Traffic laws exist to maintain order, protect the public’s safety and prevent accidents on the road. However, it is still common for drivers to violate these laws and earn themselves traffic violations.
In this blog, we will discuss three common causes of traffic tickets in Virginia and how much they cost:
Texting while driving
It is illegal in Virginia to text while driving. This primary offense can cost drivers $125 fine for the first offense and $250 fine for a second offense. Additionally, any type of handheld device activity while driving on the road is prohibited under state law.
The only exception to this rule is if the driver is in an emergency or if their car was stopped or parked when they used their cellphone.
Speeding
Virginia has a maximum speed limit of 55mph for most highways. However, if the driver passes by a school zone, a business area or a residential area, their speed limit is 25mph.
Driving over these speed limits can cause the driver a speeding ticket, penalty points on their driver’s license and a fine ranging from $6 per mile over the limit or up to $2,500 for cases of reckless speeding.
Driving under the influence (DUI)
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is a serious public safety issue, not just in the state of Virginia but across the world.
When a driver is arrested and convicted of a first offense DUI in court, they may face a one-year license suspension and a minimum fine of $250. However, if they are a repeat offender, their DUI penalties are harsher and may include jail time.
A driver’s fate lies in their own hands
While any driver can make a mistake on the road and choose to pay their fines by pleading guilty to their traffic offense, they also have the right to challenge their tickets in court — especially if they believe that they were wrongly accused of the violation.
