WHY YOU SHOULDN’T JUST PAY A SPEEDING TICKET
In Virginia, paying a speeding ticket is a guilty plea, and it triggers demerit points based on how far over the limit you were: three points for 1–9 mph over, four for 10–19, and six for 20 or more. Those points sit on your record for years, and insurers watch for them — a single conviction can raise your premiums well beyond the cost of the fine itself. Contesting the ticket, on the other hand, can mean a reduced charge, fewer or no points, and no lasting hit.
There’s a bigger reason to look closely, too. Driving 20 mph or more over the limit — or over 85 mph outright — can be charged as reckless driving, a criminal misdemeanor rather than a simple infraction. What looks like a routine ticket can carry jail exposure and a permanent record. An experienced traffic lawyer can challenge the radar or speedometer evidence, raise your driving history, and work to keep a bad day from becoming a lasting problem.
DRIVERS GET ROUGHLY HALF A MILLION SPEEDING TICKETS A YEAR
VIRGINIA SPEEDING TICKETS: WHAT TO KNOW
How many points will a speeding ticket add?
Three points for 1–9 mph over the limit, four for 10–19, and six for 20 or more. Demerit points affect your record and your insurance, and six-point offenses can linger for years.
When does speeding become reckless driving?
Generally at 20+ mph over the limit, or over 85 mph. At that point it’s a criminal Class 1 misdemeanor — not a ticket — with jail exposure and a permanent record.
What are the fines?
The fine is printed on the citation, and Virginia adds court costs on top. Fines are typically due within about 40 days of conviction; ignoring them can lead to added costs or a suspended license.
Can I lose my license over tickets?
es. Accumulating too many demerit points — 18 within 12 months — triggers a suspension, as can failing to pay fines or complete court-ordered programs.
How can a lawyer help?
By highlighting a clean driving record, challenging radar accuracy, arranging speedometer calibration or driving school, and negotiating for a reduced charge or dismissal.
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BEFORE YOU PAY, TALK TO DECKER
Paying the ticket ends your options; a quick call keeps them open. Reach us by text, chat, phone, or email, or call 757-622-3317 to find out whether your citation is worth fighting.