Virginia Reckless Driving Laws
Reckless driving is a class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia, which puts it in the same category as drunk driving. Getting charged with reckless driving is a criminal offense in the Old Dominion, with jail time and up to $2,500 in fines possible for the worst offenders. There are a number of things that can get you a reckless driving ticket in Virginia, so it's important to be knowledgeable of the laws.
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General Rule 46.2-852
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This is the most commonly-applied reckless driving charge in Virginia. The language of the law is very broad; basically, you can be charged with reckless driving if you drive at a speed that endangers the life or property of another, or if you intentionally disregard the consequences of your actions, and endanger the life of yourself or anyone else. Clearly, these criteria can be applied in a multitude of different scenarios.
Passing Emergency or Safety Vehicles
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If you are caught passing a stopped, properly-equipped school bus or an emergency vehicle -- such as an ambulance or a fire truck that has sirens, horns, or flashing lights -- you can be cited for reckless driving. The law states that doing this is a failure to yield to the right of way of these vehicles.
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Speeding
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If you go more than twenty miles over the speed limit or more than 80 mph on any road or in any parking lot in Virginia, you can be given a citation for reckless driving. You can also be cited for driving too fast in dangerous conditions, like heavy rain or snow. Racing with other cars on a public road also constitutes reckless driving.
Operating an Unsafe Vehicle
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Driving a car that has bad brakes, broken lights, or an obstructed view is considered reckless in Virginia. These things can constitute an out-of-control vehicle, one that puts other drivers in danger.
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