Reckless Driving
75 Pa.C.S. 3736 — willful or wanton disregard, and a $200 fine
In Pennsylvania, the Vehicle Code separates reckless driving from careless driving by the state of mind it requires.
Willful or wanton. Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving, a summary offense with a fine of $200.
Careless. Driving a vehicle in careless disregard for the safety of persons or property is careless driving, also a summary offense. If it unintentionally causes the death of another the fine is $500, and if it unintentionally causes serious bodily injury, $250.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionReckless and careless driving are the same charge | What the law actually doesReckless takes willful or wanton disregard; careless takes careless disregard |
| The assumptionReckless driving is a misdemeanor | What the law actually doesBoth are summary offenses under these sections |
License points and suspension, homicide by vehicle and aggravated assault by vehicle are not all on this page. What a particular situation carries is a question for a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- 75 Pa.C.S. 3736 — Reckless driving
- 75 Pa.C.S. 3714 — Careless driving
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.