Receiving a traffic ticket in Virginia is more than just an inconvenient expense. It’s the start of a process that can have lasting effects on your driving record, insurance premiums, and even your freedom to drive. The Commonwealth of Virginia uses a strict point system to track driving behavior, and understanding how it works is crucial for every driver.
This guide explains everything you need to know about traffic tickets in Virginia, from the types of violations to how the Virginia driver license points system impacts your record. We will cover the penalties, how to handle a ticket, and the steps you can take to protect your driving privileges. If you’re looking for professional driving education or defensive driving courses to reduce points and improve your record, visit Seven Stars Driving School VA for certified programs designed to help Virginia drivers stay safe and compliant.
What Are Traffic Tickets in Virginia?
A traffic ticket, formally known as a summons, is a legal notice issued by a law enforcement officer for a violation of traffic laws. These violations are categorized into two main groups: moving and non-moving violations.
- Moving Violations: These are offenses committed while the vehicle is in motion. Examples include speeding, running a red light, and reckless driving. Moving violations are generally considered more serious and are the primary source of demerit points on your license.
- Non-Moving Violations: These offenses occur when the vehicle is not in motion, such as parking violations, expired inspection stickers, or broken equipment. While they still carry fines, they typically do not add points to your driving record.
Common traffic offenses in Virginia range from minor infractions to serious criminal charges. Some of the most frequent violations include speeding, following too closely, improper lane changes, and distracted driving, such as texting while behind the wheel.
Virginia’s Driver License Point System Explained
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) manages the state’s driver monitoring program, which includes the driver license point system. This system is designed to identify and rehabilitate problem drivers while promoting safe driving habits for everyone.
How the Point System Works
When a Virginia court convicts you of a traffic violation, it notifies the DMV. The DMV then adds demerit points to your driving record corresponding to the severity of the offense. The Virginia traffic violation points system assigns three, four, or six points for each conviction. These points remain on your record for a specific period, affecting your driving status and insurance rates.
The DMV tracks these points to assess your risk as a driver. Accumulating too many points in a short time triggers interventions, ranging from warning letters to mandatory driver improvement courses and license suspension.
Point Values for Common Violations
The number of demerit points assigned depends on the seriousness of the offense. Here is a breakdown of point values for some common traffic violations in Virginia:
6-Point Violations (Most Serious)
- Reckless driving (e.g., speeding 20 mph or more over the limit, or over 85 mph regardless of the limit)
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI/DWI)
- Driving on a suspended license
- Failure to stop at the scene of a crash (hit-and-run)
- Eluding police
4-Point Violations (Serious)
- Speeding 10-19 mph above the speed limit
- Following too closely
- Improper passing or lane change
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Ignoring a traffic signal or stop sign
3-Point Violations (Less Serious)
- Speeding 1-9 mph above the speed limit
- Improper turn or U-turn
- Driving without a valid license in your possession
- Improper driving
- Driving with an expired registration
How Points Affect Your Driver’s License
The accumulation of demerit points on your driving record Virginia is the primary way the DMV identifies high-risk drivers. As points add up, the consequences become more severe.
If you accumulate 8 demerit points in 12 months (or 12 points in 24 months), the DMV will send you an advisory letter encouraging safer driving.
If you accumulate 12 demerit points in 12 months (or 18 points in 24 months), you will be required to complete a driver improvement clinic. You must enroll and complete the course within 90 days. Failure to do so will result in an indefinite license suspension until the course is completed.
Reaching 18 demerit points in 12 months (or 24 points in 24 months) triggers an automatic 90-day license suspension. You will also be required to complete a driver improvement clinic before your license can be reinstated.
Consequences of Traffic Tickets Beyond Points
The DMV point system Virginia is just one aspect of the penalties. Traffic tickets carry other significant consequences that can affect your finances and freedom.
- Fines & Court Penalties: Every traffic ticket comes with associated traffic fines Virginia. These fines can range from under a hundred dollars for minor infractions to several thousand for serious offenses like reckless driving. Court costs are added on top of the base fine.
- Insurance Premium Increases: Your insurance company will almost certainly raise your rates after a moving violation conviction. A single speeding ticket can increase premiums by hundreds of dollars per year, while a conviction for reckless driving or DUI can make it difficult to find affordable coverage at all.
- Mandatory Driver Improvement Programs: As mentioned, accumulating too many points will require you to attend and pay for a driver improvement clinic.
- Criminal Charges for Serious Violations: Certain offenses, such as reckless driving or DUI, are not just traffic infractions—they are Class 1 misdemeanors in Virginia. A conviction results in a permanent criminal record, in addition to fines, points, and possible jail time.
License Suspension & Reinstatement
A license suspension Virginia is one of the most serious outcomes of accumulating traffic violation penalties. Suspension occurs automatically when you reach the point threshold or as a direct penalty for severe offenses like DUI.
The duration of a suspension varies. A suspension for accumulating points is typically 90 days. For other offenses, it can last much longer. After the suspension period ends, you cannot simply start driving again. You must go through a formal reinstatement process.
Steps to reinstate your license often include:
- Paying a reinstatement fee to the DMV
- Providing proof of completion of a driver improvement clinic
- Filing an SR-22 form (a certificate of financial responsibility) with the DMV, which proves you have adequate car insurance
- Satisfying any other court-ordered requirements
Driving on a suspended license is a serious crime that carries its own harsh penalties, including additional fines, a longer suspension period, and potential jail time.
How to Reduce or Remove Points in Virginia
While demerit points from a conviction stay on your record for at least two years, Virginia offers ways to mitigate their impact.
- Driver Improvement Courses: You can voluntarily complete a DMV-approved driver improvement clinic once every 24 months to receive up to five safe driving points. These positive points offset demerit points. This is a proactive way to maintain a clean driving record Virginia.
- Safe Driving Behavior: For every full calendar year that you hold a valid Virginia license and have no violations or suspensions, the DMV awards you one safe driving point. You can accumulate a maximum of five safe driving points.
- Point Expiration: Demerit points for a specific conviction remain on your record for two years from the date of the offense. However, the record of the conviction itself may stay on your driving record for much longer (three, five, or eleven years, or even permanently, depending on the offense).
- Legal Options: The best way to avoid points is to avoid a conviction. By contesting the ticket, you may be able to get the charge reduced to a non-moving violation (which carries no points) or dismissed entirely.
What to Do If You Receive a Traffic Ticket
When you receive a traffic ticket, you have two main options: pay the fine or contest the charge in court.
1. Pay the Ticket (Prepay): Prepaying the fine is an admission of guilt. You are waiving your right to a trial. The conviction will be reported to the DMV, and demerit points will be added to your license. For minor infractions where points are not a concern, this is the simplest option.
2. Contest the Ticket in Traffic Court: If you believe you are not guilty or want to seek a reduction of the charge, you can appear in traffic court Virginia on the date listed on your summons. Here, you or your attorney will have the opportunity to present evidence and question the officer who issued the ticket.
Hiring a traffic attorney can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome. An experienced attorney understands traffic laws, court procedures, and potential defense strategies. They may be able to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor to reduce the charge, for example, from a reckless driving misdemeanor to a simple speeding infraction. Possible defenses might include challenging the accuracy of the officer’s radar/lidar equipment, questioning the officer’s line of sight, or proving a factual error on the ticket.
Conclusion
Understanding the Virginia traffic violation points system is essential for every driver in the Commonwealth. A single ticket can do more than just cost you money; it can trigger a cascade of consequences that impact your insurance rates, driving privileges, and even your criminal record.
By practicing responsible driving, you can avoid tickets and maintain a clean record. If you do receive a ticket, it is critical to understand your options. Whether you prepay the fine or decide to contest it in court, knowing how points affect your license in Virginia empowers you to make the best decision for your situation. Stay informed, drive safely, and protect your privilege to operate a vehicle on Virginia’s roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points cause license suspension in Virginia?
Accumulating 18 demerit points in 12 months or 24 points in 24 months will result in a 90-day license suspension.
Do demerit points affect my car insurance?
Yes. Insurance companies review your driving record, and convictions for moving violations almost always lead to an increase in your insurance premiums. More points signal a higher risk, resulting in higher rates.
How long do points stay on your record in Virginia?
The demerit points associated with a conviction stay on your DMV record for two years. However, the record of the conviction itself remains on your driving history for a longer period—three, five, or eleven years, depending on the severity of the violation.
Can a traffic ticket be completely removed from my record?
A conviction for a traffic violation cannot be expunged or removed from your DMV driving record once it is recorded. The only way to prevent it from appearing on your record is to have the charge dismissed in court.
What are the reckless driving Virginia penalties?
Reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Penalties can include up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, a six-month license suspension, and six demerit points on your driving record. It also results in a permanent criminal record.
How can I check the points on my Virginia license?
You can obtain a copy of your driving record from the Virginia DMV website. This report will show your current demerit point balance as well as any convictions and safe driving points.