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What is Speeding in Virginia?

Getting a speeding ticket in Hampton Roads means more than just paying a fine. Under Virginia law, paying your ticket is treated as a guilty plea and that conviction can add demerit points to your driving record, trigger an insurance rate increase, and stay on your record for years.

Before you pay, make sure you understand your options. Drivers in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Newport News, Hampton, and Portsmouth all have the right to contest a speeding charge, and in many cases, an attorney can get the charge reduced or dismissed entirely.

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.

After a conviction, the Virginia DMV assigns demerit points to your driving record. The number of points depends on how fast you were traveling, and they can remain on your record for several years. The DMV also notifies your insurance company, which can lead to higher premiums, even for a first offense.

What are the penalties for Speeding in Virginia?

The penalties for a speeding ticket in Virginia go beyond the fine on the ticket. A conviction may result in demerit points, increased insurance premiums, court costs, and a mark on your driving record that follows you for years.

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 additional fines apply 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 premiums, even for your first ticket. If points accumulate on your record, you may also face license suspension.

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, any mitigation completed, and how your attorney handles the case, there may be options 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

The right approach depends on your individual situation, including your speed, your record, and which Hampton Roads court your case is in. Speaking with an attorney before deciding how to handle your ticket is the best way to fully understand your options.

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.

November 3, 2025

Recent Dismissals & Reductions by Attorneys Steven Thomas and Kari Ann Hedwall – October 2025

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November 7, 2024

Recent Dismissals & Reductions by Attorneys Madeline Loving and Steven Thomas – September & October 2024

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View all case results

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 received a speeding ticket in Hampton Roads, the most important thing to know is that you have options. Many drivers assume they must simply pay the ticket — but paying is treated as a guilty plea, and once you pay, the conviction is on your record permanently. Here are the 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 know the local courts and what it takes to help our clients pursue the best possible outcome.

For a free consultation, call us at 757-929-0335 or fill out the form below.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth fighting a speeding ticket in Hampton Roads?

In many cases, yes. A traffic attorney can often get a speeding ticket reduced or even dismissed. Even a reduction to a lower speed tier can shorten how long the conviction stays on your record. The best way to know if it’s worth fighting is to speak with an attorney before you pay.

How long does a speeding ticket stay on my Virginia driving record?

It depends on how fast you were going. Tickets for 1–19 mph over the limit stay on your DMV record for 5 years. Tickets for 20 or more mph over the limit can stay for up to 11 years.

Will a speeding ticket raise my insurance rates in Virginia?

It can. The Virginia DMV notifies your insurance company after a conviction, which can lead to higher premiums. If your ticket is reduced to a non-moving violation, no DMV notification is sent — which protects your insurance rate.

Can I just pay my speeding ticket in Virginia?

You can, but paying a speeding ticket in Virginia is treated as a guilty plea. Once paid, the conviction is final, demerit points are added to your record, and your insurance company is notified. Before you pay, it’s worth a free consultation with an attorney to understand your options.

Do I have to go to court for a speeding ticket in Hampton Roads?

Not always. Infractions in Virginia can be handled by an attorney on your behalf, meaning you may not need to miss work or travel to court. However, more serious offenses such as reckless driving, which is a misdemeanor, require a court appearance. Contact us and we can tell you what’s required for your specific court.

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