Reckless driving in Virginia is a serious offense, and the state has some of the strictest laws and penalties for reckless driving in the United States. Virginia Code § 46.2-852 defines reckless driving as driving a vehicle in a manner that endangers the life, limb, or property of another person. It is a class 1 misdemeanor, which is a criminal offense, not just a traffic violation.
Penalties for Virginia reckless driving can include:
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Criminal Record: A conviction for reckless driving will result in a permanent criminal record, which can have long-term consequences, including difficulties in obtaining employment or housing.
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Fines: The fines for reckless driving can vary depending on the circumstances, but they can be substantial.
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Driver's License Suspension: Your driver's license may be suspended for a period of time. The length of the suspension can vary based on the severity of the offense and your previous driving record.
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Jail Time: Reckless driving can result in jail time, especially in cases of extreme recklessness or if there are aggravating factors involved.
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Demerit Points: You'll receive demerit points on your driving record, which can affect your insurance rates and may result in a mandatory driver improvement course.
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Insurance Premiums: Your car insurance rates are likely to increase significantly after a reckless driving conviction.
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Potential Probation: The court may impose probation as part of the sentence.
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Mandatory Driver Improvement Program: You may be required to complete a driver improvement program at your expense.
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