Arkansas Code: Reckless Driving – § 27-50-308

Section § 27-50-308 of the Arkansas Code, defines the offense of reckless driving and prescribes the penalties for violating this law.

According to subsection (a), reckless driving is defined as the operation of a vehicle in a manner that demonstrates a wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. In other words, it is driving that puts others at risk or danger, either intentionally or through negligence.

Subsection (b) outlines the penalties for violating this law. A first-time offender, who does not cause physical injury to a person, can be punished by imprisonment for not less than five (5) days nor more than ninety (90) days, or by a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), or both. If physical injury to a person results from the reckless driving, the offender can be punished by imprisonment for not less than thirty (30) days nor more than ninety (90) days, or by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both.

For a second or subsequent offense within three (3) years of the first offense, the penalties are more severe. If physical injury to a person does not occur, the offender can be punished by imprisonment for not less than thirty (30) days nor more than six (6) months, or by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both. If physical injury to a person does occur, the offender can be punished by imprisonment for not less than sixty (60) days nor more than one (1) year, or by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both.

The purpose of the law, of course, is to discourage reckless driving, which often leads to traffic accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. We’ve all seen insane drivers on the road who are driving erratically or recklessly. By defining reckless driving and imposing penalties for violating the law, Arkansas aims to protect the safety and well-being of its citizens and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries caused by reckless driving.

The full code is shown below.

2010 Arkansas Code
Title 27 – Transportation
Subtitle 4 – Motor Vehicular Traffic
Chapter 50 – Penalties And Enforcement
Subchapter 3 – Offenses and Penalties Generally
§ 27-50-308 – Reckless driving.

27-50-308. Reckless driving.

(a) Any person who drives any vehicle in such a manner as to indicate a wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.

(b)(1)(A) If physical injury to a person results, every person convicted of reckless driving shall be punished upon a first conviction by imprisonment for a period of not less than thirty (30) days nor more than ninety (90) days or by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both such fine and imprisonment.

(B) Otherwise, every person convicted of reckless driving shall be punished upon a first conviction by imprisonment for a period of not less than five (5) days nor more than ninety (90) days or a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), or by both such fine and imprisonment.

(2)(A) For a second or subsequent offense occurring within three (3) years of the first offense, every person convicted of reckless driving shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than thirty (30) days nor more than six (6) months or by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both such fine and imprisonment.

(B) However, if the second or subsequent offense involves physical injury to a person, the person convicted shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than sixty (60) days nor more than one (1) year or by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both such fine and imprisonment.