Reckless Driving in Texas: Laws, Penalties, and How It Affects Your Insurance
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Reckless driving in Texas goes beyond dangerous actions like swerving through traffic or speeding. It’s a serious offense that covers all sorts of behaviors risky for people as well as property.
Texas traffic laws are meant to keep everyone on the road safe, from drivers to dog walkers on the sidewalk. That’s why a reckless driving charge often comes with stiff penalties: fines, jail time, even higher insurance costs.
Here’s what you need to know about Texas reckless driving laws and legal consequences. Plus, discover how this charge may affect your insurance.
Texas Reckless Driving Laws: How Reckless Driving is Defined by the State
Under Texas law, reckless driving is a misdemeanor offense. It occurs when someone “drives a vehicle in wilful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.”
In other words, you don’t need to actually hurt anyone or wreck your car to get a criminal charge for reckless driving. Just driving carelessly and creating a risk of harm is enough for a police officer to issue a misdemeanor charge. And no, it doesn’t matter whether you do so intentionally (wilfully) or simply don’t care (wantonly).
Examples of Reckless Driving in Texas
- Ignoring traffic lights and signs
- Driving well over the speed limit
- Weaving through traffic
- Tailgating
- Racing other vehicles
- Driving too fast in hazardous conditions, such as icy or flooded roads
- Fleeing from police
Unlike some other states, Texas doesn’t have a lesser charge for negligent driving. But drivers may still receive tickets for more minor traffic violations caused by distracted driving or momentary lapses in judgment.
For example, intentionally speeding through multiple red lights would likely be considered reckless driving. Meanwhile, stopping in the middle of a crosswalk because you were texting would typically result in only a minor traffic citation, especially if no one gets hurt.
Legal Penalties and Fines for Reckless Driving
- Up to $200 in fines
- A maximum of 30 days in county jail
- Both the fine and the jail time
Unlike simple speeding tickets, a reckless driving conviction will also appear on your criminal record.
When Reckless Driving Becomes a Felony
In certain circumstances, reckless driving could lead to felony charges. This typically happens when someone is a habitual violator with several repeat offenses. It could also become a felony if the driver causes serious bodily injury or extensive property damage.
In Texas, you may face steeper penalties and a longer jail sentence for felonies.
Driver’s License Consequences in Texas
As of 2019, Texas no longer has a traditional points system for driver's licenses. That means you won’t get points on your driving record for a reckless driving conviction, unlike in Ohio and other states.
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any consequences. Reckless driving can still lead to license suspension if you’re convicted of four or more moving traffic violations within a year.
How Reckless Driving Affects Car Insurance Rates
Getting fined isn’t the only potential financial consequence of reckless driving. There’s also a close link between traffic tickets and insurance rates.
Insurance companies view reckless driving as a high-risk behavior. Dangerous actions like speeding through traffic or evading police can lead to accidents and property damage.
As a result, reckless driving in Texas typically leads to higher insurance rates — significantly higher. According to a Forbes analysis, a conviction increases rates by an average of 63%, or around $1,250 per year.
That’s not all. A suspended license and car insurance problems often go together. Most auto insurance companies will cancel or refuse to renew your policy if you can’t legally drive. However, some may still be willing to sell you comprehensive-only insurance to cover theft, vandalism, and other risks.
Once you regain your license, you may be required to carry SR-22 insurance in Texas for two years. This is a special (and often expensive) type of liability insurance for people who have had a driver’s license suspension due to reckless driving or another major traffic violation.
How To Handle a Reckless Driving Charge in Texas
Because reckless driving can lead to jail time and other serious consequences, you should always seek legal assistance. An experienced lawyer can help you understand the charge and evaluate possible defenses to use in court, such as:
- Someone else was driving your car.
- You were driving recklessly because of an emergency.
- A police officer was using a faulty radar gun when they claimed you were speeding.
- You were just distracted, not reckless.
- Your driving didn’t endanger the safety of persons or property.
In some cases, this charge may be reduced or dismissed if a judge decides that your behavior doesn’t fall under the legal definition of reckless driving.
Ways To Prevent Reckless Driving and Protect Your Record
- Make sure you understand all relevant traffic laws.
- Pay close attention to the road and your surroundings at all times.
- Don’t get distracted by your phone or radio.
- Take deep breaths or pull over if you feel “road rage” building.
Compare Car Insurance Rates After a Reckless Driving Charge
Are you struggling to find affordable car insurance after reckless driving in Texas? EverQuote can help. We’ll create a custom comparison from several providers, so you can find the right insurance.
Fill out our quick form to get your free auto quotes! You can also check out our guide to learn how license points affect car insurance in other states with point systems.
FAQs
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Premiums are sourced from over 30,000 zip codes across 200 insurance companies. We estimate premiums based on public filings for policies seeking 50/100 in liability with $500 deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverage. Estimated rates are based on a 35-year-old single female with a good credit score and no history of accidents or violations driving a 2023 Toyota RAV4 LE. We partner with Quadrant Information Services to source our data and assume no unique benefits or discounts are applied for these rates (unless otherwise stated). Your own rates may be different.