If you’re asking, “is reckless driving a felony?” under Minnesota law, the answer is usually no, but it can be in specific situations. Reckless driving is typically classified as a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor. However, when serious injury, death, or repeat offenses are involved, the legal consequences escalate, and felony charges may apply under different statutes.
- Reckless driving is not automatically a felony: Most first-time offenses are misdemeanors.
- It can become a gross misdemeanor or felony: Aggravating factors like injury or repeat violations increase penalties.
- Legal consequences can include jail time, fines, and license suspension: Even a misdemeanor can carry serious penalties.
Understanding how Minnesota law treats reckless driving, and when it becomes more than a traffic ticket, can help you understand your legal rights and explore possible outcomes.
How Minnesota Defines Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is governed by Minnesota Statute § 169.13. There are two types of charges under this law:
Subdivision 1: Reckless Driving (Misdemeanor)
It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle in a manner that:
- Displays a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property
This is more than just speeding or careless mistakes. It includes dangerous maneuvers, aggressive behavior, racing, or intentionally disregarding traffic laws. The key word is willful, the driver must know their actions are dangerous but choose to do them anyway.
Subdivision 2: Careless Driving (Separate Charge)
Careless driving is a lesser offense where a driver operates a vehicle without due care or attention. It does not require intent or willful behavior. This charge is also a misdemeanor but is easier to prove and more common in routine traffic stops.
4 Penalties You Could Face for Reckless Driving
The penalties for reckless driving in Minnesota depend on the severity of the incident, whether there was injury involved, and whether the driver has prior offenses. Below are four categories of penalties you could face if charged with reckless driving.
1. Misdemeanor Penalties for First-Time Offenders
For most people, a first reckless driving offense is a misdemeanor. The penalties include:
- Up to 90 days in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- Possible license suspension (especially for egregious conduct)
- Court fees, probation, or required driving courses
Even as a misdemeanor, a reckless driving conviction creates a permanent criminal record, which can affect insurance, employment, and background checks.
2. Gross Misdemeanor Penalties When Injury Occurs
If reckless driving results in substantial bodily harm to another person, the charge can be elevated to a gross misdemeanor. This is more serious than a misdemeanor and carries stiffer penalties.
Under Minnesota Statute § 169.13, Subd. 2, a driver who causes injury while operating a vehicle carelessly or recklessly may face:
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Fines up to $3,000
- Driver’s license suspension or revocation
- Probation and mandatory treatment, in some cases
Substantial bodily harm is defined in Minnesota Statute § 609.02, Subd. 7a as temporary but significant disfigurement, loss of function, or fracture of a body part.
3. Felony Charges Under Separate Statutes
While reckless driving itself is not classified as a felony under § 169.13, felony charges may result under different laws when a person is seriously injured or killed due to reckless behavior.
For example:
- Criminal Vehicular Operation (CVO) under Minn. Stat. § 609.2113 is a felony offense
- This applies when someone causes great bodily harm or death while driving recklessly, under the influence, or leaving the scene
Felony penalties include:
- Up to 5 years in prison (or more, depending on injury severity)
- Fines up to $10,000
- Mandatory license revocation and vehicle forfeiture in some cases
4. Enhanced Penalties for Repeat Offenses or Related Convictions
If you have prior convictions for reckless or careless driving, or other related offenses like DWI, the court may impose tougher penalties. Judges consider prior behavior during sentencing, especially if there’s a pattern of dangerous driving.
Consequences may include:
- Longer jail sentences
- Higher fines
- Longer or indefinite license suspensions
- Difficulty negotiating plea deals or alternative sentencing
If your reckless driving is tied to racing, evading police, or road rage, you may face additional charges that increase the severity of your case.
Is Reckless Driving a Traffic Ticket or a Crime?
Reckless driving is not a simple traffic ticket. It is a criminal offense under Minnesota law, even if charged as a misdemeanor. That means a conviction will appear on your criminal record—not just your driving record.
This can have long-term effects on:
- Employment background checks
- Professional licensing applications
- Auto insurance premiums
- Immigration status in some cases
Because of the criminal nature of the charge, it is strongly recommended to speak with a criminal defense attorney before appearing in court or pleading guilty.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Reckless Driving Charge?
Yes. While reckless driving may seem like a low-level offense, it carries real and lasting consequences. A defense attorney can:
- Evaluate the facts of your case and determine if the charge is justified
- Challenge the officer’s observations or the definition of “recklessness”
- Negotiate for a lesser charge, such as a petty misdemeanor traffic violation
- Argue for dismissal if evidence is weak or improperly obtained
- Seek an outcome that minimizes long-term legal consequences
Josh Johnson focuses exclusively on criminal defense in Minnesota. He has successfully represented clients in misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, and felony traffic-related cases, including reckless driving, DWI, and criminal vehicular operation.
Protect Your Record. Protect Your Future.
So, is reckless driving a felony in Minnesota? Not in most cases, but it can be if serious injury or aggravating factors are involved. Even as a misdemeanor, a conviction can create a permanent criminal record, impact your license, and lead to jail time.
If you’re facing a reckless driving charge, don’t face it alone. The Law Offices of Josh Johnson offers experienced, strategic defense for clients across Minnesota. Contact us today for a free consultation and get clear legal advice on how to move forward based on the facts of your case.
