Driving in Virginia offers scenic routes, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic coast. However, navigating these roads requires a solid understanding of the state’s traffic laws. A simple mistake can lead to more than just a bad day; it can impact your safety, increase your insurance rates, and put points on your driving record. Understanding the most common Virginia traffic violations is the first step toward becoming a safer, more responsible driver.
This guide will walk you through Virginia’s traffic laws, highlight the most frequent offenses, and provide practical advice for staying on the right side of the law. We’ll cover everything from speeding to what to do if you see those flashing lights in your rearview mirror.
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An Overview of Traffic Violations in Virginia
Virginia’s traffic laws are designed to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. Violations are generally categorized based on their severity and nature. They can be infractions, which are less serious, or misdemeanors and felonies, which carry significant penalties.
Violations are also classified as either moving or non-moving. A moving violation occurs while the vehicle is in motion, such as speeding or running a red light. A non-moving violation typically relates to parking or equipment issues, like an expired inspection sticker. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) assigns demerit points to your license for moving violations, which can lead to license suspension if you accumulate too many.
Top 10 Common Traffic Tickets in Virginia
Even the most careful drivers can make mistakes. Knowing which offenses are most common can help you be more aware on the road. Here are ten of the most frequent traffic violations in Virginia.
1. Speeding
Description: This is by far the most common traffic ticket issued. It involves driving faster than the posted speed limit. Many drivers commit this offense unintentionally, whether due to inattention or simply “going with the flow” of traffic.
Legal Consequences: Fines for speeding vary based on how many miles per hour you were over the limit. You will also receive demerit points on your license (3, 4, or 6 points depending on the speed). Driving 20 mph or more over the limit, or over 85 mph regardless of the speed limit, can be charged as Reckless Driving, a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Tips to Avoid: Use your cruise control on highways. Pay close attention to speed limit signs, especially in work zones and school zones where limits change. Some GPS apps provide speed limit alerts, which can be a helpful tool to avoid speeding tickets in Virginia.
2. Reckless Driving
Description: In Virginia, reckless driving is more than just aggressive behavior. It’s a broad category that includes driving at a speed of 20 mph over the limit or in excess of 85 mph. It can also include racing, passing a stopped school bus, or driving in a way that endangers life, limb, or property.
Legal Consequences: Reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor, a criminal offense. Penalties can include up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, a six-month license suspension, and 6 demerit points.
Tips to Avoid: Maintain awareness of your speed at all times. Avoid aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating or weaving through traffic. Always stay focused on the road and the conditions around you.
3. Failure to Obey a Traffic Sign or Signal
Description: This violation includes running a red light, rolling through a stop sign, or ignoring a yield sign. These actions often happen when a driver is distracted, in a hurry, or misjudges the timing of a yellow light.
Legal Consequences: A ticket for this offense typically results in a fine and 4 demerit points on your Virginia driving record. The biggest consequence, however, is the high risk of causing a serious T-bone collision.
Tips to Avoid: When approaching an intersection, be prepared to stop. Don’t try to beat a yellow light. At a stop sign, come to a complete stop behind the white line before proceeding.
4. Following Too Closely (Tailgating)
Description: Tailgating is driving too close to the vehicle in front of you, leaving insufficient distance to stop safely if they brake suddenly. This is a leading cause of rear-end collisions.
Legal Consequences: This violation carries a fine and 4 demerit points. If your tailgating results in a crash, you will almost certainly be found at fault.
Tips to Avoid: Use the “three-second rule.” Watch the vehicle ahead of you pass a fixed object, like a signpost. Then, count the seconds it takes for you to pass the same object. If it’s less than three seconds, you’re too close. Increase this to four or five seconds in bad weather.
5. Improper Lane Change
Description: This occurs when a driver changes lanes without signaling, cuts another driver off, or fails to check their blind spot. It’s a common cause of sideswipes and road rage incidents.
Legal Consequences: A conviction for an improper lane change can result in a fine and 3 demerit points.
Tips to Avoid: Always use your turn signal before changing lanes. Physically turn your head to check your blind spot—don’t rely solely on your mirrors. Ensure there is plenty of space between you and other vehicles before you move over.
6. Expired Registration or Inspection Sticker
Description: All vehicles in Virginia must have a valid state inspection sticker and current registration tags. Driving without them is a non-moving violation that officers can easily spot.
Legal Consequences: While these are non-moving violations and don’t add points to your license, you will face fines. You may also be required to show proof that you have corrected the issue.
Tips to Avoid: Set calendar reminders on your phone for your registration renewal and inspection due dates. Don’t wait until the last day to get your vehicle inspected.
7. Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License
Description: This is a serious offense that involves operating a vehicle after your driving privileges have been legally withdrawn by the state.
Legal Consequences: This is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Penalties can include jail time, substantial fines, and an extended period of license suspension. Your vehicle may also be impounded.
Tips to Avoid: If your license is suspended, do not drive for any reason. Work with the DMV to understand the steps required to get your license reinstated and follow them carefully.
8. Use of a Handheld Cell Phone While Driving
Description: Virginia law prohibits holding a handheld personal communications device while driving a moving motor vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using any function of the phone.
Legal Consequences: A first offense carries a fine of $125. A second or subsequent offense has a $250 fine. A conviction in a highway work zone doubles the fine. This violation adds 3 demerit points to your record.
Tips to Avoid: Use a hands-free device like Bluetooth or a headset. Better yet, put your phone away where you won’t be tempted to grab it. Set your GPS destination before you start driving.
9. Failure to Wear a Seatbelt
Description: Virginia law requires the driver and all front-seat passengers to wear a seatbelt. All passengers under the age of 18 must be properly secured, no matter where they are seated.
Legal Consequences: While this is a secondary offense (meaning an officer must have another reason to pull you over), you can be fined $25 for not wearing a seatbelt.
Tips to Avoid: Make buckling up the first thing you do when you get in the car. It’s a simple habit that can save your life.
10. Failure to Yield the Right-of-Way
Description: This violation covers many situations, such as pulling out in front of oncoming traffic, not yielding to pedestrians in a crosswalk, or failing to yield to an emergency vehicle.
Legal Consequences: Depending on the circumstances, this can result in a fine and either 4 or 6 demerit points. If your failure to yield causes a crash, the penalties will be more severe.
Tips to Avoid: Be patient and vigilant. Always double-check for oncoming traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians before proceeding. When you hear a siren, safely pull over to the right and stop.
General Tips to Avoid Traffic Violations
- Practice Defensive Driving: Always be aware of your surroundings, anticipate the actions of other drivers, and maintain a safe following distance.
- Use Technology Wisely: GPS apps can alert you to speed limit changes and traffic jams. Use hands-free technology for any necessary calls.
- Maintain Your Vehicle: Regular maintenance, including checking your lights, tires, and brakes, helps prevent equipment-related violations and ensures your car is safe to drive. Keep your inspection and registration up to date.
What to Do When You Get a Ticket
Receiving a traffic ticket can be stressful. If you get one, stay calm and remember you have options.
- Understand the Ticket: Read the ticket carefully to understand the violation, the fine amount, and the court date if applicable.
- Evaluate Your Options: You can typically prepay the ticket (which is an admission of guilt), attend traffic school (if eligible) to have the ticket dismissed or points reduced, or contest the ticket in court.
- Consider Legal Advice: For serious Virginia traffic violations like reckless driving, it is highly recommended to consult with a traffic attorney to understand your rights and potential outcomes.
Drive Safely, Virginia
Obeying traffic laws is about more than just avoiding tickets and fines. It’s about protecting yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road. By staying informed, remaining focused, and driving defensively, you contribute to a safer driving environment for all Virginians. Take the time to understand the rules of the road and make safe choices every time you get behind the wheel.