Speeding Tickets and DMV Points in Virginia

A speeding ticket in Virginia results in more than a fine. This post specifically focuses on speedings tickets and DMV points in Virginia.

Speeding Tickets in Virginia

Speeding tickets in Virginia are pre-payable offenses, which means the driver can pay the fine and avoid having to go to court. A speeding ticket is a traffic infraction and is punishable by a maximum fine of $250, but the pre-payable fine is based on the number of miles per hour over the speed limit the person was driving. There are also increased fines for speeding in certain areas in Virginia, including school zones, work zones, and residential areas.

Consequences of Speeding Tickets in Virginia

Some people are surprised that pre-paying Virginia speeding tickets will result in a guilty conviction. By pre-paying the fine, you are actually admitting guilt to the charge and you will have a conviction for speeding on your driving record for several years. Additionally, you will have to pay court costs, even if you don’t go to court.

But the conviction results in more than a fine, court costs, and conviction on your driving record.

Speeding Tickets and DMV Points in Virginia

A number of people who find themselves in traffic court for a Virginia speeding ticket (or pay their Virginia speeding tickets online) do not realize that a conviction for a Virginia speeding ticket will add demerit (negative) points to their driving records.

Virginia Speeding Ticket and DMV Points: 1-9 Miles Over the Speed Limit

A conviction for speeding 1-9 miles over the speed limit will add three negative points to your Virginia driving record.

Virginia Speeding Ticket and DMV Points: 10-19 Miles over the Speed Limit

A conviction for speeding 10-19 miles over the speed limit will add four negative points to your Virginia driving record.

Virginia Speeding Ticket and DMV Points: More than 20 Miles Over the Speed Limit

A conviction for speeding more than 20 miles per hour over the limit will add six negative points to your driving record.

This offense can be charged as speeding or Reckless Driving and will result in six negative points on your Virginia driving record.

Speeding is a traffic infraction in Virginia, but Reckless Driving is a crime and a conviction can never be expunged from your criminal record.

For more information on Reckless Driving by speed in Virginia, click here.

Speeding Tickets and DMV Points in Virginia: Juvenile Drivers

If you were under 18 at the time you received a ticket and are convicted of any offense resulting in DMV points in Virginia (including Speeding), you will be required to complete a Virginia driving improvement class, in addition to any other fines and penalties. If you do not complete the class within 90 days, the DMV will suspend your privilege to drive until the class is completed.

If you are convicted of 2 offenses resulting in DMV points that occurred before turning 18, the DMV will suspend your driver’s license for 90 days.

If you are convicted of 3 offenses resulting in DMV points that occurred before turning 18, the DMV will revoke your privilege to drive for one year or until you turn 18, whichever period is longer.

For more information on juveniles and speeding ticket convictions in Virginia, click here.

For more general information on juvenile traffic tickets in Virginia, click here.

Redeeming DMV Points After Virginia Speeding Ticket Conviction

It is possible to gain some of these negative DMV points back.  Every year of good driving will add one positive (or safe) point to your Virginia driving record. Additionally, completing a DMV-approved driver improvement course will add five positive points to your driving record.  However, a driver can only receive credit for this course once every two years.

For more information on DMV-approved driver improvement courses in Virginia, click here.

Speeding Ticket and DMV Points in Virginia: Rapid Point Accumulation

Accumulating too many demerit points on your Virginia driving record in a short period of time can result in driver’s license suspension.

If you receive 18 points within 12 months, or 24 points in 24 months, your privilege to drive in Virginia will be suspended for 90 days. You will also be required to complete a driver improvement clinic before you can get your license restored.

If you are caught driving on a suspended license, you will be charged with Driving on a Suspended License. This charge is a crime and is punished with fines, jail time, and further driver’s license suspension. A conviction for Driving on a Suspended License in Virginia will also add more demerit points to your Virginia driving record.

For more information on Driving on Suspended License charges in Virginia, click here.

 

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