The Cost of Breaking the Rules of the Road in Virginia: An Overview of Traffic Fine Amounts

Introduction

If you get pulled over in Virginia, you may be facing a hefty fine. Traffic violation fines in Virginia depend on the type of violation, the severity of the violation, and the driver’s record. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various fines for different types of traffic violations in the state of Virginia. We’ll also discuss how to reduce the fines and how to avoid them in the first place.

Types of Infractions

In Virginia, traffic violations are divided into two main categories: minor infractions and major infractions. Minor infractions are mostly non-moving violations, such as parking violations, equipment violations, and failure to obey traffic signals. Major infractions include moving violations, such as speeding, reckless driving, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Fines for Minor Infractions

The fines for minor infractions vary depending on the type of violation. For example, parking violations usually carry a fine of $25. Other minor infractions, such as equipment violations and failure to obey traffic signals, carry a fine of up to $250.

Fines for Major Infractions

The fines for major infractions are much steeper. Speeding is one of the most common traffic violations in Virginia, and the fines can range from $50 to $250 depending on the speed at which the driver was traveling. Reckless driving carries a fine of up to $2,500 and a jail sentence of up to 12 months. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol carries a fine of up to $2,500 and a jail sentence of up to 12 months.

Reducing Fines

If you are found guilty of a minor infraction, you may be able to reduce the fine by attending a Virginia Commonwealth Driving Improvement Clinic. These clinics offer an 8-hour class to help drivers learn the rules of the road and improve their driving skills. Upon completion of the class, the driver may have their fine reduced or dismissed altogether.

Avoiding Fines

Of course, the best way to avoid fines is to follow the rules of the road. Always obey the speed limit, don’t drive recklessly, and never drink and drive. If you’re not sure of the rules of the road, you can take a driver’s education course to learn them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, traffic violation fines in Virginia vary depending on the type of violation and the severity of the violation. Minor infractions carry a fine of up to $250, while major infractions can carry a fine of up to $2,500 or even a jail sentence. If you are found guilty of a minor infraction, you may be able to reduce the fine by attending a Virginia Commonwealth Driving Improvement Clinic. The best way to avoid fines is to follow the rules of the road.