When it comes to reckless driving, Virginia has some of the toughest laws in the United States. In fact, simply driving above 80 miles per hour is considered reckless driving in Virginia, as is exceeding the speed limit by 20 miles per hour or more.
Virginia traffic statutes state:
A person shall be guilty of reckless driving who drives a motor vehicle on the highways in the Commonwealth (i) at a speed of twenty miles per hour or more in excess of the applicable maximum speed limit or (ii) in excess of eighty miles per hour regardless of the applicable maximum speed limit.
Therefore, anyone who is stopped for driving 81 mph or more will be charged with reckless driving. And you will face the same charges for driving 75 mph in a 55 mph zone. Many attorneys find these laws to be unnecessarily harsh.
Getting stopped at a Virginia speed trap
Virginia has been extremely aggressive in its crack down on speeding. The interstate highways near Richmond (I-95, I-64, and I-85) are notorious for establishing a Virginia speed trap, which are manned by law enforcement officers 24 hours a day. Traffic courts in these areas are overloaded with reckless driving cases. And while it seems unfair, a Virginia speed trap is a perfectly legal means of enforcing traffic laws.
If you have been charged with reckless driving after being stopped at a Virginia speed trap, you can get the professional help of a Virginia reckless driving attorney.
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