State v. Amurri and Washington Reckless Driving Law

The Washington Court of Appeals ruling in State v. Amurri clarified how courts evaluate reckless driving charges when speeding is the only evidence. This case remains a key example of how courts interpret RCW 46.61.500, the statute governing reckless driving in Washington.

Case Background

In State v. Amurri, 51 Wash. App. 262 (1988), the defendant was cited for reckless driving after traveling 85 mph in a 50 mph zone. Prosecutors argued that the speed alone was sufficient to convict. However, the defense maintained that speed without additional unsafe behavior does not meet the threshold for criminal recklessness.

Washington’s Legal Standard for Reckless Driving

Under RCW 46.61.500, reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle with “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” The Court of Appeals, in State v. Amurri, explained that speeding, while unlawful, is not automatically reckless without other aggravating factors.

Factors the court considers include:

Weather and road conditions
Presence of pedestrians or other vehicles
Sudden lane changes or swerving
Time of day and traffic density

Because there was no evidence of endangerment beyond speed, Amurri’s conviction was reversed.

How This Decision Affects Drivers

This ruling doesn’t mean that speeding is harmless—it means that prosecutors must prove a greater risk than just a high number on a radar gun. If you’re facing charges for reckless driving, State v. Amurri may support a defense argument when speed is the sole basis of the charge.

For more on how Washington handles reckless driving cases, see our article on Washington Reckless Driving Defense.

Summary of Key Takeaways

While excessive speed may be dangerous, State v. Amurri makes it clear that context matters. Courts must look beyond speed to assess recklessness. This case is frequently cited in Washington traffic court and remains a valuable precedent.

For more details, read the full case of State v. Amurri.

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