Virginia Road Sign in a Bright SkyYes, you may be charged with reckless driving in Virginia if you live out of state. If you choose to drive on Virginia roads, then Virginia laws apply to you regardless of where you live or which state issued your driver’s license.

VA Reckless Driving Speeding Crimes and Penalties

Virginia Code § 46.2-862 makes it a crime to drive a motor vehicle on a highway in Virginia if one of the following two things is true. You are:

  • Driving faster than 20 miles per hour over the speed limit
     
  • Driving faster than 80 miles per hour.

In most cases, violation of this law is a Class 1 misdemeanor. If you are convicted of reckless driving due to speeding, then you may face imprisonment for up to 12 months, a fine of up to $2,500, or both penalties.

If your reckless driving was the sole and proximate cause of another person’s death or if you were driving without a valid license, from any state, because of a license suspension or revocation due to a moving violation, then you may be convicted of a Class 6 felony. The potential penalty for a Class 6 felony could include imprisonment for up to five years, a fine of up to $2,500, or both penalties. Both Class 1 misdemeanor and Class 6 felony convictions may also result in additional fines and penalties.

According to the Driver License Compact, you may face penalties in your home state if you are convicted of reckless driving in Virginia. The Driver License Compact applies to Washington D.C. and all states in the country except for Georgia, Maine, Michigan, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

Call a Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer

What might have been a speeding ticket in your home state is a crime in Virginia, and Virginia law applies to your case. Therefore, you need an experienced Fairfax reckless driving defense attorney to defend you. Your lawyer may be able to appear in court on your behalf so that you don’t need to come back to Virginia for your court date.

We understand the serious legal and financial consequences you face. Call us to schedule a free consultation and to get started protecting your rights today.