Everything You Need to Know About Speeding Tickets in Virginia
Contents
Speeding Tickets in Virginia
Speeding tickets are a common occurrence in Virginia, with many drivers being pulled over for going above the posted speed limit. If you have received a speeding ticket in Virginia, it is important to know your rights and options for resolving the ticket. In this article, we will discuss the most important things you need to know about speeding tickets in Virginia.
Virginia Speeding Ticket Laws
In Virginia, the maximum speed limit on most roads is 55 mph, unless otherwise posted. It is important to note that Virginia has a “absolute” speed limit law, which means that going even 1 mph over the posted limit can result in a speeding ticket. The severity of the ticket and fines increase based on the speed of the violation.
Here is a breakdown of the fines for different speeding violations in Virginia:
| Speed Limit | Fine (1-9 mph over limit) | Fine (10-19 mph over limit) | Fine (20+ mph over limit) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55 mph or less | $6 per mph over limit | $7 per mph over limit | $8 per mph over limit |
| 65 mph | $7 per mph over limit | $8 per mph over limit | $9 per mph over limit |
| 70 mph or higher | $8 per mph over limit | $9 per mph over limit | $10 per mph over limit |
In addition to the fines, speeding violations in Virginia can also result in points being added to your driver’s license. The number of points depends on the severity of the violation and can range from 3 to 6 points.
Fighting a Speeding Ticket in Virginia
If you have received a speeding ticket in Virginia and believe that you were unfairly cited, you have the right to fight the ticket in court. In Virginia, there are two options for fighting a speeding ticket: trial by judge or trial by jury.
If you choose trial by judge, a traffic court judge will hear your case and make a ruling. If you choose trial by jury, a group of your peers will hear your case and make a ruling.
To fight a speeding ticket in Virginia, you will need to present evidence that supports your case. This can include things like witness testimony, photographs, or video evidence. It is important to note that fighting a speeding ticket in Virginia can be a difficult and time-consuming process, so it is best to consult with an experienced traffic attorney to determine the best course of action for your case.
Virginia Speeding Ticket Points System
In Virginia, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) maintains a points system for traffic violations. If you accumulate too many points on your driver’s license within a certain period of time, your license may be suspended or revoked.
Here is a breakdown of the points assigned for different speeding violations in Virginia:
| Speeding Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Reckless driving (20+ mph over limit) | 6 points |
| Reckless driving (10-19 mph over limit) | 4 points |
| Speeding (10-19 mph over limit) | 3 points |
| Speeding (1-9 mph over limit) | 1 point |
It is important to note that accumulating 12 or more points on your license within a 12-month period can result in a license suspension.
Conclusion
Receiving a speeding ticket in Virginia can be a frustrating and expensive experience. However, by understanding Virginia’s speeding ticket laws, your options for fighting a ticket, and the points system for traffic violations, you can make informed decisions about how to proceed with your case.