Reckless Driving vs. Careless Driving in Pennsylvania: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the difference—and how to fight either charge—is critical if you want to protect your license, your insurance rates, and even your freedom. Here’s what every Pennsylvania driver should know.

What Is Careless Driving in Pennsylvania?

Under 75 Pa. C.S. § 3714, careless driving is defined as:

“Driving a vehicle in careless disregard for the safety of persons or property.”

This means that even if you didn’t intend to break the law or endanger anyone, driving negligently or without paying attention can lead to a careless driving charge. Common examples include:

• Texting while driving

• Speeding in light traffic

• Rolling through a stop sign

• Drifting into another lane

• Minor fender-benders

Careless driving is considered a summary offense, which is the least serious type of criminal charge in Pennsylvania—but it still carries consequences.

Penalties for Careless Driving

If convicted of careless driving in Pennsylvania, you could face:

• A fine of $250

• Three points added to your driving record

• Increased insurance premiums

If your careless driving caused serious bodily injury, the fine increases to $250 and a 90-day license suspension. If it resulted in death, the fine increases to $500 and a 6-month license suspension.

What Is Reckless Driving in Pennsylvania?

Reckless driving is governed by 75 Pa. C.S. § 3736, which defines it as:

“Driving a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.”

This charge is much more serious than careless driving. It implies that the driver knew their actions were dangerous but did them anyway. Examples may include:

• Drag racing

• Driving at excessive speeds (e.g., 30+ mph over the limit)

• Blowing through red lights

• Aggressive tailgating or weaving in and out of traffic

• Evading law enforcement

Reckless driving is considered a summary criminal offense, but it carries harsher penalties and has greater long-term impact.

Penalties for Reckless Driving

A conviction for reckless driving in Pennsylvania may result in:

• A fine of $200

• Six points on your driving record

• A six-month license suspension

• Up to 90 days in jail (if it's a second or aggravated offense)

If the reckless driving results in injury or death, additional criminal charges such as vehicular assault or homicide by vehicle may apply.

Key Differences Between the Two Charges

Careless DrivingReckless DrivingNegligent or inattentive drivingWillful and dangerous driving3 points on license6 points on license$250 fine (more with injury)$200+ fine and possible jailNo automatic suspension (unless injury/death)Automatic 6-month suspensionEasier to contestHarder to contest

The key difference is intent. Careless driving happens due to inattention. Reckless driving implies that you knew the risks and did it anyway.

How a Traffic Defense Lawyer Can Help

Whether you're charged with reckless or careless driving, it’s not something to take lightly. A conviction stays on your record, impacts your insurance, and could lead to license suspension. An experienced traffic lawyer can:

• Review the citation for technical or legal errors

• Challenge the officer’s observations in court

• Seek to reduce reckless to careless, or have the charge dismissed

• Protect your driving privileges and negotiate alternative penalties

Having a lawyer by your side can make the difference between a fine and a suspension—or worse.

📞 Contact Mark D. Hauser, Criminal Defense Attorney, Today

Mark D. Hauser has over 30 years of experience defending drivers throughout Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. Whether you’ve been charged with careless or reckless driving, he can help you protect your license, minimize penalties, and fight for your record.

📞 Contact Mark D. Hauser, criminal defense attorney, today for a confidential case evaluation.