Traffic Violations and Their Penalties in Virginia
It is not surprising that reckless driving is a costly mistake. A single conviction in Virginia, for example, can cost up to $2,500 in fees, up to 12 months in jail and a loss of your driver’s license for six months. And the six points that goes on your driving record can jack up your insurance costs. These points apply to other traffic violations in Leesburg and the greater Northern Virginia area as well. And there are some that may surprise you.
Points against you
When you are convicted of a traffic violation, the DMV adds various points to your driving record for each violation. For each year your insurance company sees these points on your record, they can raise your rates. Here’s a look at common — and surprising — Virginia moving violations, their points and the years they remain on your driving record:
Six-point violations
- Reckless driving — speeding in excess of 80 mph (11 years)
- Reckless driving — speeding 20 mph or more above posted speed limit (11 years)
- Reckless driving — passing on the crest of a hill (11 years)
- Refusing a blood breath test (11 years)
- Driving while intoxicated (11 years)
Four-point violations
- Passing when unsafe (three years)
- Reckless driving — failure to stop at a highway entrance (11 years)
- Failure to yield to a funeral procession (three years)
- Following too closely (three years)
Three-point violations
- Improper turn (three years)
- Driving while using headphones (three years)
- Speeding one to nine miles above the posted speed limit (five years)
Avoiding penalties and points
In addition to various fines imposed upon these violations, if you have accumulated more than 18 points in 12 months or 24 points in 24 months, your license will be suspended. A Leesburg lawyer knowledgeable in Virginia criminal law can be a big help when facing a ticket for a traffic violation. He or she can assist you in presenting your case in court, which could be the difference between you losing your driver’s license and keeping it.
Contact an experienced attorney today
If you find yourself facing an unfair ticket for a moving violation, seek out skilled Leesburg traffic violation lawyer Caleb A. Kershner who can work to mitigate the penalties. Contact Caleb A. Kershner at Simm Showers LLP today.
Simms Showers LLP represents clients throughout Northern Virginia, including Leesburg, Sterling and the surrounding areas of Loudoun County as well as Arlington County, Clarke County, Frederick County, Fairfax County and Prince William County.