Oregon Reckless Driving Law Guide

Aug 8

If you’ve been charged with careless or reckless driving in the state of Oregon, don’t take it lightly. Oregon reckless driving laws are serious and having one of these criminal offenses on your record can permanently leave a mark. Because reckless driving can include a variety of actions, many people are shocked when charged with it. In this article, we’ll learn in great detail about what actually constitutes reckless driving as well as the penalties and fines associated with this offense. If you live in the Portland area and need an attorney to help you with a reckless driving offense, click the button below to get a free consultation.

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What is Reckless Driving in Oregon?

While reckless driving can be subjective, it can generally be described as showing disregard for safety or endangering the safety of people or property. The term “reckless” implies that the person driving understood and was aware that their actions were dangerous.

Driving faster than the speed limit states is considered reckless when you reach 30 miles per hour over. However, there are other behaviors that may also be considered reckless when driving:

● Ignoring traffic signs

● Racing

● Weaving through traffic

● Passing other vehicles when you have limited visibility of oncoming traffic on a two-lane highway

● Speeding

Oregon Reckless Driving Penalties

Depending on the specific circumstances of your reckless driving conviction, the consequences you face may vary. With that said, reckless driving in Oregon is typically considered a class A misdemeanor. If convicted, the penalties are as follows:

● Up to one year in jail

● Probation or period of supervision up to 5 years

● Up to $6250 in fines

● License suspension- 90 days for a first-time offense and one year for a second offense within a five-year period

If you have previous reckless driving charges on your record, the state of Oregon may feel the need to impose further consequences.

Careless Driving in Oregon

You can be charged with another offense in Oregon that is similar to reckless driving but a bit different. Unlike reckless driving which requires proof that the driver knowingly drove in a risky manner, careless drivers can be convicted without realizing the dangerousness of their driving. Because careless driving is generally less severe of an offense, it carries less severe consequences than that of reckless driving. Possible penalties and consequences of careless driving may involve a class B traffic violation which can carry a fine anywhere from $130 to $1000. However, a motorist who is involved in an accident due to careless driving may face a class A traffic violation with a fine anywhere between $220 to $2000.

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Minimum Jail Sentence for Reckless Driving

All kinds of factors are involved when determining punishment for reckless driving. For example, a charge of Reckless Driving may accompany another traffic crime such as a DUII. The more damage done to property or persons, the more serious the violation. You typically won’t face jail time for a first-time offense but can face up to one year in jail depending on the severity of the situation and your prior driving history.

What is “Wet Reckless” in Oregon?

Most people are unfamiliar with the term “wet reckless.” This term simply means that a reduced plea bargain was made by the driver that has been arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol. The “wet” is an indicator or acknowledgment that the reckless driving involved alcohol and/or other drugs or illegal substances.

Reckless Endangerment in Oregon

Reckless endangerment means that a person engaged in behavior that creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury to another person. The main difference between reckless driving and reckless endangerment is that this charge is often added to a DUI or DUII accusation. You have the potential to be convicted of a reckless endangerment charge in a DUI case if:

● You almost hit someone while driving intoxicated and it was reported

● You got into an accident while intoxicated

● You had a child in your car with you at the time of your arrest

● Your BAC level was well over .08 at the time of your arrest

The fines and penalties associated with reckless endangerment charges are a minimum incarceration period of one year, a maximum fine of $6250, and a maximum probation period of 5 years.

Oregon Reckless Driving Ticket Cost

If you receive a traffic ticket in Oregon, there are a few ways to deal with it. One option is to fight your ticket in traffic court. If you win, you are free and clear from fines or anything hurting your driving record. However, if you’re convicted you’ll pay a fine, and more than likely your insurance rate will increase.

But a basic traffic ticket in Oregon is certainly not the same as a reckless driving ticket and is accompanied by much more severe consequences. While the fine for going 1-10 miles per hour over the speed limit is $115, the fine for reckless driving can be as high as $6250. It’s important to note that a reckless or careless driving conviction can not be sealed or expunged under Oregon law.