Most states carry laws that prohibit drivers from operating a vehicle in a way that shows a "reckless" or "willful" disregard for the safety of other people, including other drivers and pedestrians. In some states, the violation is called "reckless driving", while other states may use the terms "careless driving" or "dangerous driving" to describe the same violation. Some state traffic laws dictate that certain acts automatically qualify as "reckless driving", including:

• Driving 25 miles per hour (or more) over the posted speed limit
• Racing another vehicle
• Trying to elude a police officer
• On a two-lane highway, passing another vehicle when visibility of oncoming traffic is limited