Increase in Virginia Reckless Driving Speed

Speeding in Virginia is usually a traffic infraction, punished with a fine and DMV demerit points. Sometimes, though, speeding in Virginia can be a crime. If a driver in Virginia is driving at certain high speeds, he or she can be charged with Reckless Driving, which is a crime. This is a very common charge, and many drivers find themselves driving at speeds considered criminal without even knowing it. However, Virginia recently increased the minimum speed at which drivers can be charged with Reckless Driving. For more information on the increase in Virginia Reckless Driving speed, read the post below.

Increase in Virginia Reckless Driving Speed to 85 Miles-per-Hour

Increase in Virginia Reckless Driving Speed

In July 2020, Virginia increased the minimum speed for Reckless Driving (Va. Code §46.2-862). Previously, a driver in Virginia could be charged with Reckless Driving for driving 80 miles-per-hour, or for driving 20 miles-per-hour or more over the speed limit. Now, the minimum speed for a Reckless Driving charge in Virginia is 85 miles-per-hour. A driver can, however, still be charged with Reckless Driving for driving 20 miles-per-hour or more over the speed limit.

Penalty for Virginia Reckless Driving Charge

Even though the minimum speed increased, Reckless Driving is still a crime in Virginia. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punished with up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $2,500, and driver’s license suspension for up to 6 months. The Virginia DMV will also add 6 demerit points to a driver’s record after a Reckless Driving conviction.

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