This bill amends Section 321.277 of the Iowa Code to redefine reckless driving by specifying that a person who drives a vehicle in a manner that shows willful or wanton disregard for safety, including exceeding the speed limit by 21 miles per hour or more, is guilty of reckless driving. The bill removes the term "any" and replaces it with "a" in the definition of reckless driving. It also clarifies that exceeding the speed limit by 21 MPH or more constitutes reckless driving, which elevates the offense's severity.

Under the proposed changes, a person convicted of reckless driving could face more severe penalties, including a class C felony if the reckless driving unintentionally causes death, or a class D felony if it causes serious injury. This contrasts with current law, where reckless driving is classified as a simple misdemeanor. The penalties for class C and D felonies include significant prison time and fines, thereby increasing the legal consequences for excessive speeding and reckless driving behaviors.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 321.277