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What is Speeding in Virginia?


Getting a speeding ticket in Virginia means more than just paying a fine. A conviction can add demerit points to your driving record, increase your insurance rates, and remain on your record for years. In some cases, higher speeds can lead to more serious penalties and long-term consequences. Before you simply pay the ticket, make sure you understand your options.

What does Virginia Law say about Speeding?


Virginia speeding laws are governed by VA Code § 46.2-870 and related statutes, including § 46.2-878.3. Drivers can be cited for exceeding the posted speed limit on any road in the state. Virginia law also provides heightened penalties in certain areas, including school zones, highway work zones, residential districts, bridges, and tunnels.

In most cases, Virginia speeding fines are calculated based on how many miles per hour over the speed limit you were driving, plus additional court costs and processing fees. The exact amount can depend on where the violation occurred. For example, the same speed that carries a $6 per mph fine on a regular road may carry a $7 per mph fine in a school or work zone.

Virginia law also allows the DMV to place demerit points on your driving record after a speeding conviction. The number of demerit points assigned depends on how fast you were traveling and can remain on your driving record for several years after conviction.

What are the penalties for Speeding in Virginia?


The penalties for a speeding ticket in Virginia can go beyond the initial fine. A conviction may result in demerit points, increased insurance premiums, court costs, and long-term consequences for your driving record.

Speeding Fines by Location

Speeding Generally over the Speed Limit
$6 per
Speeding School Buses over the Speed Limit
$6 per
Speeding Special Permit Vehicles over the Speed Limit
$6 per
Speeding in School Zone over the Speed Limit
$7 per
Speeding in Business/Residential Districts per mph over the Speed Limit
$6 per
Speeding Passenger Vehicles with Trails over the Speed Limit
$6 per
Exceeding Speed Limit Set by DOT over the Speed Limit
$6 per
Speeding in a Work Zone over the Speed Limit
$7 per
Speeding Certain Residential Zone
(+ $8 per) $200
Speeding in Certain Bridges/Tunnels over the Speed Limit
$6 per

All speeding tickets also carry court processing fees and extra fines if you fail to prepay the ticket or appear in court to contest it.

DMV Demerit Points for Speeding

Speeding 1-9 mph above the posted speed limit (5 years)
3 points
Impeding traffic – slow speed (5 years)
3 points
Speeding 10-19 mph above the posted speed limit (5 years)
4 points
Speeding more than 20 mph over the limit (can stay for up to 11 years)
6 points

The Virginia DMV will notify your insurance  company after a conviction, which can lead to higher insurance premiums.

Can a Speeding charge be reduced or dismissed in Virginia?


In many cases, yes. A speeding charge in Virginia is not automatically a conviction, and simply paying the ticket is not your only option. Depending on the circumstances of your stop, your driving history, mitigation completed and how your attorney handles the case, there may be options available to reduce or even dismiss the charge entirely.

Common outcomes include:

  • Reduction to a non-moving violation which means no demerit points and no DMV notification to your insurance company
  • Reduction to a lower speed tier meaning fewer points and a shorter time on your driving record
  • Dismissal based on the specific facts of your case

Every case is different, and the right approach depends on your individual situation. To fully understand your options, it’s helpful to speak with an attorney before deciding how to handle your ticket.

Recent Outcomes


Disclaimer

Each case is unique and case results depend on your individual situation. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case undertaken by the lawyer.

The testimonials on this website reflect the real-life experiences and opinions of our clients. However, the experiences are personal to those particular clients and may not necessarily be representative of all clients. We do not claim, and you should not assume that all clients will have the same experience. Your outcome may vary.

What should I do if I was charged with Speeding in Virginia?


If you have received a speeding ticket in Virginia, the most important thing to know is that you have options. Many drivers assume they must simply pay the ticket, but paying a speeding ticket is treated as a guilty plea
and can result in fines, demerit points, and higher insurance rates. Here are a few important steps to take after receiving a speeding ticket in Virginia:

  • Don’t pay the ticket right away — Paying is treated as a guilty plea. Once you pay, the conviction is on your record and there is
    nothing more that can be done.
  • Take note of the details — Write down everything you remember about the stop. Where you were, road conditions, and how your speed was measured can all be relevant.
  • Talk to an attorney — A quick conversation can help you understand whether fighting the ticket makes sense for your situation and what outcomes may be realistic.

At Driving Defense Law, our traffic attorneys represent drivers throughout Hampton Roads, including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Newport News, Hampton and Portsmouth. We handle speeding cases in Virginia courts every day and understand the local court system and what it takes to help our clients pursue the best possible outcome. For a free consultation, please call us at 775- 929-0335 or fill out the form below.

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