Virginia Speeding Ticket Fines and Penalties

In this article, we cover:

• Virginia’s point system
• Speeding fines and penalties
• What to do with a speeding ticket
• How to avoid such tickets

Point System in Virginia

A new Virginia driver’s license is issued with zero points. Whenever you get any fine or ticket, the DMV assigns you demerit points on your record. Violations can stay on your record for 3 to 11 years, and some stay on your permanent record.

How Do I Remove Points From My Record?

Safe Points

Every April, the DMV will give a safe point if you drive the whole year without accidents and violations. You can accumulate up to five safe points in this manner.

Voluntary Driver Safety Clinic

You can earn up to five safe driver points by taking a Driver Safety Course. You are not guaranteed these points if the court orders you to take the course. Even though you can accumulate points, you must present the court papers to the Driver Safety Clinic.

Speeding Fines

Virginia ticket fines are pre-determined by the Virginia Traffic Law Codes, some of which we list below. The fee depends on how many miles you were going over the speed limit and where.

What Else Affects the Total Cost of the Speeding Ticket?

Court and Related Fees

• Court Fees: These are mandatory charges, regardless of your fine amount. In Virginia, the court fee for a traffic ticket ranges from $60 to $100, plus more for each additional charge. If you pay your fees with a credit or debit card, there is also a 4% fee.
• Not Showing Up: If you fail to appear in court, you could accrue an additional fee if you do not have a good reason for your absence.
• Attorney Fees: If you hire an attorney, costs will vary depending on their fees.

Surcharges

• Safe Driving Points Surcharge: A surcharge can be added for every demerit point you receive on your license. This is meant to penalize repeated or severe traffic offenses more heavily.
• Special Funds Contribution: A portion of your fine can go towards state funds such as the Trauma Center Fund or the Literary Fund. These contributions, while relatively small, add to the total cost.
• Technology Fee: Some jurisdictions may include a technology fee to support the maintenance and upgrade of court technological systems.
• Time Payment Fee: If you choose to pay fees over time, you can expect to pay a time payment fee.

Community Service

Some districts offer a community service program where you can do volunteer work in exchange for some of your fines and penalties. You can look up your Virginia court district’s fee policies on their website.

Speeding Penalties

Age Under 18

• First Violation: If you are convicted of a demerit point violation or failure to use safety belts, you have 90 days to complete a driver improvement clinic. If you fail to do so, your license will be suspended until you complete the course and pay a reinstatement fee.
• Second Violation: The DMV suspends your driving privileges for 90 days. 
• Third Violation: Your driving privileges will be revoked entirely for one year or until you turn 18, whichever is longer.

Age Over 18

What Does a Virginia Speeding Ticket Affect?

Driving Record

Speeding tickets result in demerit points added to your driving record. These points influence your driving privileges, and if you accumulate too many of them, your license will be suspended or revoked.

Insurance Premiums

Insurance companies consider the demerit points on your driving record, which can raise your premiums.

Job

If you have a job that revolves around driving, you could be let go. Either because the company sees you as a hazard or because the insurance premiums they have to pay are too high. In some cases, the type of convictions on your driving record can also bar you from employment.

Out-of-State Visitors

Out-of-state visitors are treated differently by Virginia. Rather than assigning points, they refer the matter to your home state and will handle it depending on the severity of the issue according to the law where your license is from.

How Do I Respond to a Virginia Speeding Ticket?

Pleading Guilty or No Contest

Choosing to plead guilty or no contest means you accept the charges and are willing to pay the fine.

1. Review the Ticket: Check the fine amount, due date, and payment options.
2. Choose Your Payment Method:

• Online
• By Mail. Send a check or money order to the address indicated on the ticket.
• In Person. Go to the court’s office mentioned on the ticket.

3. Pay Before the Deadline: Avoid additional penalties by paying on or before the due date.
4. Verify Your Driving Record: After payment, check your driving record to confirm the ticket has been properly recorded.

Pleading Not Guilty

1. Notify the Court: Inform the court in writing or online, as per the instructions on the ticket.
2. Prepare Your Defense: Collect evidence supporting your innocence, such as photographs, witness statements, or a record of a well-maintained vehicle.
3. Consider Hiring an Attorney: If your case is complex or you need clarification on representing yourself, consider consulting a traffic attorney.
4. Attend the Court Hearing: Clearly and respectfully present your evidence and argument to the judge.
5. Follow the Court’s Decision: If the court rules in your favor, the ticket will be dismissed. If not, you’ll have to pay the fine and possibly court costs.
6. Check Your Driving Record: Ensure that the outcome of the court hearing is accurately reflected in your driving record.

5 Tips on How to Avoid Future Speeding Tickets

1. Check Speed Limits: Always be aware of the speed limit, which can change frequently, especially in school zones, construction areas, and residential neighborhoods.
2. Keep a Safe Distance: Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and the one in front to avoid sudden braking, which can lead to speed fluctuations.
3. Avoid Distractions: Distractions like phone use, eating, or adjusting the radio can lead to unintentional speeding. Keeping focused on the road is vital.
4. Take Care of Your Vehicle: Ensure your speedometer is accurate and your vehicle is in good working condition.
5. Plan Ahead: Allow ample time for your journey to avoid the need to speed.

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