In Virginia, many traffic offenses are criminal charges — not just civil tickets. A conviction can mean jail time, a suspended license, steep fines, and points that follow you for years. Don't pay a fine and walk away without understanding what you're giving up.
More Than Just a Ticket
Virginia treats many common traffic offenses as criminal misdemeanors, not civil infractions. Reckless driving — which includes driving 20 mph or more over the speed limit or over 85 mph regardless of the posted limit — is a Class 1 misdemeanor, the same classification as a first-offense DUI. That means a reckless driving conviction can appear on a criminal background check.
Even charges that seem minor can result in DMV demerit points, insurance rate increases that last for years, and license suspension. Before you prepay a ticket or show up to court alone, speak with Mr. Ayers. In many cases, charges can be reduced, dismissed, or resolved with minimal impact on your record.
The Virginia DMV assigns demerit points for moving violations. Points stay on your record for 2 years from the violation date.
What We Handle
Virginia's most serious traffic offense. Driving 20+ mph over the limit, or over 85 mph, is a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Speeding tickets carry demerit points and can trigger insurance increases. At higher speeds, charges can be elevated to reckless driving.
A Class 1 misdemeanor for a first offense. A second offense within 10 years carries mandatory jail time. Your vehicle may also be impounded.
Leaving the scene of an accident in Virginia is a criminal offense. Charges range from a Class 4 misdemeanor to a felony depending on the severity of injury or damage.
Failure to yield to pedestrians, emergency vehicles, or at intersections. These carry 3–4 demerit points and can be elevated if an accident results.
Passing in a no-passing zone, on a hill or curve, or failing to pass safely. These carry 3 demerit points and can be elevated to reckless driving.
Driving without a valid license or with expired registration. Penalties depend on whether the license was never obtained, expired, or suspended.
Virginia's aggressive driving statute covers a combination of violations committed in a manner that endangers others. It is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Know What You’re Facing
Reckless driving is the most commonly misunderstood traffic charge in Virginia. Many drivers are surprised to learn it is a criminal offense, not a traffic infraction. The table below reflects Virginia’s general penalty ranges.
| Charge | Classification | Max Jail | Max Fine | DMV Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reckless Driving (General) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 12 months | $2,500 | 6 pts (11 yrs) |
| Speeding 1–9 mph over | Infraction | None | Up to $250 | 3 pts (3 yrs) |
| Speeding 10–19 mph over | Infraction | None | Up to $250 | 4 pts (3 yrs) |
| Speeding 20+ mph over (or 85+ mph) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 12 months | $2,500 | 6 pts (11 yrs) |
| Driving on Suspended License (1st) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 12 months | $2,500 | 6 pts |
| Hit & Run — Property Damage | Class 4 Misdemeanor | None | $250 | 6 pts |
| Hit & Run — Injury / Death | Felony | Up to 10 yrs prison | Up to $2,500 | 6 pts |
| Aggressive Driving | Class 2 Misdemeanor | 6 months | $1,000 | 6 pts |
Commercial driver's license holders face stricter federal and state standards. A reckless driving conviction, a serious speeding ticket, or any traffic offense that would disqualify a CDL holder can end a career in transportation. CDL holders are not eligible for many of the same plea reductions available to regular drivers, and even a conviction in a personal vehicle can affect your CDL. If you hold a CDL, contact Mr. Ayers before your court date — the consequences of inaction are severe.
Our Approach
Traffic court moves quickly and the consequences of a poor outcome can follow you for years. Having an attorney familiar with the courts and prosecutors in the Roanoke Valley can make a meaningful difference.
Virginia is a member of the Driver License Compact, meaning traffic convictions here are typically reported to your home state and treated as if the violation occurred there. An out-of-state speeding ticket that results in a reckless driving conviction in Virginia could suspend your license at home.
Mr. Ayers regularly represents out-of-state drivers and can often handle the case without requiring your presence in court.
Beyond DMV points and court penalties, a serious traffic conviction can:
Get Help Before Your Court Date
Paying a traffic ticket is an admission of guilt. Contact Ayers Law PLLC today to find out if your charge can be reduced, dismissed, or resolved with less impact on your record and your insurance.