Change in Reckless Driving Law in Virginia

Many laws in Virginia have recently changed in 2020, including the Reckless Driving law. While it is still a crime, the minimum speed at which a driver can be charged with Reckless Driving in Virginia has increased. For information on the change in Reckless Driving law in Virginia, read the post below.

The Change in Reckless Driving Law in Virginia Relates to Speed Limits

What is Reckless Driving in Virginia?

Reckless Driving can be charged for a variety of behaviors in Virginia, but this post specifically discusses Reckless Driving by Speed.

Reckless Driving is usually charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is punished with up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $2,500, and possible driver’s license suspension. There can be an additional, mandatory minimum fine if the driver was also violating the law relating to use of handheld devices while driving. The DMV will also automatically add 6 demerit points to a person’s Virginia driving record after a Reckless Driving conviction in Virginia.

Change in Reckless Driving Law in Virginia

In July 2020 the Reckless Driving law (Va. Code §46.2-862) changed the speed at which a driver can be charged with Reckless Driving. The new law states that driving more than 85 miles-per-hour over the speed limit can be charged as Reckless Driving. Keep in mind, though, that a driver can also be charged with Reckless Driving for driving more than 20 miles-per-hour over the speed limit. This part of the law has not changed.

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