Virginia Law Enforcement takes Reckless Driving very seriously.
So seriously, in fact, that Reckless Driving is not merely considered a traffic infraction, but it is treated as a Class 1 Misdemeanor (on the same level of offense in Virginia as a DUI/DWI charge, an assault and battery charge, or a larceny charge). Virginia’s Reckless Driving laws are some of the most severe in the country.
In Virginia, some of the most common reasons you may receive a Reckless Driving charge are:
Driving at a speed in excess of 20 MPH of the posted speed limit
Driving with faulty brakes and driving while vehicle not under proper control
Driving at a speed in excess of 85 MPH (regardless of the applicable maximum speed limit)
Overtaking, passing, or failing to yield to an emergency vehicle
Driving in a manner generally endangering the life, limb, or property of others
Street Racing
Improperly passing a stopped school bus
Passing a vehicle at the crest of a hill, on a curve, or on a grade
Driving at speeds too fast for traffic conditions regardless of the speed limit
Overtaking or passing another vehicle at a railroad grade crossing
Reckless driving in a parking lot
Failure to yield right-of-way to other vehicles when merging onto a highway
Failing to give a proper turning or stopping signal
