CA SB1198

Authorizes courts to suspend driving privileges for reckless driving convictions: up to 60 days for a first offense, 30 days to 6 months for a second offense, and 90 days to one year (mandatory) for third or subsequent offenses.

Allows peace officers to seize and impound vehicles used in reckless driving for up to 30 days, or 60-90 days if the driver has a prior reckless driving conviction within the previous 3 years.

Requires impounding agencies to release vehicles early if charges are dismissed, the vehicle was stolen, the driver was unauthorized, or the owner was unaware of the reckless driving, with no towing or storage fees charged when charges are dismissed.

Limits registered owners to using the "unaware of reckless driving" defense to obtain early vehicle release up to 3 times; a 4th or subsequent arrest involving the same driver and vehicle disqualifies this exception.

Requires unauthorized drivers convicted of reckless driving to reimburse registered owners for towing, storage, and administrative fees incurred during impoundment.