Virginia Reckless Driving: Fines, 6 Demerit Points & How Much Your Insurance Increases

Most drivers assume "reckless driving" means weaving through traffic at 100 mph. In Virginia, it is far broader — and far easier to be charged with than you would expect. Going 21 over on the interstate, racing a yellow light, or a single bad merge can all become reckless driving, a criminal misdemeanor that lands on your record for over a decade and can double your insurance. Here is what counts as reckless driving in Virginia, the fines and points, exactly how much your premium is likely to jump, and how to start repairing the damage.

What Counts as Reckless Driving in Virginia?

Virginia’s reckless-driving statutes are unusually wide. The two you will see most often are Va. Code § 46.2-852 (general reckless driving — operating in a way that endangers life, limb, or property) and § 46.2-862 (reckless driving by speed — going 20 mph or more over the limit, or faster than 85 mph on any road). Other forms include passing a stopped school bus, racing, faulty brakes under § 46.2-853, and passing on a hill or curve. Critically, every one of these is a Class 1 misdemeanor under § 46.2-868 — the same class of crime as a DUI, not a simple traffic ticket.

Because the speed threshold is so low, ordinary speeding can cross into reckless territory in a heartbeat. See when speeding becomes reckless driving and driving too fast for conditions for the gray areas.

A reckless charge is serious — but a voluntary safe-driving course is a smart first step you control. Enroll in the ABC Driving Improvement course — $74.99, DMV-approved, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Fines & DMV Demerit Points for Reckless Driving

As a Class 1 misdemeanor, reckless driving carries penalties well beyond a fine:

• Up to a $2,500 fine;

• Up to 12 months in jail;

• Possible license suspension (commonly up to 6 months);

• 6 DMV demerit points — the maximum for a single offense; and

• A criminal conviction that stays on your Virginia driving record for 11 years.

Six points is enough to push many drivers toward the DMV’s enforcement thresholds: 12 points in 12 months (or 18 in 24) requires a driver improvement clinic, and 18 in 12 months (or 24 in 24) suspends your license. Because a reckless conviction is also a misdemeanor, it can surface on criminal background and security-clearance checks. Compare it with related charges in the reckless-driving penalties guide, aggressive vs. reckless driving, and the complete reckless-driving guide.

How a Reckless Driving Conviction Affects Your Car Insurance

Of all common Virginia violations, reckless driving hits insurance the hardest. Because Virginia sets no statewide insurance-point formula, each carrier prices the risk itself — and they price reckless driving like a major offense. Real-world increases commonly run 25% to 50%, and for many drivers the jump is 58% to 90% or more; conservative averages still land around 22%. On a $1,600 policy, a 40% surcharge is roughly $640 more per year, and because reckless surcharges often last up to five years, the lifetime cost can exceed $3,000 — dwarfing the fine. Some insurers will non-renew the policy entirely, forcing you into higher-cost coverage and possibly an SR-22 or FR-44 filing.

To see how the pieces fit together, read how Virginia traffic tickets affect insurance rates, SR-22 requirements, and FR-44 requirements.

Show your insurer you are lowering your risk: Enroll in the ABC Driving Improvement course — $74.99, DMV-approved, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

What to Do After a Reckless Driving Charge

1. Treat it as the criminal case it is. Because reckless driving is a misdemeanor, strongly consider consulting a traffic attorney before your court date — the difference between a conviction and a reduction to improper driving is enormous for both points and insurance.

2. Do not simply prepay. Reckless driving generally cannot be prepaid like an infraction; you (or your attorney) must appear. Gather evidence early — speedometer-calibration certificates and dash-cam footage often help.

3. Take a voluntary driver improvement course. Completing the ABC Driving Improvement 8-hour clinic adds +5 safe-driving points (once per 24 months) and is frequently viewed favorably by judges considering a reduction. It also gives your insurer proof you are actively lowering your risk. Enroll here; see also the driver improvement course for reckless driving.

4. Monitor your record and insurance. After the case resolves, pull your DMV transcript to confirm points and safe-driving credit, then shop your coverage — rates for the same driver vary widely between carriers. See how to get points off your license.

Which Driver Improvement Course Code Applies to You?

When you register, Virginia sorts driver improvement enrollments by reason. Pick the code that matches your situation so your completion is reported correctly:

Most readers of this post fall under VOL (voluntary) or INS (insurance). Both use the same ABC Driving Improvement 8-hour course. Start your DMV-approved course here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will reckless driving raise my insurance in Virginia? Expect a large jump — commonly 25%–50%, and 58%–90%+ with some carriers — lasting up to five years. Because Virginia has no statewide insurance-point system, your insurer sets the surcharge based on your record.

Is reckless driving a misdemeanor or just a ticket? It is a Class 1 misdemeanor — a criminal charge carrying up to a $2,500 fine, up to 12 months in jail, 6 demerit points, and possible license suspension. It is not a simple infraction.

Can a driver improvement course help with a reckless charge? Yes, as one part of your strategy: it adds +5 safe-driving points, can be viewed favorably by the court, and gives your insurer documentation — though it does not by itself dismiss a misdemeanor. Legal advice is still recommended.

Enroll Today — $74.99, DMV-Approved, 30-Day Guarantee

The ABC Driving Improvement 8-hour course is Virginia DMV-approved, 100% online, and self-paced — start and stop on any device. Finish voluntarily and the DMV adds +5 safe-driving points to your record (once every 24 months), which directly offsets the demerit points from your violation. Completion is reported to the Virginia DMV for you, and it gives you proof to hand your insurer when you ask about a safe-driver discount.

Enroll now for $74.99 — DMV-approved, with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied, you get your money back. It is the simplest step you can take today to protect your license and your wallet.

This article is general information from a Virginia DMV-approved course provider, not legal advice. Fines, court costs, and insurance outcomes vary by court, jurisdiction, insurer, and driving history. Verify specifics with the Virginia DMV or a licensed attorney.

— ABC Driving Improvement