Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year to explore Virginia. As the temperatures drop and the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold, many drivers hit the road for weekend getaways, family visits, or scenic drives throughout the Commonwealth.
But increased traffic during fall travel season also means a greater law enforcement presence, especially around busy holiday weekends like Thanksgiving or Halloween. Speeding and reckless driving charges can quickly turn a relaxing road trip into a stressful legal situation.
To help you enjoy the season safely, here are a few important tips to avoid traffic tickets this fall:
1. Plan Extra Travel Time
Running late is one of the most common reasons why drivers speed. By allowing yourself extra travel time, you can avoid the temptation to rush and, therefore, reduce your chances of getting pulled over. Allowing for a 10–15-minute buffer can significantly enhance your safety and provide greater peace of mind while on the road.
2. Pay Attention to Changing Speed Zones
Speed limits can change quickly, especially on Virginia’s small towns and rural highways in cities such as Chesapeake or Suffolk. To stay safe and reduce the risk of a reckless driving ticket, always watch for posted signs, slow down gradually, and be especially alert when approaching town limits or areas with frequent speed changes. Keep in mind that GPS apps may not always reflect the most current speed limits, so it is safest to rely on the posted road signs.
3. Watch Out for Sun Glare
The lower autumn sun can create intense glare during morning and late-afternoon drives, making it harder to see speed limit signs, traffic signals, and pedestrians. Consider keeping a pair of sunglasses in your car and using your sun visor to improve visibility.
4. Stay Focused on Longer Drives
Long fall road trips throughout Virginia can lead to fatigue and distractions, increasing the risk of traffic violations, speeding tickets, and reckless driving. To stay safe, take regular breaks, rotate drivers when possible, and keep your attention on the road instead of your phone or GPS. Even careful drivers can get pulled over, and if you do receive a speeding or reckless driving ticket in cities like Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, or Norfolk, our team at Driving Defense Law is here to help you navigate the process and protect your driving record.
5. Understand Virginia’s Driving Laws
As a driver, you are responsible for knowing and following state driving laws. Many out-of-state drivers are not aware that driving 20 mph or more over the posted speed limit or exceeding 8 mph regardless of the posted speed limit, can be charged as reckless driving in Virginia. Reckless driving in Virginia is a class 1 misdemeanor that carries heavy fines, license suspension, and even potential jail time. Other common traffic violations include:
- Speeding 10-19 mph above the speed limit (§46.2-870)
- Reckless Driving- Driving too fast for road conditions (§46.2-861)
- Speeding in work zone (§46.2-878.1)
- Failure to obey highway sign (§46.2-830)
- Reckless Driving- Failure to yield to emergency vehicle (§46.2-829)
- Reckless Driving- Faulty brakes (§46.2-853)
- Reckless Driving- Passing a stopped school bus (§46.2-859)
- Holding cell phone while driving (§46.2-818.2)
If you’re facing a reckless driving ticket, speeding ticket, DUI, or any other traffic violation in Hampton Roads, VA this fall, contact the experienced attorneys at Driving Defense Law. We specialize in handling all types of traffic violations and are here to protect your driving record. For a free consultation, call us today at 757-929-0335.
