Traffic offenses are some of the most common violations in Virginia. There is a wide range of traffic violations, each with specific penalties. The most common form of penalization for a traffic violation is a fine. Virginia traffic tickets are regulated by fines and demerit points on the driver’s license. Traffic infractions are penalized by fines and either three or four demerit points on your driver’s license. The Virginia Supreme Court sets all fines for traffic infraction. These punishments and deterrents tend to change from year to year. However, there are a number of more serious traffic violations which are assigned a fine, jail time or other penalties. If you have been charged with a serious traffic offense in Virginia, it is always recommended that you work with a legal professional.
Major Traffic Violations
More severe traffic violations carry more significant penalties. While many traffic violations are considered minor and are only assigned a fine and a negative point penalty, some violations can potentially carry much more serious charge. Below is a list of some of the more serious Virginia traffic violations:
- First DUI Offense
- Second DUI Offense
- Third DUI Offense
- Felony DUI
- Driving Without a License
- Driving With a Suspended License
- Reckless Driving
- Felony Reckless Driving
- Speeding
- Hit and Run
- Eluding the Police
- Racing
Common Virginia Traffic Violations
There are also several minor traffic violations that are also common in Virginia. Below is a list of common violations and the Virginia law that describes the offense and the assigned penalty.
Driving Too Slowly — Virginia Code §46.2-877
Unless a driver is going slowly to comply with the law, Virginia law makes it an infraction to impede the flow of traffic by driving too slowly.
– Penalty: Fine plus 3 demerit points
Failing to Obey Highway Sign — VA Code §46.2-830 and §46.2-830.1
Lawfully placed signs and markers on the road must be followed by all Virginia drivers. If a court finds that the violation was the result of the driver stopping or parking on the highway shoulder to sleep or rest, then no demerit points will be attributed to the driving record.
– Penalty: Fine plus 3 demerit points
Improper Turn — VA Code §46.2-846
An improper turn is defined as making a right turn from other than the right-hand or curb lane, or making a left turn from other than the lane nearest the center line.
– Penalty: Fine plus 3 demerit points
Improper Passing — VA Code §46.2-837, 838, 841 to 843
Improper passing is described as driving to the left of the center line when there is another vehicle coming in the opposite travel lane; driving too close to the vehicle that is passing in the same lane and returning to the lane before you are safely clear of the vehicle you passed; passing to the right; failing to give the right of way to the car you’re passing; improperly speeding up when someone else tries to pass; passing when the left lane is not clearly visible or there is too much traffic in the left lane to make it safe to pass.
– Penalty: Fine plus 3 or 4 demerit points depending upon circumstances
Evading A Traffic Control Device — VA Code §46.2-833.1
Drivers are not allowed to move off of the roadway and onto public or private property in order to evade a stop sign, yield sign, traffic light, or traffic control device.
– Penalty: Fine plus 3 demerit points
Failing to Yield — VA Code §46.2-820 to 829
Drivers must yield to the driver on the right when entering an intersection. Drivers must obey a yield sign at an intersection. Drivers must yield to a driver already inside a roundabout. Drivers must yield at an uncontrolled “T” intersection. Drivers must yield to an oncoming vehicle when turning left. Drivers must stop and yield when entering a public highway or sidewalk from a private road. Drivers must yield to armed services, funeral processions under police escort and emergency vehicles.
– Penalty: Fine plus 4 demerit points
Following Too Closely — VA Code §46.2-816
Drivers must leave a prudent amount of space between his vehicle and other vehicles on the road.
– Penalty: Fine plus 4 demerit points
Failing to Obey Traffic Signal — VA Code §46.2-833
Drivers must obey proper procedure at a blinking yellow and red light and stop at a solid red light.
– Penalty: Fine plus 4 demerit points
Failing to Obey Highway Lane Markings — VA Code §46.2-804
Slow-moving traffic must stay in the rightmost lane that is feasible. Vehicles may not improperly drive in the center lane. Drivers must ascertain safety before switching lanes. Drivers must not improperly cross a solid line or double lines. Drivers may not improperly drive in the center lane of a three-lane highway.
– Penalty: Fine plus 4 demerit points
Improper Backing, Stopping, or Turning — VA Code §46.2-848
Any action that is taken in a vehicle must be properly signaled or the driver risks an infraction. The driver must also make sure that the movement is safe to perform.
– Penalty: Fine plus 4 demerit points
Failing to Drive on Right Side — VA Code §46.2-802
Drivers must stay on the right side of the road unless engaged in a lawful pass that involves the left lane.
– Penalty: Fine plus 4 demerit points
Driving Wrong Way — VA Code §46.2-806
Drivers must drive in the designated direction of the road.
– Penalty: Fine plus 4 demerit point
We Are Ready To Represent You!
Many infractions are relatively minor when taken one by one. However, too many of them on your driving record at once can result in higher insurance rates. Enough of them will result in a driver’s license suspension. Drivers with a history of traffic infractions will have a tougher time with future driving-related charges. Paying a traffic ticket in the state of Virginia is the same as pleading guilty in court. If you do not want to have a bad driving record, then you should make an effort to obey VA traffic laws and if you receive a ticket, you should be aware of your options.
If you have been charged with a traffic violation in Virginia – call The Brown Firm PLLC or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Our traffic defense lawyers can help you understand your case and what your best option is moving forward.
