Virginia Reckless Driving Guide
Virginia's reckless driving laws, in plain English
What counts as reckless driving in Virginia, what a conviction costs in fines, jail and points, and what happens in court — cited to the Code of Virginia.
Every page cites the Code of Virginia, links to the official text, and shows the date it was last checked. How these guides are researched.
What the Law Says
The sections of the Code of Virginia that define reckless driving: the general rule in § 46.2-852, the speed rule in § 46.2-862, and the acts in between.
- Reckless Driving in Virginia: What It Is and the Penalties
Reckless driving in Virginia is a Class 1 misdemeanor: up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, 6 DMV points and a possible license suspension.
- Reckless Driving in VA: Speed Thresholds, 20 Over and 85 mph
Reckless driving speed in Virginia: 20 mph or more over the limit, or over 85 mph anywhere, is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Thresholds zone by zone.
- Reckless Driving VA Code: Article 7, Section by Section
Reckless driving VA Code: § 46.2-852 (general rule), § 46.2-862 (20 over or 85+ mph), § 46.2-868 (Class 1 misdemeanor) and the rest of Article 7.
- What Is Considered Reckless Driving in VA?
What is considered reckless driving in VA: the general endangerment rule, the 20-over and 85 mph speed triggers, and the acts Article 7 names by name.
- Virginia Reckless Driving Laws: What Changed and When
What changed in Virginia's reckless driving laws: the 85 mph threshold that replaced 80 in 2020, and the 2025 speed-limiter alternative to suspension.
Penalties & Costs
What a reckless driving conviction costs in Virginia: the Class 1 misdemeanor maximums, fines and court costs, DMV points, licence and insurance.
- Virginia Reckless Driving Penalties: Jail, Fines and Points
Virginia reckless driving penalty: up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, a possible suspension and 6 DMV points — and what is typical in practice.
- How Much Does a Reckless Driving Ticket Cost in Virginia?
How much a reckless driving ticket in Virginia costs: a fine of up to $2,500 set by the judge, plus court costs, points, a clinic and insurance.
- Reckless Driving Fine in Virginia: Who Sets It and How It Is Paid
A reckless driving fine in Virginia is set by a judge at the hearing, never prepaid. Who imposes it, the $500 ceiling on a reduced charge, and how it is paid.
Ticket & Court
What happens between a reckless driving summons and the hearing in general district court, and how first offenses are usually handled.
- Reckless Driving in Virginia, First Offense: What to Expect
First-offense reckless driving in Virginia is a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine), but most first offenses end in a fine or a reduction.
- Getting a Reckless Driving Ticket in Virginia: A Summons, Not a Bill
A reckless driving ticket in Virginia is a criminal summons, not a payable ticket. What the charge means, what it risks, and what to do before court.