Virginia takes traffic violations very seriously. If you were charged with reckless driving, you will likely face severe life-altering consequences. Reach out to James A. Bullard Jr. P.C. today to obtain a dedicated Virginia criminal defense attorney on your side.
What is reckless driving in Virginia?
In the state of Virginia, reckless driving is defined as”the act of operating a motor vehicle in a way that risks the lives or properties of others and yourself.” An individual can be cited for driving recklessly for various unsafe driving conditions including both willful actions and negligent driving. If you were charged with a reckless driving ticket, you will likely face harsh consequences.
What are the fines and penalties for reckless driving?
The driver’s specific reckless driving incident can determine what fine or penalty they receive. In most cases, repeated offenses or other evidence of poor driving history can increase the severity of the penalty. Because the most stringent penalties are not always enforced, it is important to retain the services of a skilled Virginia criminal defense attorney to help you reduce the charges. Some of the most severe reckless driving penalties include:
- Possible fines of up to $2,500
- A 6-Point violation cited on your driver’s license
- License suspension for up to 6 months (for residents of VA)
- Driving suspension in Virginia for up to 6 months (for out-of-state drivers)
What are some examples of reckless driving?
There are many instances of reckless driving and is usually determined by whether or not it is dangerous to life and property. In addition to driving over 80 mph or 20 mph above the speed limit, below are some additional examples of driving recklessly in Virginia:
- Racing: Racing on any road is against the law. This includes driveways, churches, schools, and recreational or business property. Any racing convictions will result in a driver’s license suspension of 6 months to 2 years.
- Improper Passing: Virginia law has very specific situations where improper passing is considered reckless driving. The only exception is if when permitted by traffic lights or a traffic officer.
- Stopped School Bus: Any school bus that is stopped to discharge passengers, whether carrying students or handicapped adults, cannot be passed. A driver may also not pass an emergency vehicle that is using its lights or signals. Instead, they must safely pull over to the shoulder of the road.
- Faulty brakes: Driving with faulty brakes on any road is considered driving recklessly in Virginia.
- Overloading your vehicle in a way that blocks your vision or ability to control your vehicle.
- Failure to properly signal or failing to yield to a vehicle that has the right of way.
- Driving alongside another vehicle is reckless. However, this does not apply to parades or mopeds, bicycles, and personal mobility devices.
Contact Our Firm
If you live in Virginia and have been charged with a crime, the time to speak with an experienced Richmond criminal defense attorney is now. Led by Attorney James A. Bullard Jr., our firm has fought on behalf of clients facing serious legal penalties for decades. We handle various criminal and traffic cases, including reckless driving tickets, DUIs, violent crimes, drug crimes, and so much more. Contact James A. Bullard Jr. P.C. today so we can begin formulating a comprehensive defense on your behalf.
