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What constitutes reckless driving in Virginia?

On Behalf of | May 19, 2020 | Traffic Offenses Blog Post |

If you are like most people in Virginia, you have heard references to reckless driving. This term may at time be used to provide a general description of how a person operated a vehicle, but it is also connected to very specific traffic offenses. 

As explained by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, a charge of reckless driving may be classified as a misdemeanor or as a felony depending on the circumstances. Different types of factors may be associated with a citation for reckless driving. You may receive 11 points on your driving record if you are convicted of a reckless driving charge. 

Reckless driving and speed

You may be charged with reckless driving if you drive at or above 85 miles per hour. More subjectively, you may be at risk for a reckless drive charge if an officer deems you operated a vehicle faster than what would be considered safe under the existing conditions. 

Reckless driving and other actions

Passing a school bus, ambulance, fire truck or other emergency vehicle may result in being cited for reckless driving. Driving directly adjacent with another vehicle or passing two vehicles abreast of each other may also be identified as reckless driving. Passing another vehicle at a train crossing or at the top part of a hill are other activities associated with reckless driving charges. 

This information is not intended to provide legal advice but is instead meant to give people in Virginia an overview of the broad range of things that may lead to them being cited for reckless driving under the state’s law.