Laws regarding reckless driving charges vary from state to state—including the name of the offense and its definition. This offense may also be known as reckless operation of a motor vehicle or driving to endanger—but generally requires that the government (prosecution) prove the driver was willfully operating a motor vehicle in a way that showed indifference to the safety of persons or property.

And in some states certain driving behavior may be considered reckless driving per se (pronounced pur-Say)—which is reckless driving by definition or “on its face.” For example, if a driver is driving more than 30 miles per hour over the speed limit or is engaged in street racing, the driver may be charged with reckless driving per se, and the prosecutor will not be required to prove any other elements of the reckless driving offense, as such behavior is reckless driving by definition—with the definition being provided by the state legislature in the traffic code.

As with many traffic violations, the officer issuing the citation and the prosecutor have significant discretion in determining whether there was a violation of a traffic law and whether the violation constitutes a certain offense, as defined by the state legislature in the traffic code or in a municipal ordinance.

This discretion to issue a ticket or citation and prosecute the charge against the driver is balanced by the discretion of the jury or judge in determining whether the prosecution met its burden of proof sufficient to convict the driver (for a criminal offense) or find the driver responsible (for a civil infraction, violation, or offense).

In Vermont, reckless driving is defined under Vermont Statutes Title 23, Section 1091. It is considered a criminal offense and is defined as operating a vehicle on a highway in a manner that indicates a gross deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would observe under similar circumstances. This may include actions that endanger the safety of persons or property. Vermont law does not specify certain behaviors as reckless driving per se, but excessive speed and aggressive driving behaviors could be considered as evidence of reckless driving. The burden of proof lies with the prosecution to establish that the driver's actions meet the legal definition of reckless driving. Law enforcement officers have the discretion to issue citations for suspected reckless driving, and prosecutors have the discretion to bring charges. Ultimately, a judge or jury will determine whether the prosecution has met its burden of proof to convict the driver of reckless driving. Penalties for a conviction can include fines, imprisonment, and license suspension.