Virginia Reckless Driving Charges

Virginia reckless driving charges are CRIMES-not traffic infractions.  Virginia reckless driving charges are punished with jail, fines, driver’s license suspension or revocation, DMV demerit points, and possible enrollment in the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP).

Virginia Reckless Driving Charges

There are a number of different offenses that are considered reckless driving in Virginia, including:

Virginia Reckless Driving Charges Can be Punished with Jail Time

• General Reckless Driving (Va. Code §46.2-852)
• Reckless Driving by Speed (Va. Code §46.2-862)
• Driving Too Fast for Highway/Traffic Conditions (Va. Code §46.2-861)
• Failing to Maintain Proper Control/Faulty Brakes (Va. Code §46.2-853)
• Failure to Yield Right-of-Way (Va. Code §46.2-863)
• Reckless Driving on Parking Lot (Va. Code §46.2-864)
• Failure to Give Proper Signal (Va. Code §46.2-860)
• Passing a Stopped School Bus (Va. Code §46.1-859)
• Passing at a Railroad Crossing (Va. Code §46.2-858)
• Driving with Overloaded Vehicle/Obstructed View (Va. Code § 46.2-855)
• Driving Two Abreast in Single Lane (Va. Code §46.2-857)
• Passing Two Vehicles Abreast (Va. Code §46.2-856)
• Passing on or at Crest of Grade or Curve (Va. Code §46.2-854)
• Aggressive Driving (Va. Code §46.2-868.1)
• Racing (Va. Code §46.2-865)

Penalty for Virginia Reckless Driving Charges

Virginia Reckless Driving  Charges are generally Class 1 misdemeanors. Virginia reckless driving charges are punished with:

• up to 12 months in jail
• a fine up to $2,500 (with a mandatory minimum fine if the driver was texting while driving)
• mandatory court costs if convicted
• driver’s license suspension up to 6 months
• DMV demerit points
• possible enrollment in and completion of the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP)

Perhaps most importantly, a conviction for any reckless driving charge in Virginia will result in a permanent criminal record that cannot be expunged.

Can Virginia Reckless Driving Charges be Felonies?

Virginia reckless driving charges can be felonies in certain circumstances.  If the driver’s license was suspended or revoked because of a moving violation and his reckless driving caused the death of another person, he will be charged with a Class 6 felony.  Felony reckless driving is punished with up to 5 years in prison, a fine up to $2500, driver’s license revocation for one year, DMV demerit points, and possible enrollment in the Virginia ASAP program.  For more information on felony Virginia reckless driving charges, click here.

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