situations. A driver may be charged with reckless driving for things like:
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driving at an extremely high speed
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weaving through traffic
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ignoring traffic signals
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tailgating
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distracted driving that creates danger (including cell phone use)
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passing in unsafe conditions
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aggressive driving behavior
Even if no one was hurt, the charge still carries significant penalties.
Penalties for Reckless Driving in South Carolina
A reckless driving conviction brings more consequences than a typical traffic ticket.
Fines and Court Costs
Most reckless driving cases include fines and additional court-related fees. These can vary depending on the court and the circumstances.
License Points
Reckless driving adds 6 points to your South Carolina driving record.
If you reach 12 points, your license is automatically suspended.
This makes it important to reduce or avoid the conviction if possible.
License Suspension
A single reckless driving conviction won’t always suspend your license, but two convictions within five years lead to a three-month suspension.
How Reckless Driving Affects Your Insurance Rates
Insurance companies view reckless driving as a high-risk offense. Even one conviction can cause your rates to increase sharply, and the increase can last for several years. Some insurers may even decide to drop a driver from coverage. By reducing the charge or keeping points off your record, you may be able to limit or prevent these insurance problems.
Reckless Driving vs. Speeding
Many reckless driving charges start with speeding, but the two offenses are not the same. Police often issue reckless driving citations in situations involving:
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speeds far above the posted limit
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speeding in heavy traffic
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speeding paired with unsafe maneuvers
Sometimes a reckless driving charge can be negotiated down to a standard speeding ticket with fewer points. Attorney Joe Good evaluates whether that option may be available in your case.
Possible Defenses to Reckless Driving Charges
Every case is different, but some common defense strategies include:
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showing traffic conditions or road layout made the situation appear worse than it was
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questioning whether the officer had a clear and accurate view
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demonstrating that the speed measured was incorrect
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presenting evidence that the driver was responding to an unexpected or emergency situation
A review from a defense attorney can help determine whether these or other approaches apply to your case.
Contact a Charleston Reckless Driving Attorney
A reckless driving charge can bring lasting consequences, but you don’t have to handle it on your own. Attorney Joe Good represents drivers in Mt. Pleasant, Charleston, and throughout South Carolina. He can review your case, explain your options, and work to protect your driving record and insurance. Reach out today to schedule a consultation or send your ticket for a fast review.
📱 Text the photo to: 843-412-1401
📧 Email it to: [email protected]
You’ll get a quick response with clear next steps and what outcomes may be possible.
