Washington Code 46.61.500 – Reckless driving — Penalty
Current as of: 2023 | Check for updates
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(1) 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 for up to three hundred sixty-four days and by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars.
Attorney's Note
Under the Washington Code, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| gross misdemeanor | up to 364 days | up to $5,000 |
Terms Used In Washington Code 46.61.500
- Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- person: may be construed to include the United States, this state, or any state or territory, or any public or private corporation or limited liability company, as well as an individual. See Washington Code 1.16.080
(2)(a) Subject to (b) of this subsection, the license or permit to drive or any nonresident privilege of any person convicted of reckless driving shall be suspended by the department for not less than thirty days.
(b) When a reckless driving conviction is a result of a charge that was originally filed as a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504, or an equivalent local ordinance, the department shall grant credit on a day-for-day basis for any portion of a suspension, revocation, or denial already served under an administrative action arising out of the same incident. In the case of a person whose day-for-day credit is for a period equal to or greater than the period of suspension required under this section, the department shall provide notice of full credit, shall provide for no further suspension under this section, and shall impose no additional reissue fees for this credit. During any period of suspension, revocation, or denial due to a conviction for reckless driving as the result of a charge originally filed as a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504, any person who has obtained an ignition interlock driver’s license under RCW 46.20.385 may continue to drive a motor vehicle pursuant to the provision of the ignition interlock driver’s license without obtaining a separate temporary restricted driver’s license under RCW 46.20.391.
(3)(a) Except as provided under (b) of this subsection, a person convicted of reckless driving who has one or more prior offenses as defined in RCW 46.61.5055(14) within seven years shall be required, under RCW 46.20.720, to install an ignition interlock device on all vehicles operated by the person if the conviction is the result of a charge that was originally filed as a violation of RCW 46.61.502, 46.61.504, or an equivalent local ordinance.
(b) A person convicted of reckless driving shall be required, under RCW 46.20.720, to install an ignition interlock device on all vehicles operated by the person if the conviction is the result of a charge that was originally filed as a violation of RCW 46.61.520 committed while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug or RCW 46.61.522 committed while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug.
[ 2020 c 330 § 14; 2012 c 183 § 11. Prior: 2011 c 293 § 4; 2011 c 96 § 34; 1990 c 291 § 1; 1979 ex.s. c 136 § 85; 1967 c 32 § 67; 1965 ex.s. c 155 § 59.]
NOTES:
Rules of court: Bail in criminal traffic offense cases—Mandatory appearance—CrRLJ 3.2.
Effective date—2020 c 330: See note following RCW 9.94A.729.
Effective date—2012 c 183: See note following RCW 9.94A.475.
Effective date—2011 c 293 §§ 1-9: See note following RCW 46.20.385.
Findings—Intent—2011 c 96: See note following RCW 9A.20.021.
Effective date—Severability—1979 ex.s. c 136: See notes following RCW 46.63.010.
Arrest of person involved in reckless driving: RCW 10.31.100.
Criminal history and driving record: RCW 46.61.513.
Embracing another while driving as reckless driving: RCW 46.61.665.
Excess speed as prima facie evidence of reckless driving: RCW 46.61.465.
Racing of vehicles on public highways, reckless driving: RCW 46.61.530.
Revocation of license, reckless driving: RCW 46.20.285.