You’re cruising home after work, when blue lights flash behind you. The officer says you were weaving between lanes and driving too fast. What started as a traffic stop suddenly became a criminal charge: reckless driving.
In Tennessee, that isn’t just a ticket you pay and forget about later. It’s a criminal offense that can affect your driving record, your insurance, and even your future job prospects. If you’re in Knoxville or East Tennessee, you’re probably asking: Is reckless driving a felony or a misdemeanor? And what does that mean for me?
Here’s the truth you need to know, along with what a local criminal defense attorney can do to protect you.
Under Tennessee Code § 55-10-205, reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle in “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” This definition gives police officers broad discretion when deciding whether to charge someone with the offense.
That discretion matters because there’s no fixed speed threshold or bright-line rule. A single passing maneuver, high speed, or aggressive action, especially in heavy traffic, can be enough if the officer believes it endangers others.
In Tennessee, reckless driving is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, not a felony. That distinction is important because:
Even as a misdemeanor, a reckless driving conviction can have serious consequences:
These penalties are more than a simple “moving violation.” They follow you beyond the courtroom and can affect employment, housing, and travel.
Reckless driving remains a Class B misdemeanor in most cases — but the situation can change quickly if the circumstances are more serious, such as:
Injury or Death: If your driving causes serious injury or a fatal crash, prosecutors can pursue more serious criminal charges like reckless homicide or vehicular homicide, which are felonies with much harsher penalties.
Related Criminal Charges: Reckless driving often accompanies other offenses — like DUI — that carry their own enhanced penalties.
In those situations, reckless driving may be just one piece of a larger, more serious case.
A reckless driving charge isn’t just about a ticket or points. It’s a criminal matter with real consequences. Even without jail time, a conviction leaves a mark. Twelve or more demerit points within a year, for example, can trigger a driver’s license suspension.
Even first-time offenders should not assume the charge will go away on its own or “just be a fine.” That’s exactly when having someone who knows how local courts treat reckless driving can make a difference.
Charged with reckless driving? An attorney can make a real difference, not just in trying to reduce penalties but in getting the charge dismissed or reduced. Here’s how:
Evaluate the Stop and Evidence: Not every stop is lawful, and not every alleged reckless act meets the legal standard.
Dispute the Officer’s Interpretation: Tennessee law requires “willful or wanton disregard” — that’s not the same as simple speeding or a momentary mistake.
Negotiate or Litigate: Depending on the facts, your attorney might pursue reduced charges, alternative sentencing, traffic school, or even take the case to trial.
Local experience matters. A Knoxville criminal defense attorney knows the judges, prosecutors, and how similar cases actually get resolved in this area.
If you’ve been charged with reckless driving in Knoxville, Anderson County, or anywhere in East Tennessee, don’t assume it’s a “minor ticket.” This is a criminal matter with real consequences for your freedom, your license, and your future.
Call The Bell Law Firm, PLLC today for a Free Case Review. You’ll speak directly with Attorney Justin Bell, get a clear understanding of your options, and begin building a defense that protects what matters most.