In Virginia, reckless driving is treated as a criminal offense, not a moving violation. It doesn’t matter whether the charge was a misdemeanor or felony; either way, it will show up as a conviction on the driver’s permanent criminal record and cannot be removed.
According to Virginia Code 46.2–852, reckless driving occurs when a person operates a motor vehicle in a way that places another person’s life, limb, or property in danger. Let’s learn about the general rules associated with reckless driving in Virginia.
General Rules and Forms of Reckless Driving Virginia
In spite of this, a number of statutes establish the conditions under which a driver might be prosecuted for reckless driving. The many sections are listed below.
- A person is guilty of reckless driving if he or she exceeds a reasonable speed given the circumstances (i.e., weather) and traffic conditions. Article 46.2–861.
- A person is guilty of reckless driving if they risk the health and/or property of another by driving in a dangerous manner (1) on the driveways or parking lots of any church, school, recreational facility, company, or government property, (2) in parking structures, or (3) on roads. Article 46.2–864.
- A person is guilty of reckless driving if they operate a vehicle that is (1) so heavily laden or crowded with people that (2) the driver’s view is impeded from the front or sides, or (3) the driver loses control of the vehicle. Article 46.2–855.
- A reckless driver is one who races on a highway or on private or public land without the property owner’s permission. Article 46.2–865. In addition to reckless driving fines, this infringement carries a mandatory license suspension for six to twenty months. Article 46.2–865.
- A motorist is guilty of reckless driving if he or she passes or attempts to pass two other cars abreast and proceeding in the same direction unless the driver is operating a bike or motorbike or is on a one-way route or a highway with at least three lanes in each direction. Article 46.2–856.
- A person is guilty of reckless driving if they are (1) driving a vehicle, (2) on a highway, (3)(a) 20 mph or more over the speed limit, or (b) over 80 mph (regardless of the speed limit). Article 46.2–862.
Penalties of Reckless Driving Virginia
- The driver is convicted of a Class 1 misdemeanor if they are found guilty of reckless driving. Article 46.2–868 (A). In such a scenario, the offender risks up to one year in prison and/or a $2,500 fine. Article 18.2–11 (a).
- If a person is guilty of reckless driving while driving without a valid license (suspended or revoked) and such reckless driving results in the death of another person, then that person is guilty of the Class 6 crime of involuntary manslaughter. Article 46.2–868 (B). In such a situation, the defendant risks a felony conviction with one to five years in prison or, at the court’s or jury’s discretion, lesser penalties of up to 12 months in jail and/or a $2,500 fine. Article 18.2–10 (f).
- In addition to the punishment for the Class 1 misdemeanor, a person must pay a minimum fee of $250 if convicted of careless driving while using a portable device (see Section 46.2–1078.1). Article 46.2–868 ©.
Ending Up!
Each case is different but depends on the specific set of facts of your case. Therefore for the best help in reckless driving in Virginia, it is best to visit Nova Defenders. Get in touch with them and avail the best services. Refer website for more details!
