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Charges

Drive furiously, recklessly, or at a speed or in a manner dangerous to the public

Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW) s 117(2)

What is the maximum penalty for drive recklessly or furiously in NSW?

Maximum penalty. 20 penalty units or imprisonment for 9 months or both for a first offence; 30 penalty units or imprisonment for 12 months or both for a second or subsequent offence, stated by the Judicial Commission as $2,200 and $3,300. Disqualification: s 117(2) is a major offence, so s 205(2)(d) applies to a first offence (automatic disqualification 3 years, minimum 12 months if the court orders a shorter period) and s 205(3)(d) where there is a previous major offence within 5 years (automatic disqualification 5 years, minimum 2 years).

A maximum is the ceiling the law sets for the worst category of case. It is not what a court is likely to impose, and it is not a prediction about any particular matter.

What the charge covers

This offence is committed by driving a motor vehicle on a road furiously, recklessly, or at a speed or in a manner dangerous to the public. It does not require anyone to be hurt; the driving itself is what is punished. In deciding whether the offence is made out the court must consider all the circumstances, including the nature, condition and use of the road, the amount of traffic reasonably expected on it, and any obstructions or hazards.

How it is dealt with

Summary, dealt with in the Local Court

Where these figures come from

Every figure on this page was taken from the legislation or the Judicial Commission of New South Wales, not from secondary summaries:

Legislation changes. Figures are general as at publication; confirm the current position with a lawyer.

This page is general information about NSW law, not legal advice about your matter. Whether a charge can be defended, and what a court is likely to do, depends on the evidence and the circumstances.

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