October 28, 2025 | Criminal Defense
If you’ve been pulled over and charged with reckless driving in Kentucky, it’s important to know what that means under the law. Kentucky law, as outlined in KRS 189.290, defines the expected behavior of drivers on the road.
Drivers are expected to handle their vehicles responsibly to help protect everyone around them—whether it’s their passengers, other people on the road, pedestrians, or nearby property. If someone drives carelessly or dangerously, especially near a highway or in a construction zone, they could face a reckless driving charge under the law.
Keep reading to learn more.
Examples of Reckless Driving
It’s challenging to determine exactly what constitutes reckless driving based on that statute. Below are some examples of what could lead you to become a defendant dealing with a reckless driving charge:
Excessive Speeding
One of the most common reasons for this charge is driving at high speeds, especially well above the posted limits. Speeding can become reckless when traffic conditions make fast driving especially dangerous. It’s not only about how far over the speed limit you were going, but also about road and weather conditions, traffic, and the level of congestion in the area.
Weaving Through Traffic
Swerving in and out of different lanes without using turn signals or without making sure it’s safe puts everyone around you at risk. Constantly changing lanes to get ahead of traffic or passing in unsafe situations often counts as reckless.
Ignoring Traffic Signs/Signals
Running red lights, blowing through stop signs, or ignoring yield signs can lead to police pulling you over and charging you with reckless driving. This is especially true if you come close to hitting another vehicle or person, or if you are involved in an accident.
Following Too Closely
Driving right behind another vehicle without leaving enough room, even more so at higher speeds, creates a dangerous situation. Tailgating gives you very little time to react if the person in front of you brakes suddenly.
Racing Other Vehicles
Whether it’s a formal drag race or just you and another driver trying to beat each other through traffic, any kind of racing on city streets or highways is viewed very seriously under Kentucky law. This could lead to accusations of reckless driving, as well as other criminal charges.
Reckless driving can be charged in many different situations, and these are just some examples.
Penalties for Reckless Driving
If you’ve been charged with reckless driving, it’s smart to know what you’re up against. Here’s what the penalties can look like:
- Points: For each reckless driving conviction, 4 points will be added to your driving record.
- Fines: For each reckless driving offense, the fine can range from $20 to $100.
- Losing Your License: If you’re convicted of reckless driving three times within 12 months, your license will be revoked for at least 6 months.
These are some of the standard reckless driving penalties, but you can face more serious consequences depending on what led to the reckless driving conviction.
For example, some people are found guilty of reckless driving because they were under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In those cases, not only do you face penalties for reckless driving, but also DUI penalties, which means significant fines and possible jail time.
Contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Attorneys for a Free Consultation With a Louisville Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are dealing with a reckless driving case or facing related charges, such as a DUI, you need a Louisville criminal defense lawyer. Contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Attorneys for a free consultation.
For more information, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers give us a call today at (502) 371-7000 or visit us at our Louisville Law Office.
Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers – Louisville
214 Clay Street, Suite A,
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 371-7000
