Virginia Reckless Driving Is a Criminal Conviction

Most people do not realize that all 14 types of reckless driving in Virginia are criminal charges, not traffic tickets. Reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor, just like DUI, assault, possession of marijuana, and petty larceny. In Virginia, criminal convictions are never erased or expunged from a person's record, they are permanent.

Virginia Reckless Driving Can Result in Jail Time

Reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia. Reckless driving can result in up to 12 months of jail time.

Do People Really Go to Jail for Reckless Driving in Virignia?

Yes they do! Drivers convicted of reckless driving often go to jail. You are more likely to go to jail for reckless driving if any of the following applies to you:

• Driving 90 mph or faster,
• Driving more than 35 mph over the speed limit,
• Have prior convictions for reckless driving,
• Have a bad driving record,
• Caused an accident or injuries,
• Endangered others,
• Were rude or belligerent to the officer,
• Were charged with other offenses as well (i.e. Driving on a Suspended License, eluding or DUI), or
• Are on probation or parole.

License Suspension for Reckless Driving

The court may suspend a driver's license for up to six months if the driver is convicted of most types of reckless driving. If you are convicted of reckless driving for racing then the license suspension is 6 months to 2 years.

Do Judges Really Suspend Licenses for Reckless Driving?

Yes! In Fairfax County, judges suspended people's license for reckless driving on a daily basis. You are more likely to receive a reckless driving license suspension if you:

• Were driving 80 mph or faster,
• Were driving more than 25 mph over the speed limit,
• Have prior convictions for reckless driving,
• Have a bad driving record,
• Caused an accident or injuries,
• Endangered others,
• Were rude or belligerent to the officer,
• Were charged with other offenses as well (i.e. Driving on a Suspended License, eluding or DUI), or
• Are on DMV probation.

To learn more about license suspensions in Virginia and restricted license click here.

Virginia Reckless Driving Fines and Court Costs

A driver convicted of reckless driving may have to pay as much as $2,500 in fines plus extra insurance premiums, $62 in court fees ($150 extra in Circuit Court), $225 in restricted license fees, and $175 in license reinstatement fees. (These dollar amounts change frequently and the amounts quoted in this website should be used as approximations only.)

Reckless Driving in a Highway Safety Corridor

Reckless driving fines are doubled (up to $5,000) if the reckless driving occurred in a Highway Safety Corridor.

Reckless Driving Effect on Increased Insurance Premiums

A single reckless driving conviction can dramatically increase your insurance rates for three to five years. The increase in auto insurance premiums over the next 3-5 years sometimes costs more than the attorney fees, fines, and court costs combined.

Reckless Driving Can Affect Security Clearance and Professional Licensing

A reckless driving conviction may prevent a law student from practicing law, disqualify a person for military service, jeopardize security clearance, and make finding a job harder.

You Can Be Deported For Reckless Driving

Undocumented aliens who are jailed for reckless driving will usually be turned over to ICE custody and deported. Documented aliens in the United States on Temporary Protective Status (TPS) will lose their TPS status if they receive two criminal convictions (including a conviction for reckless driving).

Reckless Driving Can Affect Your Job

Reckless driving charges can blacklist a driver from many jobs that require employees to drive because of the extreme cost of insuring those people. Truck drivers, in-house nurse's assistants, delivery men, and construction laborers may have a particularly hard time getting or keeping a job after a reckless driving conviction.

6 Demerit Points for Reckless Driving in Virginia

Any conviction for Virginia reckless driving comes with 6 demerit points. This can lead to the DMV suspending their licenses for excessive demerit points in addition to court's punishments. To learn more about the DMV demerit points system click here.

Anyone charged with reckless driving or any traffic violation should get a copy of their DMV record, find out their point balance and get a free consultation from one of our reckless driving attorneys to see whether the DMV may restrict their privilege to drive.

Law Suits and Civil Liability

If your reckless driving case involves an accident or injuries your criminal case could increase the likelihood of you being sued. If you are found guilty of driving recklessly as part of an accident, suing you may become much cheaper, easier, and less risky for the other party.

If there is any possibility of a law suit, contact one of our reckless driving attorneys immediately.

Reckless Driving May Violate Your Probation, Parole, or Bond

Because reckless driving is a criminal charge, getting convicted of reckless driving may violate the terms of your probation, parole or bail bond.

You may be at risk of a probation violation if you:

• Are on active probation for any criminal offense,
• Have been convicted of any crime in the last two years, or
• Have a pending criminal case.