Your Comprehensive Guide to Virginia Traffic Laws

• Reckless driving: Driving a vehicle at a speed that may endanger another’s life, limb, or property is regarded as reckless, regardless of the speed limit. Driving recklessly is punishable by a fine of up to $2,500, a year in jail, and four demerit points being added to your record.
• Speeding: Virginia posts the maximum speed limits on its roads. Generally, drivers who fail to obey traffic control devices and exceed the maximum speed limit on a highway sign by ten miles or by ten miles plus two miles are ticketed for being in violation with eh state’s speeding laws . The crime is a Class 1 misdemeanor that results in a maximum penalty of one year in jail, a fine of $2,500, and a license suspension of six months.
• Failure to yield right of way: When it comes to road safety, yielding means giving way to other road users. There are several situations in which drivers must stop and yield, including turning left or joining a public highway from a private one. Also, drivers are required to yield to armed forces, funeral processions, and emergency vehicles. Virginia considers failure to yield right of way to be reckless driving. The penalties for this Class 1 misdemeanor include jail time of up to 12 months, maximum fines of $2,500, driver’s license suspension, DMV demerit points, and possibly enrollment in Virginia immediately.
• Aggressive driving: The act of aggressive driving involves operating a vehicle in a manner that intimidates, harasses, or injures another person. This offense can result in incarceration for up to six months and a fine of up to $1,000.
• Hit-and-run: Virginia’s traffic laws criminalize leaving the scene of an accident without reporting it and without giving aid to injured victims. It can lead to charges of hit-and-run. Hit-and-run convictions in Virginia can result in incarceration, fines, restitution, and license suspensions. An accident involving injury or death can result in a punishment of up to 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $2,500, and a one-year suspension of a driver’s license.
• Eluding the police: Virginia Code 46.2-817 defines eluding police as refusing to stop when a law enforcement officer signals to stop. The punishments include jail time, fines, and the suspension or revocation of the driver’s license. Depending on the specific circumstances, a misdemeanor or felony can be charged with eluding police in Virginia.
• Racing: The act of racing is classified as reckless driving, which carries enhanced penalties, such as a suspension of a license for a minimum of six months and a maximum of two years. In most states, racing carries maximum sentences of up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.