Driving Offenses in Southern California: Suspended License, Reckless Driving & Hit-and-Run

Introduction

Southern California is infamous for its traffic congestion, aggressive driving, and dense population—all of which make traffic enforcement a major priority for local law enforcement. If you’ve been arrested or cited for a driving-related offense in Los Angeles, Orange County, or any surrounding jurisdiction, the consequences can extend far beyond a ticket or fine. You may be facing jail time, license suspension, probation, and a permanent criminal record.

At Power Trial Lawyers, we represent clients throughout Southern California, including San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, and Kern Counties, who are accused of criminal driving offenses such as driving on a suspended license, reckless driving, and hit-and-run. This comprehensive guide breaks down the legal elements of each offense, the penalties, how these charges differ from DUIs, and the strongest legal defenses available.

I. Driving on a Suspended License (California Vehicle Code §14603)

What It Means

Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a criminal misdemeanor in California. Prosecutors must prove:

1. Your California driver’s license was suspended or revoked.
2. You were aware of the suspension.
3. You operated a vehicle on a public road.

Many suspensions arise from prior DUI convictions, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or accumulating too many DMV points.

Types of Suspensions

• VC §14603.1: Suspension for failure to appear or failure to pay a fine
• VC §14603.2: DUI-related license suspensions
• VC §14603.3: Negligent operator suspension (too many points)

Criminal Penalties

• First Offense: Up to 6 months in county jail and a $1,000 fine
• Repeat Offenders: Mandatory minimum jail and vehicle impoundment
• Collateral Consequences: Extended license suspension, SR-22 requirement, increased insurance premiums

Legal Defenses

• You were unaware your license was suspended
• Suspension was issued in error
• You had a restricted license or were legally permitted to drive
• Emergency or necessity justified driving

Local Enforcement Notes

In Los Angeles County, prosecutors often pursue these cases aggressively if the suspension is DUI-related. In Orange County, courts like Santa Ana and Fullerton expect full compliance with reinstatement protocols before negotiation.

II. Reckless Driving (Vehicle Code §23103)

What Constitutes Reckless Driving?

Reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property. Unlike a simple speeding ticket, reckless driving is a misdemeanor criminal charge.

Common Allegations

• Street racing
• Excessive speeding combined with unsafe lane changes
• Tailgating or aggressive maneuvers in traffic

Legal Penalties

• Misdemeanor: Up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, and 2 points on your DMV record
• With Bodily Injury: Upgraded to a felony punishable by up to 3 years in state prison

Defense Tactics

• Demonstrating lack of willful intent
• Establishing the driving behavior was merely negligent, not reckless
• Contesting officer’s subjective observations
• Use of dash cam or GPS data to reconstruct events

County-Specific Trends

Orange County is particularly strict on reckless driving along Pacific Coast Highway, I-5, and Irvine Blvd. Los Angeles prosecutes high-speed freeway incidents as reckless driving more routinely than infractions.

III. Hit-and-Run (VC §20002 and VC §20001)

Key Legal Distinctions

California has two primary hit-and-run laws:

• VC §20002: Hit-and-run involving property damage only (misdemeanor)
• VC §20001: Hit-and-run involving injury or death (felony)

What the Law Requires

Drivers must:

1. Immediately stop at the scene of an accident.
2. Provide identifying information to the other party or authorities.
3. Render reasonable assistance to anyone injured.

Failing to comply with these duties, even if the accident wasn’t your fault, can lead to criminal prosecution.

Penalties

• Misdemeanor VC §20002: Up to 6 months in jail and $1,000 fine
• Felony VC §20001: Up to 4 years in state prison and $10,000 fine

Legal Defenses

• You were unaware of the collision
• You were not driving the vehicle
• You tried to stop but feared for your safety
• You were misidentified through a flawed investigation

Case Example:

In a recent Los Angeles case, an individual was accused of felony hit-and-run. Through vehicle forensics, alibi witnesses, and surveillance analysis, it was proven that he was not the driver. Charges were dropped before preliminary hearing.

IV. How These Offenses Differ From DUI

While DUI (VC §23152) is a common vehicle offense, suspended license, reckless driving, and hit-and-run charges often:

• Don’t involve chemical tests
• May lack clear evidence unless captured on video or witnessed
• Involve higher discretion from law enforcement and prosecutors

That said, these charges can trigger DMV actions and significantly affect your driving record. They may also impact professional licenses and immigration status.

V. DMV Ramifications and the Negligent Operator System

The Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) monitors point accumulation. The following may result from convictions:

• 2 points: For reckless driving and hit-and-run
• Automatic re-suspension: For driving on a suspended license
• License revocation hearings: If you accumulate 4 points in 12 months, 6 in 24 months, or 8 in 36 months

DMV Hearings

These are administrative proceedings where legal counsel can make a difference. We appear with clients to:

• Contest point violations
• Request restricted licenses
• Challenge suspensions due to medical or competency issues

VI. County-by-County Overview

Los Angeles County

• Strong emphasis on diversion for first-time offenders
• High reliance on video footage and law enforcement reports

Orange County

• Conservative judges often impose probation and mandatory traffic school
• Prosecution of hit-and-run is stringent, especially in Anaheim, Irvine, and Huntington Beach

Riverside & San Bernardino Counties

• Less likely to reduce hit-and-run charges to infractions
• Focus on restitution and repeat offender penalties

San Diego County

• Efficient but rigid process
• Little room for pretrial diversion without strategic intervention

Ventura & Kern Counties

• Strict plea policies
• Less willing to negotiate without courtroom leverage

VII. Why Hire Power Trial Lawyers

We don’t simply negotiate traffic charges—we analyze every fact, scrutinize every video, and force the government to meet its burden. Our attorneys:

• Defend suspended license, reckless driving, and hit-and-run cases daily
• Appear in traffic courts and criminal courtrooms across all Southern California counties
• Have achieved dismissals, charge reductions, and acquittals

Call Now for a Strategic Consultation

If you’re charged with a driving crime, don’t try to handle it alone. These cases can escalate quickly, and your license, job, and record are all on the line.

Power Trial Lawyers represents clients in:

• Los Angeles County
• Orange County
• San Diego
• Riverside & San Bernardino
• Ventura & Kern Counties

Call now to schedule your confidential consultation. We answer 24/7.