Virginia Raises Reckless Driving Threshold

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

Reckless Driving (which is a crime in Virginia) 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 speed which would be considered Reckless Driving.

Virginia Raises Reckless Driving Threshold

In July 2020, 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 for driving 80 miles-per-hour or more, or for driving 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, but the other part of the law remains the same, meaning that 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 in Virginia

Reckless Driving in Virginia (Va. Code §46.2-862) is a Class 1 misdemeanor. It is punished with up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $2,500, and driver’s license suspension up to 6 months. The Virginia DMV will also add 6 demerit points to a driver’s record after a Reckless Driving conviction. The conviction will remain on the person’s driving record for 11 years, but will remain on his or her criminal record permanently (unless the driver can get the conviction expunged).

Click here for more information on expunging criminal offenses in Virginia.

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