Reckless Driving Speed Raised in Virginia

Speeding in Virginia is usually charged as a traffic infraction. Traffic infractions in Virginia are punished with fines and DMV demerit points. Sometimes, though, speeding in Virginia can be charged as Reckless Driving, which is a crime. Many drivers frequently find themselves driving at speeds considered criminal. However, Virginia recently increased the minimum speed at which drivers can be charged with Reckless Driving.

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

Reckless Driving Speed Raised in Virginia

In July 2020, the Reckless Driving minimum speed was raised in Virginia (Va. Code §46.2-862). Previously, a driver could be charged with Reckless Driving for driving 80 miles-per-hour or more, or for driving 20 miles-per-hour or more over the speed limit. The new minimum speed for a Virginia Reckless Driving charge is 85 miles-per-hour. However, the other part of the statute was not changed, and a driver can still be charged with Reckless Driving for driving 20 miles-per-hour or more over the speed limit.

Penalty for Reckless Driving Charge in Virginia

Reckless Driving in Virginia is still a crime. It is 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 up to 6 months. The Virginia DMV will also automatically add 6 demerit points to a driver’s record if he or she is convicted of Reckless Driving.

Additionally, because it is a crime, a conviction will go on a driver’s permanent criminal record and can never be expunged.

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