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Virginia Traffic Ticket Fines, Suspensions and Penalties

Maximum Traffic Ticket Fines

The maximum traffic ticket fine in Virginia is $250 for most traffic tickets. If the traffic ticket occurs in a Highway Safety Corridor, the maximum fines doubles to $500. Improper Driving, HOV 2nd and 3rd convictions, and a few other traffic tickets have higher fines.

Virginia Traffic Ticket Fines, Court Costs, and Other Fees

All of these dollar amounts change regularly and should not be used as exact figures. Their purpose is to estimate possible amounts.

  • Traffic Ticket Court Costs ($61)
  • Traffic Ticket Fines in a Highway Safety Corridor (Double the Fines)
  • Most Traffic Ticket Fines (maximum of $250)
  • Improper Driving Max Fine ($500)
  • Traffic Ticket Trial in Your Absence Fee ($35)
  • Service Fee for Paying Fines with a Credit or Debit Card (4%)
  • Restricted License Fee ($120)
  • License Reinstatement Fee ($145-$175)
  • Jury Trial Fee ($450)
  • Circuit Court Appeal Fee (Traffic Ticket) ($80)

DMV Can Suspended Your License for Too Many Traffic Tickets

If you are found guilty of two or more traffic tickets within 12 months, there is a possibility that the DMV may take away or restrict your privilege to drive. Before you go to traffic court and before you prepay a fine, always make sure to know whether the DMV may take away your license.

Learn more about the Virginia Traffic Ticket Demerit Point System.

Virginia Traffic Ticket Increases Auto Insurance

A Virginia traffic ticket can negatively affect your auto insurance premiums under the following circumstances:

  • The better your driving record and the lower your premium, the greater the chance your premium will significantly increase.
  • If you have insurance through a preferred provider (an insurance company that specializes in covering only good drivers), a conviction is more likely to raise your insurance rates.
  • If you are convicted of reckless driving, aggressive driving, speeding more than 20 mph over the limit, or DUI, your insurance rates will likely go up significantly.
  • If you have multiple traffic tickets in one year, your insurance may increase significantly.
  • If you plead guilty to a traffic ticket that comes from an auto accident, your premiums may go up.

Auto Insurance Increases Can Cost More Than Attorney's Fees and Virginia Traffic Ticket Fines Combined

When insurance rates are raised, they usually remain high for either three or five years. That means that if your insurance goes up $300 a year, you are looking at either $900 or $1200 in extra insurance premiums over the next three or five years.

Traffic Ticket vs. Criminal Offense

The first thing you should find out when you receive a traffic ticket from the police is whether you are charged with a criminal offense. Criminal traffic offenses go on both your criminal record and your driving record.

Criminal Traffic Tickets in Virginia

Here is a list of common traffic tickets that are also criminal charges:

  • Reckless Driving – By Speed (20 mph over the limit or faster than 80 mph)
  • Reckless Driving – General
  • Reckless Driving – Passing a School Bus
  • Reckless Driving – Failure to Maintain Proper Control
  • Reckless Driving – Faulty Brakes
  • Reckless Driving – Passing Two Abreast
  • Driving on a Suspended License
  • Driving on a Revoked License
  • Driving without a License
  • Driving without Auto Insurance
  • Failure to Get a Virginia License
  • Driving Under the Influence (DUI or DWI)
  • Hit and Run
  • Eluding Police
  • Aggressive Driving
  • Driving While Drinking (Driving with an Open Container of Alcohol)

Voluntary Virginia Driver Improvement Class

Virginia drivers who want to increase their point balance can take a voluntary Virginia Driver Improvement course once every two years. If you would like to learn more about these courses click here. If you have a pending traffic violation, consult a local Virginia traffic attorney before taking any classes.

Will this Traffic Ticket Go on my Virginia Driving Record?

If you have a Virginia driver's license, your conviction will stay on your driving record for 3 to 11 years, depending on the offense. Taking a driver improvement class will not remove an offense from your record.

Law Suits from Pleading Guilty to an Auto Accident Traffic Ticket in Virginia

Any time a traffic ticket stems from an accident in Virginia, there is the possibility that a conviction may result in a lawsuit. Pleading guilty, pleading "no contest" or prepaying a traffic ticket can be used against you in a related lawsuit.

If you are ticketed or charged with a crime after an accident, consult a traffic attorney immediately and discuss the possibility of civil liability.