What is the True Cost of a Traffic Ticket in Virginia?

Ever hit the snooze button one too many times? Let me ask that a different way; ever accidentally hit the snooze until it was time to leave?

It happened to me.

There I was, frantically brushing my teeth and struggling to put pants on at the same time. I needed every short-cut in the book to make it to work. Ever see people on the road, the windshield still icy, except for that tiny little square space they managed to scrape off to see?

That was me that morning, defrost blasting.

On top of that, I am flying down the back roads hoping to avoid traffic cops on the main strip. Oh, how wrong I was.

I got caught speeding 14 miles per hour over the speed limit. I destroyed my two-year clean driving record. I am still blaming my snooze button.

The thing is, it may seem easier to pay for the ticket and move on. However, here in Virginia, traffic violations can be far more costly than the ticket price. When you consider the increase in your insurance premiums, how long these violations stay on your record, and in some cases jail time, having a conviction on your record can be devastating. If you need a traffic ticket attorney in Virginia, please call Randall, Page & Bruch, P.C. Sit down for a free consultation before you accept defeat. Call now to see what your options are.

What Will a Guilty Verdict Get Me?

In Virginia, pleading guilty to a traffic violation could mean pleading to a felony or misdemeanor. According to the DMV of Virginia:

• 3-point violations include:
  • Speeding 1-9 mph above the posted speed limit
  • Improper passing
  • Failure to signal
  • Driving with excessive lights
• 4-point violations include:
  • Reckless Driving (Speeding 10-19 mph)
  • Failure to yield
  • Following too closely
• 6-point offenses include felonies and misdemeanors:
  • Reckless driving (speeding over 85 mph or 20 mph above the speed limit)
  • DUI
  • Manslaughter

As you can see, pleading guilty to speeding 20mph over the speed limit can land you in the same hot water as a DUI or Manslaughter charge. Virginia is famous for having little to no tolerance for speeders, and it’s not uncommon for people to spend a few nights in jail.

So, What Will This Cost Me?

If you are charged with a traffic violation, your initial instinct may be to plea and pay the fine. Still, looking at the whole picture, it can be far more costly to do so in Virginia.

• Speeding ticket fines are generally $6 per mph over the speed limit but could double if specific criteria are met.
• If you are speeding over 20mph over the speed limit, you could be charged with reckless driving, a criminal offense in Virginia.

• Your license could be suspended.
• If your license is suspended, getting to your job every day can prove incredibly challenging.
• Your insurance premiums for one reckless driving conviction can increase your rates 2-3 times over the next 3-5 years.
• Reckless driving could also make you too costly to be insured if your job requires you to drive.

What’s the Smart Move?

Speeding and other traffic violations can cost you your job and prevent you from being hired if the occupation requires you to drive. Not to mention, the rise in insurance premiums alone could be more than all the fines and court costs combined. However, you don’t have to plead guilty and accept whatever fate the judge sees fit. There are traffic ticket attorneys in Virginia that specialize in keeping your driving record clean. Having representation can save you thousands in the long run. Don’t hesitate, call Randall, Page & Bruch, P.C. today. You can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or by calling 757-742-6115.