{"id":1550,"date":"2017-12-21T16:45:48","date_gmt":"2017-12-21T16:45:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.ticketfit.com\/blog\/?p=1550"},"modified":"2021-09-18T03:24:08","modified_gmt":"2021-09-18T03:24:08","slug":"reckless-driving-vs-careless-driving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ticketfit.com\/blog\/reckless-driving-vs-careless-driving\/","title":{"rendered":"Reckless Driving vs Careless Driving in Florida Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"reckless<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

At TicketFit<\/a>, our traffic ticket lawyer has fought both reckless driving and careless driving tickets in Florida. And while they are often confused, there is a huge difference between these two traffic violations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is “Careless Driving” in Florida?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Under Florida Statute 316.1925<\/a> you must drive in a “careful and prudent manner”<\/em> or you’ll get a ticket for careless driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED: Got a Careless Driving Ticket in Florida?<\/a><\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Examples include speeding, weaving through traffic, or tailgating. You can also be cited if you were involved in an accident and the officer blamed you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Penalties for Careless Driving<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Careless driving is punishable by a minimum fine of $179 and 3 points on your driving record. Four points if it resulted in an accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED: Always Fight Your Florida Careless Driving Ticket!<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Points not only increase your insurance rates, but can also suspend your driver’s license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is “Reckless Driving” in Florida?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Under Florida Statute 316.192<\/a> if you drive in a \u201cwillful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property”<\/em> you will receive a ticket for reckless driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As used in the statute, \u201cwillful\u201d means intentional, knowing, and purposeful. While \u201cwanton\u201d means with a conscious and intentional indifference to consequences and with knowledge that damage is likely to be done to persons or property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Examples include racing, weaving in and out of traffic while speeding, and fleeing the police.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike careless driving, reckless driving is a criminal traffic offense<\/a> with severe penalties. If you are cited with reckless driving, you could face license suspension, fines, and jail time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Penalties for Reckless Driving<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The penalties will depend on the number of prior reckless driving tickets you have had, and whether there was property damage or injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n