The Hidden Costs of a Reckless Driving Conviction in Illinois

 Posted on June 27, 2025 in Criminal Defense

A citation for reckless driving (625 ILCS 5/11-503) can be much more than a simple traffic ticket in Illinois. While the immediate penalties, including fines or even a few days in jail, are significant, the true cost of a reckless driving conviction can go far beyond justice system penalties. Skyrocketing insurance premiums, job loss, difficulty obtaining employment, and a permanent criminal record may be just the beginning.

The impact of a reckless driving conviction can last for many years, adversely affecting many aspects of your future. If you are facing reckless driving charges, it is extremely important that you have a highly skilled Joliet, IL criminal defense lawyer advocating for your rights and working to minimize collateral consequences.

What is Reckless Driving?

Reckless driving is more than a simple driving mistake; rather, it is a willful and intentional driving behavior. Under the law, when a driver exhibits a wanton or willful disregard for the safety of others or the property of others, he or she has engaged in reckless driving. Some driving behaviors that can trigger reckless driving charges include:

• Tailgating
• Deliberately cutting off other drivers
• Running stop signs or red lights
• Excessive speed
• Street racing
• Erratic driving, such as swerving from lane to lane
• Texting while driving
• Driving the wrong way on a one-way street

What Are the Immediate Legal Penalties for a Reckless Driving Conviction?

If nobody is hurt as a result of reckless driving, the offense will generally be charged as a Class A misdemeanor. Make no mistake, while a misdemeanor is less serious than a felony, a conviction for a Class A misdemeanor in Illinois can result in up to 364 days in jail, as well as steep fines.  If an instance of reckless driving results in great bodily harm, disfigurement, or a permanent disability, the charges can be escalated to a Class 4 felony.

A Class 4 felony conviction can include a prison sentence of one to three years and fines of up to $25,000. Aggravated reckless driving charges (causing a child or a crossing guard’s disfigurement or permanent disability, driving recklessly in a school zone, or a repeat reckless driving charge) could be charged as a Class 3 felony. A conviction for a Class 3 felony includes five to 10 years in prison and years of probation after the sentence is served.

A conviction for aggravated reckless driving will result in an immediate driver’s license suspension or revocation, while a "regular" reckless driving conviction could result in a suspension. Three moving violations within a 12-month period can result in the suspension of the driver’s license.  

What is the Financial Aftermath of a Reckless Driving Conviction?

Automobile insurance rates can be expected to increase by as much as 50 percent following a reckless driving conviction. This rate increase will remain in effect for many years. Some insurance companies will drop those with a reckless driving conviction. Court costs, administrative fees, and the cost of driver education or traffic school will add to the financial costs of a reckless driving conviction.

Could a Reckless Driving Conviction Affect Future Employment?

Most employers perform background checks on prospective employees. Even if the reckless driving conviction is a misdemeanor, employers may perceive it as indicating a lack of responsibility. If the job requires driving, it is unlikely that a person with a conviction for reckless driving will be hired. Professional licensure can also be negatively impacted by a reckless driving conviction; a professional license could be revoked, or a person seeking a professional license could be denied.  

Contact a Will County, IL Reckless Driving Lawyer

If you are facing reckless driving charges, you must take the charges seriously and begin fighting the charges through a Joliet, IL reckless driving attorney from McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC as quickly as possible. The potential for having charges reduced or dismissed is better when addressed early in the process rather than later.

Our firm is mid-sized, providing our clients with all the resources associated with a larger firm while retaining the personalized client care of a smaller firm. We have attorneys with specific experience in different fields who handle specific cases. To schedule your free consultation, call 815-727-0100.