CVC 23103(a) Reckless Driving Ticket: What It Means & How to Fight It
Driving a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for safety of persons or property
Written by
Violation category
General Traffic
Base fine
$35
Estimated total cost
Includes court fees and assessments
DMV points
2 points
What is California Vehicle Code CVC 23103(a)?
Driving a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for safety of persons or property
Common scenarios
- You were driving a little over the speed limit but slowed down when you saw traffic. The officer says this was reckless, but you can argue it wasn’t willful or wanton disregard.
- You swerved quickly to avoid hitting a child who ran into the street. The officer thinks this was reckless, but you can explain it was an emergency maneuver.
- You were driving aggressively during rush hour, changing lanes fast and tailgating. This is a clear example of reckless driving under CVC 23103(a).
Key facts
- Reckless Driving Is More Serious Than Speeding: Unlike simple speeding tickets, reckless driving shows you ignored safety on purpose, which can lead to harsher penalties.
- You Can Fight This Ticket: You don’t have to just pay the fine. You can defend yourself by showing your driving wasn’t reckless or that there were special circumstances.
- Penalties Can Include Jail Time: Reckless driving is a misdemeanor. That means you could face fines, license points, or even jail if convicted.
Fine breakdown for CVC 23103(a)
| Category | Estimated amount |
|---|---|
| Base fine | $35 |
| Court & county surcharges (estimate) | $133 |
| Total estimated out-of-pocket | $168 |
County fees can multiply the base fine by 3–5x. ClerkHero confirms exact totals using your ticket details.
What Is CVC 23103(a) Reckless Driving?
If you got a ticket for CVC 23103(a), it means the officer thinks you drove in a way that ignored the safety of others or property on purpose. This is called "reckless driving."
Reckless driving means you didn’t just make a mistake — you drove with a willful or wanton disregard for safety. That means you acted carelessly on purpose or without caring about the risks.
This is serious because it can lead to big fines, points on your license, or even jail time if someone got hurt. But don’t panic. Understanding what the law says and your options can help you fight the ticket or get a better outcome.
What Does "Willful or Wanton Disregard" Mean?
- Willful means you meant to do it, like speeding dangerously or weaving through traffic.
- Wanton means you showed a reckless lack of care, like ignoring red lights or driving aggressively.
What Happens Now?
- You’ll get a court date on your ticket.
- You can choose to fight the ticket, ask for traffic school, or accept the penalty.
- Fighting means you can explain your side or use defenses to reduce or dismiss the charge.
Remember, you’re not alone. Many drivers feel confused or worried about this charge. Take a deep breath. Knowing your rights and options is the first step to handling this.
Defense ideas you can use in your TR-205 packet
Every ticket is different, but these arguments often surface in successful Trial-by-Declaration defenses. ClerkHero tailors the narrative to match your facts and any evidence you upload.
Defense 1
You weren’t actually driving recklessly — maybe you were driving carefully, and the officer made a mistake.
Defense 2
You had to act quickly to avoid an accident or danger, so your driving wasn’t reckless but necessary.
Defense 3
The officer didn’t have enough evidence to prove you were driving with willful or wanton disregard.
Defense 4
Your behavior didn’t meet the legal standard for reckless driving — it was unsafe but not reckless as defined by the law.
Defense 5
There was a medical emergency or other urgent situation that caused your driving behavior.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 23103(a) online
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Step 1
Upload your ticket
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Step 2
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Step 3
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Frequently asked questions about CVC 23103(a)
What is the difference between reckless driving and careless driving?
Reckless driving means you drove with a willful or wanton disregard for safety — basically, you knew the risk and ignored it. Careless driving is less serious and usually means you weren’t paying enough attention but didn’t mean to be dangerous.
Can I go to traffic school for a reckless driving ticket?
Usually, no. Traffic school is often not allowed for reckless driving because it’s considered a serious offense.
Will this ticket go on my driving record?
Yes. A reckless driving conviction will add points to your driving record, which can increase insurance rates and affect your license.
What should I do if I get a reckless driving ticket?
Don’t ignore it. Check your court date, consider talking to a traffic attorney or using a service like ClerkHero to help build your defense.
Can reckless driving charges be dropped?
Sometimes. If the evidence is weak or you have a strong defense, the prosecutor may reduce or drop the charge.