What is reckless driving in Michigan?

Operating a vehicle upon a highway or a frozen public lake, stream, or pond, or other place open to the general public — including an area designated for the parking of motor vehicles — in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property [§ 257.626]. It is classified as a Misdemeanor — imprisonment for up to 93 days or a fine of up to $500, or both; separate felony variants apply if the reckless driving causes serious impairment of a body function (up to 5 years and $1,000-$5,000) or death (up to 15 years and $2,500-$10,000).

Can reckless driving be reduced to a lesser charge?

In many cases, yes. An experienced traffic attorney can often negotiate a reduction to a lesser charge such as improper driving or speeding, which carries fewer points and is not a criminal offense.

How does reckless driving affect my CDL?

A reckless driving conviction is classified as a serious violation for CDL holders [§ 257.319e]. CDL holders subject to strict federal and state standards: two serious violations within 3 years result in a 60-day CDL disqualification [§ 49 C.F.R. 383.51].

Topic guideUpdated 2026-02-27

Reckless Driving in Michigan — Criminal Charges & Penalties

Q: Is reckless driving a criminal offense in Michigan?

Yes. Reckless driving is a criminal misdemeanor in Michigan [§ 257.626], not just a traffic infraction. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record that appears on background checks.

Q: What are the penalties for reckless driving in Michigan?

Penalties include imprisonment for up to 93 days or a fine of up to $500, or both; separate felony variants apply if the reckless driving causes serious impairment of a body function (up to 5 years and $1,000-$5,000) or death (up to 15 years and $2,500-$10,000) [§ 257.626]. Additionally, significant points are added to your driving record, and insurance rates increase dramatically.

What constitutes reckless driving in Michigan, penalties, impact on your record, and CDL consequences.

Reckless driving is a serious traffic offense in Michigan. Operating a vehicle upon a highway or a frozen public lake, stream, or pond, or other place open to the general public — including an area designated for the parking of motor vehicles — in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property §257.626.

Classification and Penalties

Reckless driving in Michigan is classified as a Misdemeanor — imprisonment for up to 93 days or a fine of up to $500, or both; separate felony variants apply if the reckless driving causes serious impairment of a body function (up to 5 years and $1,000-$5,000) or death (up to 15 years and $2,500-$10,000) §257.626.

What Constitutes Reckless Driving

Common behaviors that can lead to a reckless driving charge:

Excessive speeding (significantly over the posted limit)

Weaving in and out of traffic at high speed

Racing on public roads

Passing on curves or hills with limited visibility

Ignoring traffic signals or signs in a dangerous manner

Road rage or aggressive driving behavior

Reckless Driving vs. Other Charges

	Classification	Typical Penalty
Speeding	Infraction/Minor	Fine + Points vary §257.320a
Reckless Driving	Misdemeanor §257.626	imprisonment for up to 93 days or a fine of up to $500, or both; separate felony variants apply if the reckless driving causes serious impairment of a body function (up to 5 years and $1,000-$5,000) or death (up to 15 years and $2,500-$10,000)

Impact on Your Record

A reckless driving conviction can:

Add significant points to your driving record §257.320a

Result in license suspension or revocation

Dramatically increase insurance rates (often 50-100%+)

Appear on background checks as a criminal conviction

Affect employment, especially for commercial drivers

Disqualify CDL holders from commercial driving §257.319e

⚠Reckless driving is a criminal offense in Michigan, not just a traffic infraction. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record. Consult an attorney before pleading guilty.

Prepare for Your Consultation

Quick checklist (Traffic Violations)

Gather these before your first consultation.

Traffic citation copy

(date, location, violation code)

Driving record / MVR

(point history, prior violations)

Insurance and registration

(proof of coverage, vehicle reg.)

General preparation tips only. Specific needs depend on your state and violation type.

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