How Many MPH Over The Speed Limit Is Reckless Driving In Ohio?

When it comes to reckless driving in Columbus Ohio, there are a number of possible consequences that drivers face if they are issued a ticket. Violating Ohio traffic laws, be it through reckless driving, speeding, or other causes, can lead to penalties such as fines, fees, jail, and penalty points added to your driving record.

Maintaining a clean driving record can become difficult if you do not treat speeding tickets or traffic violations seriously. The more you have on your record, the harder it becomes to keep future tickets off your record. Reckless driving or traveling well over the speed limit can lead to a license suspension.

Below, we take a look at what exactly the MPH over the speed limit can be considered reckless driving (subjects the driver to a license suspension).

Disclaimer: The following is not meant as legal advice. It is general information meant to inform. Please consult with a Columbus Ohio reckless driving attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.

How Many MPH Over the Speed Limit is Reckless Driving in Ohio?

Ohio speeding laws do not explicitly provide a number for how many MPH over the speed limit are reckless driving. Instead, the state statute, Section 4511.20 of the Ohio Revised Code, that covers reckless driving and speeding refers to recklessness as the “operation in willful or wanton disregard of the safety of persons or property.”

This section of the Ohio Revised Code can be interpreted by law enforcement in any instance where they believe that a driver or operator of a vehicle has operated their vehicle so dangerously that they have completely ignored the safety of property and other people around them.

Since the law surrounding reckless driving and speeding is quite subjective, this means that law enforcement has the power to determine whether or not your vehicle operation was dangerous enough to be classified as “willful or wanton disregard.” So, when we answer how many MPH over the speed limit is reckless driving in Ohio, it can really depend on which law enforcement officer is handling your traffic violation.  Judges can also consider traveling at high rates of speed to be reckless.  This allows them to impose a license suspension even if the officer chooses not to charge someone with the reckless operation.

Following a reckless driving violation, you should consider reaching out to a Columbus Ohio reckless driving attorney for legal advice and representation.

What Kind of Penalties Are There for Speeding in Ohio?

Now that we know more about what constitutes reckless driving in Ohio regarding speeding, let’s look at the different penalties that drivers and vehicle operators may face.

For a driver who receives a single speeding violation within a 12-month period, that speeding violation will be handled as a minor misdemeanor. This can result in a fine of up to $150.

In cases where a driver has previously been convicted of another traffic offense within the last 12 months, the initial minor misdemeanor status can be brought up to a fourth-degree misdemeanor. For a reckless driving fourth-degree misdemeanor, you can face fines up to $250, possible jail time up to 30 days, and a license suspension.

Additional penalties vary based on the speed a driver was going over the posted speed limit, including adding points to your driver’s license as follows:

• Going over the speed limit by 30 MPH or more will result in 4 points
• Going over the speed limit of 55 MPH or more by 11-29 MPH will result in 2 points
• Going over the speed limit of 54 MPH or less by 6-29 MPH will result in 2 points

Per Ohio state law, if a driver receives 12 or more points on their driver’s license in a 2-year period, their license will be suspended.

You can request a certified copy of your Ohio BMV record from the BMV’s website to look over your past traffic violations and license suspensions.

How Can I Address a Reckless Driving in Ohio Violation?

If you are facing violations for reckless driving in Ohio, it can be beneficial to work with a reckless driving attorney. Since reckless driving is quite open to interpretation, there may be weaknesses to be found in the prosecutor’s case. Having a capable Columbus traffic defense attorney will often help to avoid convictions and/or lessen the penalties imposed.

About The Author

The Maher Law Firm, LLC is a law firm based in Columbus, Ohio, focusing on DUI/OVI defense, criminal defense, and traffic defense. With over 14+ years of experience, founder and Columbus reckless driving attorney Colin Maher brings his unique knowledge and expertise to each case. The Maher Law Firm, LLC has successfully handled over 2,000 cases and nearly 100 trials for clients living in Columbus and the surrounding areas. The Maher Law Firm, LLC can be reached at 614-205-2208 or online for a free and confidential phone consultation.