Speeding and reckless driving are common causes of serious motor vehicle accidents that result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities. Each state has its own laws that prohibit speeding and reckless driving. However, not every state has laws that provide the same kind of penalties for these dangerous driving behaviors.
In July 2018, Wallet Hub compared all 50 states and Washington D.C. to determine which states were the strictest in their enforcement of speeding and reckless driving laws.
How Virginia Ranked in Enforcement of Reckless Driving Laws
Overall, Virginia tied with Illinois, Alabama, and Washington State as the 8th strictest state on speeding and reckless driving. Despite Virginia’s detailed reckless driving laws, it ranked 25th in reckless driving penalties among the states. Virginia did rank first, however, among the states for having the strictest speeding laws.
The determination of each state’s reckless driving rank was based on:
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Whether the state has a mandatory license suspension for a first reckless driving conviction.
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Minimum jail time for a first reckless driving conviction.
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Maximum fine for a first reckless driving conviction.
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Minimum jail time for a second reckless driving conviction.
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Maximum fine for a second reckless driving conviction.
The determination of each state’s speeding rank was based on:
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Whether speeding is automatically considered reckless driving.
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What type of speed limit the state has (absolute, prima facie, or mixed).
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The average increase in the cost of car insurance after one speeding ticket.
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Whether there are laws in place that prohibit racing on highways.
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Whether the state uses automatic speed cameras.
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Whether there are additional penalties for aggressive driving.
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How much speeding tickets count toward a license suspension.
As a driver, it is important to understand these factors and to know what to do if you are charged with reckless driving.
Contact a Reckless Driving Lawyer If You Are Charged With a Traffic-Related Crime
The potential penalties for reckless driving speeding and other forms of reckless driving are significant. If you have been charged with reckless driving then it is important to contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible so that your attorney can protect your rights.
Contact us today via this website or by phone to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced reckless driving defense lawyer and to learn more about how to protect your rights if you’ve been charged with a traffic-related crime in Virginia.
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