Which Traffic Violations in Virginia Have the Highest Fines?

Just as in other states, the state of Virginia has several Virginia traffic violations that have significantly higher fines than others.  For example, it goes without saying that a DUI has a pretty steep fine attached to it.  However a DUI can carry with it criminal charges instead of a mere traffic violation.

Virginia Traffic Violations and Fines

Depending on the violation, the state of Virginia can assess fines that can be as high as $3,000 for traffic violations.  As of 2007, there are civil charges attached to existing traffic fines. 

• For example, if you choose to go 20 mph over the speed limit, you could expect to pay an astronomical $1,050 which does not include $61 in court fees as well as a $200 fine.  
• Yet another high charge attached to a traffic violation is a drunk driver who could face up to $2,230 as a civil penalty.  This amount does not include court costs and additional fines.

Another traffic violation includes driving without a license.  This is an automatic $900 traffic penalty.  This does not include the $100 cost towards fine and court fees.  So if you were to drive in the state of Virginia without a license then you would need to come up with at least $1000 in order to settle the traffic violation.

These civil penalties that are added on to the actual traffic violation fine, are only applicable to Virginia residents.  It was the state Legislature who felt that such  civil penalties would better allow them to complete scheduled road work while reducing the amount of traffic accidents that occur in a given year.

If you have a suspended license in the State of Virginia and you want to take your chances and drive, then you could easily face $750 right off of the bat.  Joyriding and reckless driving will require that you pay $1050.  Remember that these penalty fees are not the actual fine for the improver act.  Depend on the particular traffic violation that you are accused of, you will need to keep in the back of your mind, that you will need to pay extra fees.

In light of these high civil fines, many residents of the state of Virgina usually pay off their traffic violations on an installment plan. The program was instituted as a means of funding the $1 billion transportation improvement program of 2007.  So what would normally cost under $500 in another state, the state of Virginia will add civil penalties to, resulting in a much higher expense.

Getting Help

If you are facing traffic violation fines in Virginia, you need to get help due to the high dollar amounts at stake. An experienced attorney can assist you in defending yourself and hopefully in minimizing the fines that you are subject to as a result of your traffic citation.