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Reckless Driving

Reckless Driving in Virginia

Excessive speed, moving violations, and a host of other traffic violations can result in a ticket for reckless driving in Virginia. And that can lead to fines, points on your driving record, license suspension, increased insurance costs, and possibly even jail time.

If you have a commercial drivers license—if you're a truck driver, delivery driver, taxi driver, or limo driver—that ticket will show up on your driving record and you could lose your license and your job.

If a ticket for reckless driving will have serious implications for you, it's a good investment to hire a Newport News reckless driving lawyer. It can save you money in the long run. Contact the law office of John J. Rice; I've helped thousands of people with their traffic violations problems.

What Is Reckless Driving?

In Virginia, reckless driving is defined as "operating a motor vehicle at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person" and includes speeding and a number of moving violations, such as:

Speeding in excess of 80 mph

Speeding 20 mph or more above the speed limit of 30 mph

Racing on a highway

Driving too fast for conditions

Driving two vehicles abreast

Following too closely

Having faulty brakes

Losing control of your car

Driving with an obstructed view

Improper or erratic lane change

Changing lanes without signaling

Passing or failure to yield to an emergency vehicle (ambulance, fire truck, police car)

Passing a school bus with its blinkers on

Passing on the crest of a hill

Passing at a railroad crossing

Passing two vehicles abreast

It's not uncommon for people to get cited for reckless driving if they are involved in a single car accident of any kind. You can be cited for reckless driving for sliding off the road in a snowstorm, or getting stuck on a median in a rainstorm. Squealing tires can also get you a citation for reckless driving.

Drivers License Point System

Like many states, Virginia operates on a point system. Your drivers license can be suspended (and your insurance rate increased), if you accumulate too many points (18 points in one year or 24 points over 2 years)

Speeding 20 mph above the limit

Reckless driving-6 points

Racing on the highway

Improper driving

6 pts
6 pts
6 pts
3 pts

Fines and Drivers License Suspension

The fine for reckless driving is up to $2,500 and you may face suspension of your drivers license, from 10 days up to 6 months. You may also be ordered to complete a driver improvement clinic. Traffic school is a good option for many people. If you qualify, you can remove 5 safe driver points from your point total.

Commercial Drivers

Your commercial drivers license can be suspended or revoked if you have 2 or more serious traffic violations within a 3 year period. Traffic school is not an option for commercial drivers. So it is particularly important that you consult an experienced Newport News reckless driving lawyer. I may be able to help you minimize the negative consequences of getting a ticket for a moving violation.

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