The maximum traffic ticket fine in Virginia is $250 for most traffic tickets. If the traffic ticket occurs in a Highway Safety Corridor, the maximum fines doubles to $500. Improper Driving, HOV 2nd and 3rd convictions, and a few other traffic tickets have higher fines.
All of these dollar amounts change regularly and should not be used as exact figures. Their purpose is to estimate possible amounts.
If you are found guilty of two or more traffic tickets within 12 months, there is a possibility that the DMV may take away or restrict your privilege to drive. Before you go to traffic court and before you prepay a fine, always make sure to know whether the DMV may take away your license.
Learn more about the Virginia Traffic Ticket Demerit Point System.
A Virginia traffic ticket can negatively affect your auto insurance premiums under the following circumstances:
When insurance rates are raised, they usually remain high for either three or five years. That means that if your insurance goes up $300 a year, you are looking at either $900 or $1200 in extra insurance premiums over the next three or five years.
The first thing you should find out when you receive a traffic ticket from the police is whether you are charged with a criminal offense. Criminal traffic offenses go on both your criminal record and your driving record.
Here is a list of common traffic tickets that are also criminal charges:
Virginia drivers who want to increase their point balance can take a voluntary Virginia Driver Improvement course once every two years. If you would like to learn more about these courses click here. If you have a pending traffic violation, consult a local Virginia traffic attorney before taking any classes.
If you have a Virginia driver's license, your conviction will stay on your driving record for 3 to 11 years, depending on the offense. Taking a driver improvement class will not remove an offense from your record.
Any time a traffic ticket stems from an accident in Virginia, there is the possibility that a conviction may result in a lawsuit. Pleading guilty, pleading "no contest" or prepaying a traffic ticket can be used against you in a related lawsuit.
If you are ticketed or charged with a crime after an accident, consult a traffic attorney immediately and discuss the possibility of civil liability.