Virginia Speeding Ticket Fines and Penalties
A new Virginia driver’s license is issued with zero points. Whenever you get any fine or ticket, the DMV assigns you demerit points on your record. Violations can stay on your record for 3 to 11 years, and some stay on your permanent record.
| Three-Point Violations | Four Point Violations | Six-Point Violations |
| Driving too slowSpeeding 1-9 miles over the limitFailure to obey a highway signImproper stopping on the highwayImproper passingImproper turningImproper U-turnDriving with faulty equipment (e.g., broken tail light)Violation of a driver’s license restrictionChild restraint violation | Speeding 10-19 miles over the limitFailure to YieldImproper signalFollowing too closely (tailgating)Passing a stopped school bus (first offense)Speeding in a school crossing zoneInattentive drivingHOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lane violation | Speeding 20 miles or more over the limitSpeeding more than 80 mph (regardless of the posted speed limit)Aggressive drivingDriving while suspended or revokedReckless drivingDriving while intoxicatedEluding policeRefusal of a blood/breath testFelony involving a motor vehicleInvoluntary manslaughter |
Point System in Virginia
How Do I Remove Points From My Record?
Safe Points
Every April, the DMV will give a safe point if you drive the whole year without accidents and violations. You can accumulate up to five safe points in this manner.
Voluntary Driver Safety Clinic
Voluntary Driver Safety Clinic
You can earn up to five safe driver points by taking a Driver Safety Course. You are not guaranteed these points if the court orders you to take the course. Even though you can accumulate points, you must present the court papers to the Driver Safety Clinic.
Speeding Fines
Virginia ticket fines are pre-determined by the Virginia Traffic Law Codes, some of which we list below. The fee depends on how many miles you were going over the speed limit and where.
Speeding Fines in Virginia
What Else Affects the Total Cost of the Speeding Ticket?
Court and Related Fees
- Court Fees: These are mandatory charges, regardless of your fine amount. In Virginia, the court fee for a traffic ticket ranges from $60 to $100, plus more for each additional charge. If you pay your fees with a credit or debit card, there is also a 4% fee.
- Not Showing Up: If you fail to appear in court, you could accrue an additional fee if you do not have a good reason for your absence.
- Attorney Fees: If you hire an attorney, costs will vary depending on their fees.
Surcharges
- Safe Driving Points Surcharge: A surcharge can be added for every demerit point you receive on your license. This is meant to penalize repeated or severe traffic offenses more heavily.
- Special Funds Contribution: A portion of your fine can go towards state funds such as the Trauma Center Fund or the Literary Fund. These contributions, while relatively small, add to the total cost.
- Technology Fee: Some jurisdictions may include a technology fee to support the maintenance and upgrade of court technological systems.
- Time Payment Fee: If you choose to pay fees over time, you can expect to pay a time payment fee.
Community Service
Some districts offer a community service program where you can do volunteer work in exchange for some of your fines and penalties. You can look up your Virginia court district’s fee policies on their website.
Speeding Penalties
Age Under 18
- First Violation: If you are convicted of a demerit point violation or failure to use safety belts, you have 90 days to complete a driver improvement clinic. If you fail to do so, your license will be suspended until you complete the course and pay a reinstatement fee.
- Second Violation: The DMV suspends your driving privileges for 90 days.
- Third Violation: Your driving privileges will be revoked entirely for one year or until you turn 18, whichever is longer.
Age Over 18
| 12 Points in a Year or 18 Points in Two Years | 18 Points in a Year or 24 points in Two Years |
| You must take a Driver Improvement Clinic course within 90 days. If you do not complete the course in time, your driving privileges will be suspended. | Your driving privileges will be automatically suspended for 90 days, and you must complete a Driver Improvement Course. |
Speeding Penalties for Adults in Virginia
What Does a Virginia Speeding Ticket Affect?
Driving Record
Speeding tickets result in demerit points added to your driving record. These points influence your driving privileges, and if you accumulate too many of them, your license will be suspended or revoked.
Insurance Premiums
Insurance companies consider the demerit points on your driving record, which can raise your premiums.
Job
If you have a job that revolves around driving, you could be let go. Either because the company sees you as a hazard or because the insurance premiums they have to pay are too high. In some cases, the type of convictions on your driving record can also bar you from employment.
Out-of-State Visitors
Out-of-state visitors
Out-of-state visitors are treated differently by Virginia. Rather than assigning points, they refer the matter to your home state and will handle it depending on the severity of the issue according to the law where your license is from.
How Do I Respond to a Virginia Speeding Ticket?
Guilty vs. Not Guilty
Pleading Guilty or No Contest
Choosing to plead guilty or no contest means you accept the charges and are willing to pay the fine.
- Review the Ticket: Check the fine amount, due date, and payment options.
- Choose Your Payment Method:
- Online
- By Mail. Send a check or money order to the address indicated on the ticket.
- In Person. Go to the court’s office mentioned on the ticket.
- Pay Before the Deadline: Avoid additional penalties by paying on or before the due date.
- Verify Your Driving Record: After payment, check your driving record to confirm the ticket has been properly recorded.
Pleading Not Guilty
- Notify the Court: Inform the court in writing or online, as per the instructions on the ticket.
- Prepare Your Defense: Collect evidence supporting your innocence, such as photographs, witness statements, or a record of a well-maintained vehicle.
- Consider Hiring an Attorney: If your case is complex or you need clarification on representing yourself, consider consulting a traffic attorney.
- Attend the Court Hearing: Clearly and respectfully present your evidence and argument to the judge.
- Follow the Court’s Decision: If the court rules in your favor, the ticket will be dismissed. If not, you’ll have to pay the fine and possibly court costs.
- Check Your Driving Record: Ensure that the outcome of the court hearing is accurately reflected in your driving record.
5 Tips on How to Avoid Future Speeding Tickets
Safe Driving
- Check Speed Limits: Always be aware of the speed limit, which can change frequently, especially in school zones, construction areas, and residential neighborhoods.
- Keep aSafe Distance: Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and the one in front to avoid sudden braking, which can lead to speed fluctuations.
- AvoidDistractions: Distractions like phone use, eating, or adjusting the radio can lead to unintentional speeding. Keeping focused on the road is vital.
- Take Care of Your Vehicle: Ensure your speedometer is accurate and your vehicle is in good working condition.
- Plan Ahead: Allow ample time for your journey to avoid the need to speed.
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