Reckless driving sounds like a traffic ticket, but in Michigan it is a criminal misdemeanor — a very different thing from a speeding citation. A conviction creates a criminal record, carries the possibility of jail, and adds 6 points to your license. This guide explains what counts as reckless driving in Michigan, the penalties, how it differs from careless driving, and what your options are if you have been charged.
Unlike a civil infraction, reckless driving is a crime in Michigan. A conviction results in a criminal record that shows up on background checks and carries possible jail time. This is not something you resolve by paying a fine online — you need a criminal defense attorney.
Key Takeaways
- It is a misdemeanor, not a ticket — reckless driving is a criminal charge in Michigan, with a permanent record on conviction.
- Up to 93 days in jail — plus a fine of up to $500, or both — and 6 points on your record.
- The legal test is "willful or wanton disregard" — for the safety of persons or property — a subjective standard that can be challenged.
- Careless driving is the lesser charge — a 3-point civil infraction with no jail — a common target for a reduction.
- Injury or death makes it a felony — reckless driving causing serious impairment or death carries far more severe penalties.
What counts as reckless driving in Michigan
Under Michigan law, reckless driving means operating a vehicle on a highway — or other area open to the public, and even a frozen public lake or a parking lot — in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. That phrase is the heart of the charge, and it is deliberately broad. There is no single speed or action that automatically makes driving "reckless"; it depends on the officer's and prosecutor's characterization of the conduct.
Because the standard is subjective, reckless driving charges often arise from situations an officer viewed as especially dangerous — extreme speed combined with heavy traffic, aggressive weaving, racing, or losing control. The subjectivity cuts both ways: it gives prosecutors flexibility to charge, but it also gives a defense attorney room to argue that the driving did not rise to willful or wanton disregard.
Penalties for reckless driving
A basic reckless driving conviction is a misdemeanor, punishable by:
- Up to 93 days in jail
- A fine of up to $500, or both jail and a fine
- 6 points on your driving record
- A permanent criminal record that appears on background checks
The 6 points are significant on their own — they are the same as an OWI and can push you toward aSecretary of State reexamination. But the criminal record is often the bigger long-term consequence, affecting employment and background checks in ways a civil infraction never would.
If reckless driving causes serious impairment of a body function, it becomes a felony with years of potential prison time; if it causes death, the penalties are more severe still. These are among the most serious charges on the road and demand experienced criminal defense representation immediately.
Reckless vs. careless driving
Michigan draws a sharp line between reckless and careless driving, and understanding it is central to any defense:
- Careless driving is a civil infraction — no jail, no criminal record — carrying 3 points. It applies to careless or negligent driving that falls short of willful disregard.
- Reckless driving is a criminal misdemeanor carrying 6 points, possible jail, and a record. It requires willful or wanton disregard for safety.
Because the difference is so consequential, one of the most common outcomes an attorney pursues is areduction from reckless driving to careless driving or another civil infraction — turning a criminal charge into a ticket, cutting the points, and avoiding a criminal record.
Traffic Ticket Buddy's subscription plans cover civil traffic violations. Reckless driving is a criminal misdemeanor and is not handled through the standard plans. If you are a subscriber and submit a reckless driving matter, we connect you with an experienced criminal defense attorney through our referral network.
Charged with reckless driving in Michigan?
Reckless driving is a criminal charge that requires a defense attorney. If you are a Traffic Ticket Buddy subscriber, submit your case and we will connect you with a Michigan criminal defense specialist.
Learn How It WorksCDL holders: reckless driving is a serious violation
For commercial drivers, reckless driving is treated as a serious traffic violation with federal consequences on top of Michigan's. Multiple serious violations within a set period can trigger disqualification of your commercial driving privileges. If you hold a CDL, see our CDL plans and speak with an attorney right away.
Frequently asked questions
Is reckless driving a crime in Michigan?
Yes. Reckless driving is a criminal misdemeanor under Michigan law, not a civil infraction. It is defined as operating a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property, and a conviction can carry jail time, a fine, 6 points, and a criminal record.
What is the penalty for reckless driving in Michigan?
A basic reckless driving conviction is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, or both, plus 6 points on your driving record. If the reckless driving causes serious impairment of a body function or death, it can be charged as a felony with far more severe penalties.
What is the difference between careless and reckless driving in Michigan?
Careless driving is a civil infraction that carries 3 points and no jail — it applies to negligent driving that falls short of willful disregard. Reckless driving is a criminal misdemeanor that carries 6 points and possible jail, and requires willful or wanton disregard for safety. A common defense goal is to reduce a reckless charge to careless driving or another civil infraction.
Does Traffic Ticket Buddy handle reckless driving charges?
Not through the standard subscription. Reckless driving is a criminal charge, so it is not covered by the ordinary plans. If you are a Traffic Ticket Buddy subscriber and submit a reckless driving matter, we connect you with a criminal defense attorney through our referral network.