Virginia Increases Reckless Driving Threshold

Virginia increases Reckless Driving Threshold-Reckless Driving can be charged in Virginia for a variety of driving behaviors, but the most common Reckless Driving charges involve driving at high speeds. Many drivers in Virginia are surprised to learn the speeds which would be considered Reckless Driving. However, Virginia recently increased the minimum speed to charge a driver with Reckless Driving.

Virginia Increases Reckless Driving Threshold

Virginia Increases Reckless Driving Threshold to 85 Miles-per-Hour

Virginia raised the threshold speed at which drivers can be charged with Reckless Driving. Previously, a driver could be charged with Reckless Driving in Virginia if he or she drove over 80 miles-per-hour, regardless of the speed limit, or more than 20 miles-per-hour over the speed limit. Virginia increased the minimum speed for a Reckless Driving charge to 85 miles-per-hour. However, the other part of the law remains unchanged, and a driver can still be charged with Reckless Driving for driving more than 20 miles-per-hour over the speed limit.

Penalty for Reckless Driving in Virginia

Reckless Driving in Virginia (Va. Code §46.2-862) is still a crime. 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 up to 6 months. The DMV will also add 6 demerit points to a driver’s record after a Reckless Driving conviction in Virginia. These points will remain on the person’s driving record for 11 years, but will remain on his criminal record permanently (unless the driver is able to obtain an expungement).

For more information on expunging criminal charges in Virginia, click here.

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