Reckless Driving
Veh. Code 23103 — five to 90 days, or $145 to $1,000, and more when someone is hurt
Willful or wanton disregard. Driving on a highway, or in an offstreet parking facility, in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is reckless driving in California. It is punished by five to 90 days in county jail, a fine of $145 to $1,000, or both.
| When the reckless driving causes | Punishment |
|---|---|
| When the reckless driving causesBodily injury to someone other than the driver | Punishment30 days to six months in county jail, a fine of $220 to $1,000, or both |
| When the reckless driving causesA concussion, loss of consciousness, bone fracture, serious disfigurement, paralysis, brain injury, or a wound needing extensive suturing | PunishmentThe same, or a felony term under the realignment statute |
Great bodily injury caused by a driver with an earlier reckless driving or DUI conviction can also be punished as a felony.
Sources for this section (3)
- Veh. Code 23103 — Reckless driving
- Veh. Code 23104 — Reckless driving causing bodily injury
- Veh. Code 23105 — Reckless driving causing specified serious injuries
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed California attorney.