Virginia's reckless driving law encompasses a number of behaviors determined to be unsafe, including passing with an obstructed view of the road in front of you. Here is the current law about this type of passing while driving a vehicle:

“A person shall be guilty of reckless driving who, while driving a vehicle, overtakes and passes another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, on or approaching the crest of a grade, or on or approaching a curve in the highway, where the driver’s view along the highway is obstructed, except where the overtaking vehicle is being operated on a highway having two or more designated lanes of roadway for each direction of travel or on a designated one-way roadway or highway.”

Penalties for Reckless Driving

If you're charged with reckless driving for passing on or at the crest of a grade or on a curve, it's important to keep in mind that this is not a simple traffic violation. Virginia has some of the toughest reckless driving laws in the United States. Reckless driving in Virginia

Reckless driving is a misdemeanor criminal offense with the following penalties:

  • Fine of up to $2,500
  • Up to 12 months in jail
  • License suspension of up to six months
  • Six DMV demerit points

A conviction for reckless driving stays on your DMV record for 11 years.

Charles V. Hardenbergh Can Help

It's a critical mistake to ignore a reckless driving charge or to simply plead guilty and accept the consequences. Being convicted of reckless driving can leave you with substantially higher insurance rates and a criminal record that can affect many aspects of your life, including employment opportunities and military service.

Protect yourself by working with an experienced reckless driving attorney to build an aggressive defense. Your attorney can work with you to have the charge reduced or dropped by completing community service, taking a driver improvement clinic, or showing evidence of mitigating factors.

Attorney Charles V. Hardenbergh has a success rate as high as 100% in many courts throughout Virginia. Call today to schedule a free, no-obligation initial consultation.

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