625 ILCS 5/11-503 – Reckless Driving
This law makes it illegal to drive in a way that puts people or property in danger.
This Illinois law says it’s against the law to drive carelessly or dangerously. If someone is hurt because of reckless driving–especially a child or a school crossing guard–the punishment gets more serious.
(a) A person commits reckless driving if he or she:
- Drives any vehicle and shows a clear disregard for the safety of people or property.
- Drives a vehicle and intentionally uses a hill, bridge approach, or other incline to make the vehicle go airborne.
(b) Sentence: Normally, reckless driving is a Class A misdemeanor, which is a serious offense that can lead to fines and jail time.
(b-1) Sentence: If the reckless driving causes injury to a child or to a school crossing guard who is on duty, it becomes a Class 4 felony (a more serious crime than a misdemeanor).
(c) Sentence: If reckless driving causes someone great bodily harm, permanent injury, or disfigurement, it becomes aggravated reckless driving, which is a Class 4 felony.
(d) Sentence: If reckless driving causes great bodily harm, permanent injury, or disfigurement to a child or a school crossing guard on duty, it is also aggravated reckless driving, but this time it is a Class 3 felony, which is even more serious.
Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to talk with a Southern Illinois criminal defense lawyer.
