Speeding Tickets

Speeding Tickets

Speeding tickets in Virginia may seem like minor inconveniences, but they can have serious and lasting repercussions.

Though less severe than reckless driving, speeding should not be taken lightly. Speeding offenses are generally governed by Virginia Code Section 46.2-870 et seq.

Few people know that a police officer can also violate a person for driving under the speed limit. Virginia Code 46.2-877, states as follows:

No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.

Man pulled over by police officer writing a ticket.
Police officer writing a report outdoors during daytime.

The Demerit System: A Silent Threat

Virginia's DMV uses a demerit point system to track a driver's record. A speeding ticket, depending on the speed, will result in the subtraction of either three, four, or six demerits. A driver starts with a zero-point balance and can earn one safe driving point for each year of good driving, up to a maximum of +5.

A speeding ticket can quickly erase these hard-earned points.

  • 0-9 mph over the limit: A 3-demerit violation.
  • 10-19 mph over the limit: A 4-demerit violation.
  • 20 and above over the limit: A 6-demerit violation.

Though a single ticket might not seem like a big deal, accumulating too many demerits in a short period can lead to serious consequences, including mandatory driver improvement clinics or a license suspension by DMV.

Out-of-State Drivers Beware

Drivers passing through Virginia should be especially cautious. A speeding ticket considered a simple infraction in Virginia could be treated as a more serious offense in your home state.

For instance, North Carolina drivers who are ticketed for speeding 15 mph or more over the limit in Virginia will find that their North Carolina license is suspended for up to 30 days once the conviction is reported.

This highlights the importance of understanding not only Virginia's laws but also how they interact with the laws of your home state.

A police officer in uniform sitting and talking to a woman outdoors.
Golden balance scale on a desk near a laptop.

More Than Just a Fine

The cost of a speeding ticket goes beyond the fine. A conviction can cause insurance premiums to significantly increase.

Additionally, one's driving record is a key piece of evidence that a judge will consider in any future traffic court appearances.

A history of multiple speeding convictions (and even evidence or prior "breaks" can make it more difficult to receive a favorable outcome. 

The best defense is a proactive one. Don't simply pay the ticket and hope for the best. Consulting with an experienced traffic attorney is the best way to understand your options, protect your driving record, and minimize the impact of a speeding offense.