The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm | April 29, 2026 | Car Accidents
Virginia has some of the most detailed speeding laws in the country, and the cost of a ticket can vary widely depending on how fast you were going. A minor infraction might mean a modest fine and not much more, but higher speeds can bring consequences that include the possibility of criminal charges and license suspension.
If you were recently ticketed or involved in a car accident caused by a speeding driver, it helps to know how Virginia treats these violations. Read on for a breakdown of what speeding tickets actually cost in the Commonwealth.
Standard Speeding Ticket Fines in Virginia
Most speeding tickets in Virginia fall under the standard traffic infraction category. Generally speaking, the base fine depends on how many miles per hour over the limit you were traveling.
A typical fine structure looks like this:
- $6 per mile over the speed limit in most cases
- $7 per mile over the limit in certain areas, like school zones
- An additional $62 or so in court costs and processing fees
For example, a driver caught going 15 mph over the limit would likely face around $90 in fines plus costs and fees. These amounts can shift depending on the jurisdiction and the specific facts of the stop.
Speeding Can Constitute Reckless Driving
Virginia treats excessive speeding much more seriously than most states. Under Virginia Code § 46.2-862, you can be charged with reckless driving if you are going 20 mph or more above the posted limit, or driving faster than 85 mph, regardless of the posted limit.
Reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor, not a simple traffic ticket.
Penalties can include:
- Fines
- A jail sentence
- Driver’s license suspension
- Demerit points on your driving record
- A lasting criminal record
This is a significant step up from a standard infraction and often requires an attorney to help resolve. A criminal conviction can affect one’s freedom dramatically, even after they’ve served all of the penalties imposed by the court.
How Do Speeding Tickets Affect Insurance and Driving Records?
Beyond the fine itself, a speeding conviction can cost drivers much more over time. Insurance providers routinely raise premiums after a ticket, and that increase can last for several years. Reckless driving convictions can lead to even steeper hikes or potentially the non-renewal of coverage altogether.
Virginia also uses a demerit points system through the Department of Motor Vehicles, as alluded to above. Accumulating too many points within a short period can trigger mandatory driver improvement courses and an outright license suspension in some cases as well.
Speeding and Civil Liability After a Crash
Speeding isn’t just a traffic issue; it’s also one of the most common causes of serious auto accidents in Virginia. If a driver’s speed contributed to a collision, that driver can be held financially responsible for the damages suffered by others involved in the crash.
Another aspect of these cases to keep in mind is that Virginia follows a contributory negligence law. Under this standard, an injured person who is found even 1% at fault can be barred from recovering compensation. That makes it critical to protect your claim carefully if you were the victim of the accident.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Virginia Car Accident Lawyer at The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm
A speeding ticket can significantly impact a Virginia car accident claim, potentially helping establish fault and strengthening your case. If you’ve been involved in a speeding-related crash, it’s important to understand your legal options as soon as possible.
Contact The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. You’ll receive personalized guidance, answers to your questions, and a clear understanding of what to do next—so you can move forward with confidence.
For more information, please contact our experienced car accident attorneys at The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm to schedule a free consultation today. We have two convenient locations in Manassas, VA and Fairfax, VA.
The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm Manassas
9208 Lee Ave, First Floor, Manassas, VA, 20110
(571) 229-1800
Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Manassas
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 38.7523907,-77.5566859
The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm Fairfax
4000 Legato Rd #1100, Fairfax, VA, 22033
(571) 200-5424
Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Fairfax
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 38.8657713,-77.3652474
