Arizona criminal charge
Reckless driving in Arizona
Reckless driving is a criminal offense under Arizona law, defined by A.R.S. § 28-693. Its classification is not fixed: Arizona assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by A.R.S. § 28-693.
What is the penalty for reckless driving in Arizona?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 4 months (Reckless driving (base offense) — A person convicted of reckless driving is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor.; definite term served outside state prison (13-707(A)(2)); prior same offense within 2 years elevates to the next higher class (13-707(B))) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Fine | up to $750 (Reckless driving (base offense) — A person convicted of reckless driving is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor.; 13-802(B)) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (Reckless driving — prior conviction within 24 months — Applies when the person has a previous conviction for reckless driving or specified related offenses within the preceding twenty-four months.; definite term served outside state prison (13-707(A)(1)); prior same offense within 2 years elevates to the next higher class (13-707(B))) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Fine | up to $2,500 (Reckless driving — prior conviction within 24 months — Applies when the person has a previous conviction for reckless driving or specified related offenses within the preceding twenty-four months.; 13-802(A)) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Jail / prison | up to 4 months (Aiding or abetting reckless driving — A person who knowingly aids or abets another in committing reckless driving is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor for a first offense.; definite term served outside state prison (13-707(A)(2)); prior same offense within 2 years elevates to the next higher class (13-707(B))) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Fine | up to $750 (Aiding or abetting reckless driving — A person who knowingly aids or abets another in committing reckless driving is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor for a first offense.; 13-802(B)) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (Aiding or abetting reckless driving — second or subsequent within 24 months — A second or subsequent violation of aiding or abetting reckless driving within twenty-four months is a class 1 misdemeanor.; definite term served outside state prison (13-707(A)(1)); prior same offense within 2 years elevates to the next higher class (13-707(B))) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
| Fine | up to $2,500 (Aiding or abetting reckless driving — second or subsequent within 24 months — A second or subsequent violation of aiding or abetting reckless driving within twenty-four months is a class 1 misdemeanor.; 13-802(A)) | discretionary | A.R.S. § 13-707 |
Applies to current.
How is reckless driving classified in Arizona?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reckless driving (base offense) | Class 2 Misdemeanor | A person convicted of reckless driving is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor. | A.R.S. § 28-693B |
| Reckless driving — prior conviction within 24 months | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Applies when the person has a previous conviction for reckless driving or specified related offenses within the preceding twenty-four months. | A.R.S. § 28-693D.1 |
| Aiding or abetting reckless driving | Class 2 Misdemeanor | A person who knowingly aids or abets another in committing reckless driving is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor for a first offense. | A.R.S. § 28-693E |
| Aiding or abetting reckless driving — second or subsequent within 24 months | Class 1 Misdemeanor | A second or subsequent violation of aiding or abetting reckless driving within twenty-four months is a class 1 misdemeanor. | A.R.S. § 28-693E |
Common questions about reckless driving in Arizona
Is reckless driving a felony or a misdemeanor in Arizona?
It depends on the circumstances: reckless driving ranges from a Class 2 Misdemeanor to a Class 1 Misdemeanor in Arizona under A.R.S. § 28-693.
Reckless driving (base offense): Class 2 Misdemeanor (A.R.S. § 28-693B) · Reckless driving — prior conviction within 24 months: Class 1 Misdemeanor (A.R.S. § 28-693D.1) · Aiding or abetting reckless driving: Class 2 Misdemeanor (A.R.S. § 28-693E) · Aiding or abetting reckless driving — second or subsequent within 24 months: Class 1 Misdemeanor (A.R.S. § 28-693E)
What are the penalties for reckless driving in Arizona?
Penalties for reckless driving in Arizona depend on how it is classified — from a Class 2 Misdemeanor up to a Class 1 Misdemeanor — with the ranges set by A.R.S. § 13-707; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Arizona statute covers reckless driving?
Reckless driving is governed by A.R.S. § 28-693 (Reckless driving; violation; classification; license; surrender; aiding and abetting).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.