Reckless driving in Rhode Island is a criminal misdemeanor (not a civil infraction) under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-4 covering driving in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Penalties include up to 1 year jail (6 months for first offense), fines from $85 to $500, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. Common scenarios include excessive speeding (typically 25+ mph over limit), street racing, weaving through traffic at high speed, and aggressive maneuvers in heavy traffic. Reckless driving frequently appears as a reduced charge in DUI plea negotiations because it avoids the DUI-specific collateral consequences.
