Reckless Driving?

Question

Kimberly asked:  My questions: Is riding more than two abreast something you can be arrested for? Is it consider reckless or careless driving? (I guess I am wondering: Is impeding traffic because you are two apart reckless?) If you are a minor do they have the right to handcuff you and place you in a deputy’s car, search your bag and talk to the other minors? And not call your parent at any time. No ticket was given, and they did not identify themselves. After speaking with the Sheriff’s Department I was able to get the names of the deputies involved, but they would only tell me that it was reckless and impeding so it was up to them, but nothing more. This is on a road with no bike lane, no side walk, and approaching a narrow bridge. 

Answer

Reckless driving is a serious infraction.

s. 316.192 – Reckless Driving

(1)(a) Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (3), any person convicted of reckless driving shall be punished:

(a) Upon a first conviction, by imprisonment for a period of not more than 90 days or by fine of not less than $25 nor more than $500, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

Normally, unlawfully impeding traffic by riding abreast results in a civil citation.

s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations

(6) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway may not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Persons riding two abreast may not impede traffic when traveling at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing and shall ride within a single lane.

(19) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction ….

You should retain an attorney to determine if your actions warranted a reckless driving violation and the  actions taken by the officer in the absence of a parent were in order.