A speeding ticket in Virginia can be more than just a fine. In some cases, it could land you in court, cost you thousands, or even put points on your license that follow you for years. Let’s break it all down. Here’s what you need to know and what you can do to protect yourself.
What’s the Real Cost of a Speeding Ticket?
Virginia is one of the strictest states when it comes to traffic enforcement. When you get a ticket, you could be facing:
- Fines ranging from $6–$30 per mph over the limit
- Court costs of over $70
- Increased insurance rates (sometimes for years)
- Points on your driving record
- License suspension (for serious violations)
- Jail time if you’re charged with reckless driving
“Do I Need a Lawyer for This?”
Paying a ticket is often the most expensive thing you can do because you’re also accepting guilt, points, and higher insurance rates without a fight.
An experienced legal team can:
- Reduce or dismiss your charge.
- Keep points off your record.
- Save you from long-term insurance hikes.
- In some cases, even go to court for you.
You don’t have to navigate this process alone. While many people assume legal help is unnecessary for a traffic matter, the reality is quite different. In many cases, securing legal representation is more cost-effective than facing the long-term consequences of handling it on your own.
Virginia’s Point System
Every moving violation in Virginia carries a specific point value that stays on your record for two years (though the offense itself stays for longer).
Here’s how it works:
- 3 points: Speeding 1–9 mph over limit
- 4 points: Speeding 10–19 mph over
- 6 points: 20+ mph over (or reckless driving)
Accumulating too many demerit points on your driving record can lead to serious consequences, including license suspension or mandatory enrollment in a driver improvement clinic, as required by the Virginia DMV.
Important to Know: Even seemingly minor violations can add up over time. Just a few citations can impact your employment, raise your insurance premiums, and ultimately jeopardize your legal ability to drive.
What If You’re Charged With Reckless Driving?
Virginia law is clear on speeding. Driving over 85 mph, or 20 mph above the posted limit, can lead to a reckless driving charge. This isn’t just a traffic ticket. It’s a Class 1 misdemeanor.
That means:
- Possible jail time
- A criminal record
- Fines up to $2,500
- Six demerit points on your license
- Potential license suspension
But with the right defense, many drivers have had their charges reduced, or dismissed entirely.
How to Respond to a Speeding Ticket in Virginia
Step 1: Read the ticket carefully
Look for the code section you’re charged with (it tells you if it’s a traffic infraction or a misdemeanor).
Step 2: Don’t ignore it
Failing to appear in court or pay the fine can result in license suspension or worse.
Step 3: Consider your options
You can pay the fine, request a court date, or work with a legal team to build a defense.
Step 4: Weigh the long-term cost
Even if the fine seems small now, insurance increases and point penalties add up quickly.
Can You Get a Ticket Dismissed?
Yes, it’s possible, especially if:
- It’s your first offense.
- You have a clean driving record.
- The officer doesn’t show up to court.
- You were clocked with questionable radar calibration.
- You take a driver improvement course.
Your best shot at dismissal or reduction? A defense strategy tailored to your situation, and someone who knows how to present it to the court.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let a Ticket Follow You for Years
A speeding ticket in Virginia might seem minor, but the consequences can linger. The sooner you understand your options, the better your outcome.
Schedule a free consultation with Williams DeLoatche, P.C. today at (757) 547-5555. We’ll help you understand your rights, your options, and your best path forward—without pressure or confusion.