This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to classify driving at speeds exceeding 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit as a reckless driving offense. It specifies that any person who operates a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property, including exceeding this speed threshold, is guilty of reckless driving. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the provisions regarding reckless driving do not apply to areas temporarily closed for racing events or designated for exclusive use by motorcycles or recreational vehicles.

The bill also outlines the penalties for reckless driving, which include misdemeanor charges and potential jail time or fines. For a first conviction, offenders may face confinement for 5 to 90 days or fines ranging from $25 to $500. Subsequent convictions carry harsher penalties, with jail time of 10 days to 6 months and fines between $50 and $1,000. Furthermore, if reckless driving results in serious bodily injury to another person, the offender faces similar penalties, emphasizing the serious consequences of such actions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17C-5-3