The laws and courts of Ohio use the term “reckless operation” for the offense most people call reckless driving. The word choice reflects the fact that several alleged actions besides driving a car or truck can bring reckless operation charges in Ohio.
Most broadly, the Ohio Revised Code, states that no person can operate a vehicle, vessel, or aircraft in “willful or wanton disregard of the safety of persons or property.” While the statute that directly address reckless operation of a boat or personal watercraft does list a few specific examples of recklessness, the determination of what constitutes a serious lack of regard for life, limb, health, safety, and security is often left up to the law enforcement officer who issues the citation.
What Can Be Cited as Reckless Operation in Ohio?
In a car, you risk a reckless driving charge for
- Exceeding a posted speed limit by 21 mph or more
- Driving at an unsafe speed on a wet or ice-covered road
- Going up on a sidewalk, median, shoulder, or raise lane divider
- Straddling a lane line for more than a few feet
- Driving the wrong way on a one-way street
- Driving into oncoming traffic on a highway
- Weaving in and out of slower cars and trucks
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Causing an accident by failing to yield of right of way
On the water, actions considered reckless include
- Following a water skier too closely
- Exceeding a posted speed limit for a boat lane
- Jumping a wake with a boat or personal watercraft
- Cutting in and out of a line of slower-moving vessels
What Are the Penalties for Reckless Operation?
Despite the subjective nature of many reckless driving charges, penalties for the traffic violation can be harsh. Fines often amount to hundreds of dollars, four points get added to the offender’s driving record, and judges have the authority to suspended the personal driver’s license and commercial driver’s license of a person found guilty of reckless driving.
Those possible outcomes can make challenging a reckless driving ticket a good choice. At least consulting with a Columbus, Ohio, reckless operation attorney when accused of the traffic offense is recommended.
Is Reckless Operation Related to Drunk or Drugged Driving?
Yes. Having any measurable concentrations of alcohol or a controlled substance in your system while driving a vehicle, operating a vessel, or flying an aircraft can make you subject to a reckless operation charge. Because of this, a prosecutor representing the state in a drunk or drugged driving case will sometimes offer a plea deal in which the defendant would accept a reckless operation conviction. The accused individual should always consult with an experienced Columbus reckless driving attorney in that circumstance because the penalties for reckless operation due to impairment can be identical to those for a first-time operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVI) conviction.
You can learn more about reckless driving charges, penalties, and possible defense by setting up a free consultation with The Maher Law Firm.
