Threshold for Reckless Driving in Virginia Raised

Threshold for Reckless Driving in Virginia Raised to 85 Miles-per-Hour

In Virginia, speeding is usually a traffic infraction and is punished with a fine, court costs, and the Virginia DMV will automatically add demerit points to a driver’s record after a conviction (whether the driver pre-pays the ticket or is convicted in court). However, speeding in Virginia can sometimes be charged as a crime if it is charged as Reckless Driving under Va. Code §46.2-862. Many people driving in-and though-Virginia frequently drive at speeds considered criminal and don’t even realize it, nor do they realize that the “ticket” they receive is not even a ticket, but a criminal charge. However, the threshold for Reckless Driving in Virginia raised in July 2020, which hopefully will eliminate some confusion for Virginia drivers.

Threshold for Reckless Driving in Virginia Raised

The threshold for Reckless Driving in Virginia raised to 85 miles-per-hour or more. However, the other part of the statute remains unchanged, and a driver can also 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

A Virginia Reckless Driving charge is a Class 1 misdemeanor. It is punished with jail time, a fine, court costs, and driver’s license suspension. The Virginia DMV will also automatically add 6 demerit points to a driver’s record.

A conviction for Reckless Driving in Virginia will remain on a driver’s criminal record permanently.

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