Reckless driving charge for lane splitting, no previous violations.

Question

I received a reckless driving charge for lane splitting on April 9, 2025. There were no injuries or property damage involved, and I have no previous traffic violations. What should I expect in terms of legal consequences, and how should I proceed?

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

You're right to take this seriously—reckless driving is more than just a traffic ticket in most states; it’s a **criminal charge**, often classified as a misdemeanor. Even though no one was hurt and there was no damage, lane splitting is illegal in many places, and it can still be seen as dangerous behavior depending on the circumstances. Since you have no previous violations, that will likely work in your favor when the court considers the outcome. 
 
If convicted, penalties can include fines, points on your license, community service, a license suspension, and even possible jail time—though jail is less common for first-time offenders with no aggravating factors. Many courts offer options like traffic school, deferred judgments, or reduced charges if you show responsibility and a clean record. You’ll likely be required to appear in court, so prepare to be respectful and honest about what happened. 
 
The best step now is to gather any evidence that might show you weren’t acting dangerously—for example, dash cam footage, witness statements, or anything that shows traffic conditions. Since it’s your first offense, the court might be open to leniency if you approach it seriously and take steps to avoid future incidents. You're doing the right thing by asking questions now and trying to understand how to handle this the right way.

Q: Reckless driving charge for lane splitting, no previous violations.