Traffic Offenses

Virginia traffic offensesVirginia traffic offenses can be simple traffic infractions, punishable by fines, or crimes, punished with fines, jail, and driver’s license suspension.

Virginia Traffic Offenses: Infractions

Virginia traffic infractions are punished with fines.  Va. Code §46.2-100 states that all traffic infractions will be punished with a fine of up to $250, unless stated otherwise or classified as a crime.  Additionally, a conviction for a Virginia traffic infraction in Virginia can add points to your driver’s license, increase auto insurance rates, and potentially lead to driver’s license suspension.

Virginia Traffic Infractions and DMV Points

A conviction for most Virginia traffic infractions will be punished with DMV demerit points in addition to any court-ordered fine.  The DMV-not the court- will add points to the offender’s driving record.   These points remain on an offender’s driving record for years.  The amount of time the points remain on a driving record varies with the severity of the charge.

DMV points need to be taken seriously in Virginia.  The DMV will suspend a driver’s license in Virginia for rapid point accumulation in a short period of time.

Virginia Traffic Infractions and Driver’s License Suspension

Additionally, the penalty for certain Virginia traffic infractions could include suspension of your drivers license.  After being convicted of a crime resulting in drivers license suspension, one can apply for a restricted license.  However, not everyone will be eligible for a restricted license, the restriction is very limited, and any violation of the restriction will likely result in jail time.

Virginia Traffic Offenses: Crimes

Some offenses might appear to be traffic infractions, because they occurred in a vehicle or while driving, but they are actually crimes. punished with jail, fines, and driver’s license suspension.  These crimes include:

For more information on reckless driving in Virginia, click here.  For more information on DUI and DWI charges in Virginia, click here.  For more information on Driving Without a License in Virginia, click here.  For more information on Driving on a Suspended in Virginia, click here.  For more information on driving on a revoked license in Virginia, click here.  For more information on Hit and Run Charges in Virginia, click here.  For more information on eluding police in Virginia, click here.

Police officers in Virginia must follow certain statutory requirements in any traffic infraction case.  These requirements govern the interaction between the officer and the accused all the way up to a potential arrest.  It is important to consult a Virginia lawyer experienced with traffic infractions to ensure the police complied with all of these requirements.