WHAT IS CONSIDERED RECKLESS DRIVING IN MISSOURI?

Reckless driving is one of the most misunderstood traffic offenses in Missouri. Many drivers assume it’s just another ticket — something you can pay and forget. But under Missouri law, reckless driving is a criminal offense that can carry serious penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time.

So what exactly counts as “reckless driving” in Missouri?

At Speeding Ticket KC, we want you to understand the law, the penalties, and how an experienced Kansas City criminal defense attorney can help protect your record and your rights. If you’ve been charged with reckless driving in Kansas City or the state of Missouri, give us a call today. We can help you keep your record clean and get you back on the road.

MISSOURI DOESN’T USE THE EXACT TERM: “RECKLESS DRIVING”

Here’s where it gets tricky: Missouri’s traffic code doesn’t specifically use the phrase “reckless driving.” Instead, the offense is prosecuted under RSMo 304.010, known as “careless and imprudent driving.”

While the name is different, it means the same thing — driving in a way that shows a willful or careless disregard for the safety of others or property.

In other words, “reckless driving” in Missouri law is the act of operating a vehicle without considering how your behavior could endanger people around you.

EXAMPLES OF RECKLESS OR CARELESS AND IMPRUDENT DRIVING

Police and prosecutors have wide discretion when charging this offense. You can be cited for careless and imprudent driving even if no accident occurred. Some of the most common examples include:

• Excessive speeding — usually 25 mph or more over the limit.
• Weaving in and out of lanes or passing on the shoulder.
• Running red lights or stop signs aggressively.
• Tailgating or following another vehicle too closely.
• Texting, eating, or distracted driving that causes near misses.
• Street racing or exhibition driving.
• Driving too fast for conditions (rain, snow, traffic, etc.), even if you’re below the posted limit.
• Ignoring police signals or failing to yield to emergency vehicles.

In short: if your driving could reasonably put someone in danger, Missouri law considers it “careless and imprudent.”

THE LEGAL STANDARD: ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE VS. WILLFUL DISREGARD

Missouri distinguishes between two types of reckless driving:

Negligent Careless Driving: This means you weren’t paying full attention or made a poor judgment call.

Willful or Wanton Careless Driving: This means you knew your behavior was dangerous but did it anyway — for example, speeding through a construction zone or running multiple red lights.

The second type is far more serious and can lead to criminal penalties beyond a standard traffic ticket.

PENALTIES FOR RECKLESS DRIVING IN MISSOURI

Under RSMo 304.010, careless and imprudent driving is typically charged as a Class B misdemeanor if no accident occurred. That can include:

• Up to 6 months in jail
• A fine of up to $1,000
• 4 points on your Missouri driving record

If your reckless driving caused an accident, the charge becomes a Class A misdemeanor, which carries:

• Up to 1 year in jail
• Fines up to $2,000
• A potential license suspension or revocation

If your reckless behavior causes serious injury or death, prosecutors can pursue felony charges such as vehicular assault or manslaughter, which carry years of prison time.

Long-Term Consequences: Beyond the criminal penalties, a reckless driving conviction can:

• Spike your insurance premiums for years.
• Put your job at risk if you drive for work.
• Count against you in future traffic or criminal cases.
• Prevent you from obtaining certain professional licenses.

Even a single “careless and imprudent” conviction can make your record look reckless — pun intended — to future employers or insurers.

HOW AN EXPERIENCED KANSAS CITY TRAFFIC DEFENSE LAWYER CAN HELP

At Speeding Ticket KC, our affordable Missouri traffic defense attorneys have defended hundreds of Missouri drivers accused of reckless or careless driving. Our experienced attorneys can:

• Review whether the officer had probable cause for the charge.
• Challenge radar readings, dashcam footage, or witness statements.
• Negotiate to reduce the charge to a non-moving violation (no points).
• Protect your driving record and insurance.
• Represent you in court so you don’t have to appear.

Often, we can get a reckless driving charge dismissed or amended — especially for first-time offenders or cases without an accident.

Traffic violations may seem small, but their impact can be big — especially if you drive for work or rely on your license every day. At Speeding Ticket KC, our skilled Kansas City defense team  can handle any case with urgency and precision. We’ve built our reputation on helping Missouri drivers keep their records clean and their insurance rates low. Whether you received a ticket in downtown Kansas City or anywhere in the state, we’ll guide you through the process from start to finish.

Don’t plead guilty or pay your ticket without talking to a lawyer. Call Speeding Ticket KC now for a fast, free case evaluation and let us help you fight back.

CALL SPEEDING TICKET KC TODAY AND LET US DEFEND YOUR RECORD

Reckless driving in Missouri — officially known as careless and imprudent driving — is far more serious than a traffic ticket. It’s a criminal charge that can follow you for years.

If you’ve been cited or arrested for reckless driving in Kansas City or anywhere in Missouri, don’t face it alone. Contact KC Defense Counsel today. Our trusted Kansas City criminal defense attorneys will fight to protect your rights, your license, and your future.

Cities we serve: Adrian, Archie, Bates City, Belton, Blue Springs, Buckner, Butler, Cameron, Claycomo, Cleveland,  Drexel, Fairview,  Ferrelview,  Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City Missouri, Kearney, , Knob Noster, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview,  Parkville, Peculiar,, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Hill,  Raymore, Raytown, Riverside, Smithville, Sugar Creek, Tracy,  Warrensberg, Weatherby Lake, and Weston.

Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.

Contact our experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyers near me in Missouri and let us help begin building your defense. Let us help.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Always consult qualified counsel regarding your unique situation.