Nevada law defines reckless driving as driving “…a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard of the safety of persons or property.” (NRS 484B.653) While the definition is perhaps vague, some examples of when you may be charged with reckless driving include excessive speed above the speed limit, ignoring traffic signals, road rage behavior, colliding with other vehicles or objects, or car chases with police.
The law also includes either participating in, or organizing “…an unauthorized speed contest on a public highway,” under the reckless driving statute. Drag racing on public streets is considered reckless driving, and the penalties are higher for this offense.
If no physical injury or death resulted from the reckless driving, it is considered a misdemeanor. If physical injury or death was caused by the driving, it is considered a felony.
Reckless driving may also be offered as an alternative to a DUI charge. In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate a reduced penalty to a DUI charge, and a plea bargain may be offered to reduce the DUI charge to reckless driving. There are many advantages to this alternative, such as keeping the DUI off your driving record, although reckless driving is also considered a serious driving offense.