Need Help With Your Traffic Ticket?

Get your FREE attorney consultation from Rosenblum Law.
888-883-5529
Call now for a free consultation
Home » New York » Traffic Tickets » Reckless Driving in New York » Reckless Driving While Underage

Reckless Driving While Underage

Trusted Content

Editorial Standards

Rosenblum Law is committed to delivering informative content of the highest quality. All content is subject to our rigorous editorial standards for relevance, accuracy, sourcing, and objectivity. Everything is fact-checked by an editor and reviewed for legal soundness by one of our practicing attorneys prior to being published.

Read our full editorial policy here

Written By 
Last updated 
June 11, 2021

Believe it or not, underage drivers caught driving without a license can also be cited for reckless driving in NY. While NY has not codified a law prohibiting this specific offense, an underage driver could end up with two separate tickets. Ordinarily, an underage driver ticket (VTL 509) is not so severe. However, when issued in tandem with a NY reckless driving ticket, major consequences emerge.

Underage Reckless Driving

Ordinarily, an underage driver pulled over for unlicensed operation can receive a fine of up to $300, an $93 surcharge, and potentially 15 days in jail (although jail is hardly imposed). This usually happens when an officer happens to notice that the driver behind the wheel looks remarkably young.

However, if the minor was found not only driving without a license but also in a way that was interfering with the safety of other motorists, he can be ticketed for reckless driving.

One might initially think that this additional ticket makes no difference. After all, a minor does not have a license for any points to go onto! Think again; points are not the only penalty out there.

Negative Consequences of Underage Reckless Driving

A hefty fine will be assigned (up to $300), the underage driver could end up with a criminal record (because reckless driving is a misdemeanor in NY), and his or her parents’ insurance can skyrocket.

Also, because reckless driving is a misdemeanor, the offense will be placed on the minor’s criminal record and will show up on background checks. This can make an entrance into college more difficult and even prevent him or her from getting employment.

Likewise, the underage driver caught reckless driving may even be put in jail for 30 days.

Think about it: $600 in fines alone (for both tickets), a criminal record, and an insurance hike are no laughing matters.

Not only that, but the minor will find it much harder to get his actual NY driver’s license when he reaches the legal age.

Remember, pleading guilty or representing yourself is simply not an option when so much is at risk. If you (or your underage child) are facing reckless driving charges, it is imperative that you hire an experienced reckless driving attorney to help present your case in the best possible light.

Author Bio

Adam H. Rosenblum

Founding Attorney Of Rosenblum Law

Adam H. Rosenblum is an experienced and skilled traffic violations and criminal defense attorney. Mr. Rosenblum provides expert and aggressive representation to those facing points on their drivers’ licenses and the associated fines and surcharges.

Read Full Bio

Free Consultation

Call us now for a quick, free, and no obligation consultation.
888-883-5529

Featured Experts

Kent Ng

NYPD (Ret.)
Read More

Mike Gheller

NYPD Officer
Read More

Travis Hall

NY State Police
Read More

News & Updates

Learn more about traffic tickets and criminal matters in New York and New Jersey.
When I Let a Driver Off With a Warning and Why

Every driver who gets pulled over hopes to avoid getting a traffic ticket. As police officers, we understand there is...

Learn More
NY DWI Crackdown in Effect Through Labor Day Weekend

Drivers looking to kick back and enjoy some beers this Labor Day weekend should be careful before getting behind the...

Learn More
What NOT to Do When Pulled Over by Police

Nearly everyone is pulled over by police at some point in their life. The flashing red-and-blue lights are hardwired into...

Learn More

We've Fought Over 50,000 Traffic Ticket Cases

Call us now for a quick, free, and no-obligation consultation.
888-883-5529
crosschevron-down Free Consult Call Now linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram