Speeding in Virginia can lead to significant fines and other legal consequences due to the state’s strict traffic laws. Understanding the fines associated with speeding is crucial for drivers who want to avoid costly penalties. Virginia imposes fines based on the speed over the limit, with additional penalties for certain zones like school crossings and work areas.
Knowing these laws can help drivers stay within legal limits and avoid accumulating demerit points on their driving record, which can also affect auto insurance rates.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Speeding Ticket in Virginia
Several factors influence Virginia speeding ticket costs, including:
- MPH Over the Speed Limit: Fines increase based on how much the driver exceeds the posted speed limit. For example, the standard fine is $6 per mile over the limit, but this can vary.
- Special Zones: Speeding in school zones, work zones, and residential areas carry higher traffic ticket fines, often adding $7 to $8 per mile over the limit.
- Excessive Speeding: Driving above 80 mph in a 65 mph zone results in a higher base fine, reflecting the state’s emphasis on controlling excessive speeding.
- Location: Different areas, like residential districts or zones with special speed limits set by the Transportation Commissioner, have specific fines.
These factors not only determine the base fine but also affect the overall cost due to additional fees and potential court costs.
Here’s a quick overview on speeding ticket costs, based on the Virginia Traffic Infractions and Uniform Fine Schedule:
| Speeding Violation | Fine | Processing Fee | Total Fine |
| Exceeding the speed limit | $6 per mile over speed limit | $51 | Varies based on speed |
| Exceeding the speed limit in a school crossing | $7 per mile over speed limit | $51 | Varies based on speed |
| Exceeding the speed limit in a highway work zone | $7 per mile over speed limit | $51 | Varies based on speed |
| Exceeding the speed limit in a photo-monitored school/work zone | $100 | $51 | $151 |
| Exceeding speed limits set by Transportation Commissioner | $6 per mile over speed limit | $51 | Varies based on speed |
| Exceeding the speed limit in a residence district | $200 + $8 per mile over speed limit | $51 | Varies based on speed |
| Exceeding the speed limit in a 55 mph or 65 mph zone | $6 per mile over speed limit | $51 | Varies based on speed |
| Driving 80-86 mph in a 65 mph zone | $100 + $6 per mile over speed limit | $51 | Varies based on speed |
| Exceeding the speed limit on a bridge | $6 per mile over speed limit | $51 | Varies based on speed |
| Impeding traffic by slow speed | $30 | $51 | $81 |
| Failure to drive at the appropriate speed in designated lanes | $100 | $51 | $151 |
Mitigating Speeding Points in Virginia
In Virginia, accumulating demerit points on your driving record is a consequence of traffic violations. However, drivers have options to mitigate these points:
- Court Attendance: The court may give you the option of completing a Driver Improvement course to keep the ticket and associated points off your record. Not all courts and tickets are eligible for this option, but is a great option to keep your driving record clean.
- Safe Driver Points via Driver Improvement Clinic: Virginia allows drivers to voluntarily attend a DMV-approved online driver improvement clinic. Completing a driver improvement course can earn you up to five safe driving points, which may offset demerit points on your record. This can help reduce the impact on your insurance premiums and improve your driving record.
Take Your Driver Improvement Course Online
Receiving speeding tickets in Virginia carries not just immediate financial penalties but also long-term consequences on your driving record. To avoid these penalties and become a safer driver, consider enrolling in Ticket School’s Virginia DMV-approved online driver improvement course. This can not only help mitigate points on your record but also promote safer driving habits.