Reckless Driving Attorney in Pennsylvania. Reckless driving under 75 Pa.C.S. §3736 is not a traffic ticket — it is a summary criminal offense. A conviction puts a criminal record on your permanent history, adds six points to your driving record, and can trigger license suspension. Attorney Sean Quinlan defends §3736 reckless driving charges across central Pennsylvania. Call (717) 724-7503 | Schedule a consultation Title 75 Pa.C.S. §3736 — Reckless Driving. Section 3736 is found in Chapter 37 (Miscellaneous Provisions) of the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code. It prohibits operating a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. The willful or wanton standard is higher than the negligence standard for careless driving under §3714 — but unlike a speeding ticket, it is a criminal charge. Points, fines, suspension, and incarceration under §3736. Points: 6 points — the highest single-offense point value in Title 75 for a non-suspension offense. Fines: First offense: up to $200. Subsequent offense: up to $1,000. Fines do not include court costs, which can add $100-$200 or more. License suspension: PennDOT has discretionary authority under §1532 to impose additional suspension. A first §3736 conviction combined with prior point accumulation can push a driver past the 11-point automatic suspension threshold. Incarceration: Section 3736 is a summary offense — no mandatory jail on a first conviction. However, reckless driving charges arising from accidents resulting in injury are frequently elevated to misdemeanor or felony charges under §3732 (homicide by vehicle) or §3742 (leaving the scene). Criminal record: A §3736 conviction is a summary criminal offense. It appears on Pennsylvania criminal history records accessible through JNET and the State Police repository — relevant for professional licenses, employment background checks, and immigration status. How we defend §3736 reckless driving. Reduction to §3714 careless driving: We frequently negotiate §3736 charges down to careless driving — no criminal record, 3 points instead of 6, substantially lower fine. This is the most common and most effective resolution for first-time defendants. Factual contest: We challenge the officer's characterization of the driving conduct and argue the behavior does not meet the willful or wanton legal threshold. Summary appeal: If the MDJ convicts, a de novo appeal to Common Pleas gives you a fresh hearing. Counties we serve. Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Perry, and York County. Frequently asked questions. Is reckless driving a criminal offense in Pennsylvania? Yes. Section 3736 is a summary criminal offense. A conviction appears on your Pennsylvania criminal history — not just your driving record. What is the difference between §3736 reckless driving and §3714 careless driving? Careless driving requires only negligent operation. Reckless driving requires willful or wanton disregard. Careless driving carries 3 points and no criminal record. We routinely negotiate reckless charges down to careless for first-time defendants. Can reckless driving affect my CDL? Yes. Federal regulations under 49 C.F.R. §383.51 list reckless driving as a serious traffic violation. Two serious violations within three years trigger a 60-day CDL disqualification. The sooner we talk, the more we can do. Call (717) 724-7503 | Schedule a consultation Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This site does not create an attorney-client relationship.