You were traveling to meet up with your friends when you saw flashing lights behind you. You knew you’d been traveling at a pretty quick speed, but you didn’t realize just how fast you’d been going until the officer pulled you over.
He claims you were driving 90 mph in a 55 mph zone, which he feels is extremely unreasonable and unsafe. You didn’t even realize how fast you were going. The roads were dry, the sun was out, and you were just focused on getting where you were going.
You should know that driving 20 mph or more over the posted speed limit may result in a reckless driving charge. If that happens, you’ll face a misdemeanor on your first offense and a fine of $350. If this is not the first offense, then you could face a felony and may pay up to $1,000 annually as a fine.
Virginia is strict on drivers. Did you know that the general cost of driving over the speed limit is approximately $6 per mile over? The fee is increased in work or school zones, too. In residential areas, there is an additional $200 fine, and you can be charged upwards of $8 per mile-per-hour over the speed limit you were traveling.
On top of all this, you may be given demerit points. Speeding can result in up to six points being added to your license, depending on all the factors of your case. All demerits remain on your record for at least two years. The ticket may be present longer, impacting your ability to obtain insurance.
How can you reduce the impact of a significant reckless driving charge or speeding ticket?
One way is by going through a driver improvement course. This may help you offset any demerit points that you are issued. Keep in mind that you need to choose to take this course for that to work. If the court orders it, you probably won’t be able to have your demerits offset.
Will you lose your license for speeding?
It’s possible to lose your license, depending on how quickly you were traveling and if you are given a substantial number of demerit points. Simply having too many demerit points on your license can result in a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license.
If you face a ticket or charge, you don’t need to plead guilty or no contest. You can defend yourself, which may reduce any penalties you face.
