Vehicle Code § 23103 – Reckless Driving
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Vehicle Code § 23103 – Reckless Driving
California Law
Vehicle Code – VEH
DIVISION 11. RULES OF THE ROAD [21000 – 23336]
( Division 11 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. )
CHAPTER 12. Public Offenses [23100 – 23249.50]
( Chapter 12 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. )
ARTICLE 1. Driving Offenses [23100 – 23135]
( Heading of Article 1 added by Stats. 1981, Ch. 940, Sec. 9. )
23103.
(a) A person who drives a vehicle upon a highway in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.
(b) A person who drives a vehicle in an offstreet parking facility, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 12500, in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in Section 40008, persons convicted of the offense of reckless driving shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail for not less than five days nor more than 90 days or by a fine of not less than one hundred forty-five dollars ($145) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment, except as provided in Section 23104 or 23105.
(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 685, Sec. 2. (AB 2479) Effective January 1, 2011.)
California Law Summary
This law defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. It applies to both public roads and off-street parking facilities. The offense is considered a misdemeanor and can result in fines, jail time, and points on the driver’s license.
Purpose
To deter dangerous driving behavior that poses a risk to others and to hold drivers accountable for deliberate or extremely careless conduct on the road.
Application
Reckless driving is often a key factor in personal injury cases involving car accidents. A finding of reckless behavior can support claims of gross negligence or punitive damages, depending on the severity of harm caused.
