How to Report Reckless Driving in North Carolina?

To report reckless driving in North Carolina, call 911 immediately. If the situation is not an emergency, you can dial *HP (227) on your cell phone to reach the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Alternatively, you can contact your local police non-emergency number.

Be prepared to share as many details as possible, such as their license plate number, the make and model of their vehicle, and the location where you witnessed the behavior. However, do not put yourself into a dangerous situation when trying to assemble evidence.

If a reckless driver has injured you, you have the right to hold them accountable for your damages. Our car accident lawyers in Raleigh have more than 120 years of combined legal experience serving injured accident victims. Call for your free and confidential consultation.

What Qualifies as Reckless Driving in North Carolina?

Under state law, reckless driving happens when a motorist operates their vehicle without regard for the safety or rights of others. This can include driving at high speeds or in a manner that is likely to endanger people or property.

Reckless driving is a criminal offense in North Carolina and classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor, making it more serious than a standard traffic violation.

Can You Report Reckless Driving After the Fact?

Yes, you can report a reckless driver after the fact. Unfortunately, law enforcement typically can’t take action unless they witness the dangerous driving behavior. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth contacting the Highway Patrol or your local police with important information to identify the driver.

If the reckless driver is known for frequent and dangerous behavior in a local area, police may be able to increase their presence and watch for their activity. Details like their license plate numbers, video evidence, and the date and time of the incident can help.

What Should You Do If You Spot a Reckless Driver in NC?

You can report a reckless driver in North Carolina, but it is smart to take precautions and keep yourself safe. Distracted driving is one of the causes of common car accidents.

Consider the following steps:

• Stay safe and avoid confrontation. Do not engage with or attempt to follow the reckless driver.
• Create distance between yourself and the reckless driver. Slow down, change lanes, or pull over if it’s safe to do so.
• Take note of details such as the vehicle’s color, license plate number, and any dangerous behavior you see.
• Call 911 if the driver poses an immediate threat to others. Otherwise, contact your local or state police.
• Use your phone safely. Pull over before making any calls. Never use your phone while driving.
• Prioritize safety over evidence. Never put yourself at risk to record dashcam footage or gather proof.

If you’ve been in an accident with a reckless driver, get medical attention even if you think you feel fine. Then, contact our personal injury lawyers as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.

What Happens When You Report a Reckless Driver?

After reporting a reckless driver in North Carolina, law enforcement will review the details you provided.  If the reckless driving is ongoing, officers may try to locate and stop the driver.  If the driver is found, they can face consequences such as:

• Fines of up to $500, even for a first offense.
• Up to 60 days in county jail.
• Four points on their driving record.

For after-the-fact reports, police usually cannot issue a citation unless they witnessed the behavior. However, they will record your report and may increase patrols in the area. While reporting doesn’t guarantee a ticket, it can help identify repeat offenders.

Can You Report a Reckless Driver in NC Online?

While there are no official state-wide mechanisms for reporting a reckless driver online, some municipalities allow it through their websites. For example, the Raleigh Police Department has a Report a Crime page on its site where citizens can share their concerns.

While submitting an online report is better than not reporting at all, contacting law enforcement through official channels gives the best chance that your concerns about reckless driving in North Carolina will be acted upon.

Get Help If You’re Hurt by a Reckless Driver

You can report reckless driving by calling 911 when you spot a motorist engaging in dangerous behaviors that put others at risk. If the driver’s activities aren’t creating an emergency, you can contact the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. When reporting, make sure you stay safe.

Reckless driving is illegal in North Carolina, punishable with fines and jail time. If a reckless driver causes an accident and you are injured, you can hold them accountable in civil court by hiring a lawyer in Raleigh. Our team can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Since 1974, Whitley Law Firm has stood up for the rights of injured accident victims. Let our family help yours. Call today for your free and confidential consultation and tell us what happened.