Got a Speeding Ticket in Virginia? Do This First

Added: 2026-06-03

[00:00:00]You got a speeding ticket? Don't pay that fine yet, because paying the ticket is automatically admitting guilt.

[00:00:05]>> [music] >> And that admission can cost you much more than the fine.

[00:00:08]Points on your license, increasing your insurance, and in serious cases, even your freedom.

[00:00:13]But there are legitimate defenses that can help you fight that ticket, reduce the charges, or even dismiss the case completely.

[00:00:20]In the next few minutes, I'm going to explain exactly how to do it. Not all speeding tickets are the same.

[00:00:25]In Virginia, if you're stopped for driving 20 mph or more over the speed limit, or if you're going 85 mph or more regardless of the limit, that's not just a traffic violation. That's reckless driving, and reckless driving is a criminal offense. It's a class one misdemeanor. It can result in up to 12 months in jail, up to $2,500 fine, six points on your license, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. Now, even if your ticket isn't reckless driving, paying any ticket has consequences.

[00:00:53]Points on your license. In Virginia, depending on how much you exceeded the limit, you can receive between three and six points on your license. If you accumulate 12 points in 12 months, or 18 points in 24 months, they will suspend your license.

[00:01:07]Your insurance will increase.

[00:01:09]Your insurance can go up between 20% and 40% for three to five years. In some cases, your insurance company can cancel your policy completely.

[00:01:18]Permanent record. That's why it's so important to understand you have options.

[00:01:22]You don't have to accept the ticket automatically.