Reckless Driving in Virginia: What You Need to Know (And Why You Shouldn’t Face It Alone)

Let’s be real – if you’ve been charged with reckless driving in Virginia, you’re probably feeling a mix of confusion, frustration, and maybe even panic. You’re not alone.

Virginia takes reckless driving very seriously – it’s not just a traffic ticket. It’s a Class 1 misdemeanor, which means it’s considered a criminal offense, the same level as DUI and assault. A conviction can follow you for years, impacting everything from your license to your job.

At NOVADefenders, we’ve helped thousands of people just like you navigate the stress of these charges – and walk away with their record, license, and peace of mind intact. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Reckless Driving in Virginia?

Virginia law casts a wide net when it comes to reckless driving. There are more than a dozen ways you can be charged, but the most common fall into these categories:

1. Reckless Driving by Speed (§ 46.2-862)

• Driving 20+ mph over the speed limit
• Driving over 85 mph, no matter the posted limit

This means you could be going 86 in a 70 and end up with a criminal charge. Yes – really.

2. General Reckless Driving (§ 46.2-852)

Driving in a way that endangers “life, limb, or property,” even if you weren’t speeding. This could include:

• Swerving dangerously
• Tailgating
• Failing to yield or signal
• Passing on curves or in no-passing zones

What Are the Penalties for Reckless Driving in Virginia?

This isn’t just a traffic fine. Here’s what’s at stake:

• Up to 12 months in jail
• Fines up to $2,500
• 6 DMV points
• License suspension up to 6 months
• A permanent criminal record

And here’s the kicker: Insurance companies don’t take this lightly. One conviction can send your premiums through the roof – or lead to policy cancellation altogether.

But I Was Just Speeding – Isn’t That a Ticket?

That’s one of the most common misunderstandings we see. In Virginia, going 86 in a 70 is not “just speeding” – it’s reckless driving by speed, and it will show up on your criminal record unless handled correctly.

If you live out of state and got pulled over while passing through Virginia, this charge can still follow you home. We regularly represent out-of-state drivers and commercial drivers who never even realized how serious the offense was until it was too late.

How Can a Lawyer Help with a Reckless Driving Charge?

If you’re thinking about just “showing up and seeing what happens,” don’t.

A skilled reckless driving attorney can:

• Negotiate to reduce or dismiss charges
• Avoid a criminal conviction
• Prevent license suspension
• Possibly appear in court for you, so you don’t miss work or travel

At NOVADefenders, we dig into every detail of your case – from radar calibration to officer conduct to road conditions – to build a strategy that works for your specific situation.

And if you have a clean driving record or were clocked at borderline speeds (like 86 or 87 in a 70), you may have more options than you realize.

Can Reckless Driving Be Reduced to a Lesser Charge?

Absolutely. In many cases, we’ve been able to reduce reckless driving to:

• Improper driving (a traffic infraction, not a crime)
• Speeding
• Defective equipment

These reductions can save your record, lower your fine, and avoid DMV and insurance nightmares. But they don’t happen automatically – they require negotiation, advocacy, and the right approach.

What Should I Do if I’m Charged With Reckless Driving?

1. Don’t ignore it.

You can’t just pay a fine online and move on – because reckless driving isn’t payable online. You’ll need to appear in court or have a lawyer appear for you.

2. Get legal help early.

The sooner you talk to a lawyer, the more we can do – from advising on mitigation (like driving school or a speedometer calibration) to fighting for a better outcome.

3. Gather your documents.

If you have a clean driving record, proof of a calibration, or anything showing your good character, bring it to us. It may make a real difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’re Here to Help – No Judgment, Just Defense

We know good people make mistakes. Getting pulled over doesn’t make you a criminal – but how you handle it can make all the difference.

At NOVADefenders, we’ve helped thousands of drivers just like you beat reckless driving charges or walk away with drastically reduced penalties. Whether you’re local or from out of state, our experienced Virginia reckless driving lawyers are ready to fight for you.

📞 Call us today at 703.273.6431
📩 Or send us a message online