Reckless driving and road rage can change your life in seconds.
In California, reckless driving is a misdemeanor traffic offense under Vehicle Code (VC) Section 23103. It involves operating a vehicle with “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.”
Ignoring another driver’s aggressive behavior or reporting them to law enforcement is always the better choice. How many times have you seen it in a football game, the player who strikes back gets penalized?
Retaliation could result in criminal charges, fines, and even jail time.
The Consequences of a Reckless Driving or Road Rage Conviction
Reckless driving can quickly escalate, leading to severe legal consequences.
A conviction for reckless driving carries a “base fine” between $145 and $1,000. With penalties and assessments, the total cost can rise to several thousand dollars. If you’re vehicle is impounded, it could cost $1,500 to $2,000 more for towing and storage.
Drivers may also face up to 90 days in jail or probation for two or three years, depending on the severity of the incident.
The DMV will assess two negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) points, which can drastically increase insurance premiums. A conviction also leaves a permanent criminal record, affecting future employment and licensing.
That’s why it’s important for drivers in Bishop or Independence, CA, to take these charges seriously and get professional legal help.
Road Rage Prevention Tips
Avoiding road rage and reckless driving begins with maintaining control and patience behind the wheel.
Consider these simple tips to stay calm and avoid escalating situations:
• Don’t drive while upset or angry. If you get angry or stressed while driving, pull over until you have calmed down.
• Drive courteously and avoid aggressive gestures or words.
• Slow down and give yourself more reaction time.
• Avoid honking unnecessarily—it can provoke other drivers.
• Forgive mistakes. Everyone makes them.
• Don’t engage with angry drivers or make eye contact if things are uncomfortable.
• Leave early to avoid the stress of being late.
These steps can help prevent road rage and reckless driving incidents that lead to costly tickets or worse.
Explore Inyo County Along I-395
If you need to pull over and take a break while you’re traveling along I-395 near Bishop or Independence, take time to enjoy the scenic beauty of Inyo County.
Visiting these local landmarks can help remind drivers to slow down, relax, and appreciate the journey:
• Bodie State Historic Park
• Manzanar Internment Camp
• Mobius Arch Loop Trail
• Alabama Hills National Scenic Area
• Laws Railroad Museum
Taking a short break can make the difference between arriving safely and getting caught in a reckless driving situation.
Although Independence Courthouse in Inyo County is a famous courthouse and a beautiful building, you don’t want to sit there all day waiting for your name to be called to resolve a reckless driving charge. Yes, it is still in use even though it was built in 1921 and is on the Historic Sites’ National Register.
Invoke your right to “speak with an attorney and have an attorney present during questioning.”
Why You Need an Inyo County Traffic Attorney
Drivers accused of reckless driving or road rage should never handle these charges alone.
A knowledgeable traffic attorney can review the evidence, identify technical errors, and seek dismissal or reduction of the charges.
At Bigger & Harman, APC, we regularly assist drivers in Inyo County traffic courts, including Bishop and Independence. Our firm understands how local courts operate and how to protect your driving record.
Consult Bigger & Harman About Reckless Driving and Road Rage in Inyo County
If you’re facing reckless driving or road rage charges in Bishop or Independence Courthouse in Inyo County, don’t plead guilty or make any statement before consulting an attorney.
Call Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300 — se habla Español 349-9755. You can email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com or use our computer contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: What qualifies as reckless driving in California?
A: Although the law enforcement officer might use their theory of what is reckless driving when writing the citation, according to the CA Vehicle Code, reckless driving is operating a vehicle with “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.” It’s a misdemeanor offense that can result in jail time/probation, fines, and NOTS points. Guilt can only be established by the judge or jury. These charges are often downgraded with the help of a traffic attorney with trial experience, because proving “willful or wanton disregard” beyond a reasonable doubt can be difficult.
Q: Can road rage lead to a reckless driving charge?
A: Aggressive actions can lead to reckless driving or assault charges, such as tailgating, cutting off others, or engaging in verbal altercations.
Q: How can Bigger & Harman help with reckless driving cases?
A: Our attorneys can pursue dismissal, challenge the law enforcement viewpoint, challenge evidence, and negotiate reduced penalties. We regularly represent drivers in Bishop, Independence, and throughout Inyo County.
References:
CA VC Section 23103, Driving Offenses (Reckless Driving).
The CA Driver Handbook English y Español.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2025.