VC 23103 Phone, Equipment & Higher-Risk Tickets

Reckless Driving

California Vehicle Code 23103 makes reckless driving a misdemeanor — not just an infraction. It applies when a person drives on a highway with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Unlike speeding or stop-sign violations, reckless driving requires intentional conduct, not mere negligence. Conviction results in 2 DMV points, a permanent misdemeanor criminal record, and potential jail time. This is among the most serious traffic-related charges that TDismiss can help with.

DMV Points
2 points
Fine
~$680 and up
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California Vehicle Code § 23103 — Reckless driving

Source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov

(a)
A person who drives a vehicle upon a highway in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.
(b)
A person who drives a vehicle in an offstreet parking facility, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 12500, in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.
(c)
Except as otherwise provided in Section 23104, persons convicted of reckless driving shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail for not less than five days nor more than 90 days or by a fine of not less than one hundred forty-five dollars ($145) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment.

Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 550, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2005.

Fine & Penalty Amounts

Estimated totals include all mandatory state and county penalty assessments. Actual amounts vary by county court.

Violation Range Est. Total with Assessments Notes
First offense — reckless driving ~$500–$2,500 Misdemeanor; total depends on court and circumstances.
With injury (VC 23104) ~$1,000+ Enhanced penalties if bodily injury results.
Reckless driving under VC 23103 is a misdemeanor with fines ranging from $145 to $1,000 plus assessments, and potential jail time of 5 to 90 days. The total financial exposure is substantially higher than a standard infraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions drivers search for after receiving this citation.

Yes. VC 23103 reckless driving is a misdemeanor criminal offense, not just a traffic infraction. A conviction results in a criminal record, 2 DMV points, potential jail time of 5 to 90 days, and fines from $145 to $1,000 plus assessments.
A VC 23103 reckless driving conviction adds 2 DMV points to your California driving record. These points stay for 36 months and are weighted more heavily than standard 1-point violations for both DMV Negligent Operator purposes and insurance rating.
Willful or wanton disregard means more than simple negligence — it requires intentional conduct showing conscious disregard for a known risk to others. Common fact patterns include excessive speed, weaving through traffic, aggressive driving, or street racing. The prosecution must establish this mental state, not just point to dangerous driving.
Yes. Reckless driving charges are sometimes reduced through negotiation to a lesser infraction such as VC 22350 (basic speed law) or another 1-point violation, avoiding a misdemeanor conviction. Defense strategy depends heavily on the specific facts, evidence, and the court.
Both are misdemeanors, but the conduct differs. VC 23103 requires willful or wanton disregard for safety in a broader sense. VC 23109 targets the specific act of engaging in an exhibition of speed — commonly called "street racing" or "burnouts." An officer may charge either section depending on how the conduct is characterized.

Also frequently cited with

California drivers who receive this citation often have questions about these related violations.

VC 23123 Cell Phone / Handheld Use While Driving VC 23123.5(a) Texting While Driving VC 24252(a) Equipment / Lighting Violation VC 27315 Seat Belt Violation VC 23109(c) Exhibition of Speed

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