Virginia Reckless Driving Charges

Reckless driving in Virginia is a group of related charges, not a single offense. Most are Class 1 misdemeanors, and the code section printed on your summons decides what the Commonwealth has to prove. The guides below explain each common charge and the questions that come after a summons. If you are looking for representation, see our Virginia reckless driving lawyer page.

The mistake we see most often is a driver treating a reckless-driving-by-speed summons as a simple speeding ticket. It is a criminal charge, it can’t be prepaid, and it has to be resolved in court.

Start with the basics

What is reckless driving in Virginia? explains the charge, the speed thresholds and what a conviction can mean.

Reckless driving vs. speeding shows how to tell from your summons which one you were charged with.

How much is a reckless driving ticket? covers fines, court costs and the other consequences that add up.

Cost of a reckless driving lawyer explains what affects fees and what to ask before you hire someone.

Find your charge by code section

Speed, § 46.2-862. Driving 20 mph or more over the limit, or more than 85 mph. Our reckless driving vs. speeding guide covers this charge in detail.

General reckless driving, § 46.2-852. Driving that endangers life, limb or property, with no particular speed required.

Improper control or faulty brakes, § 46.2-853. Often charged after a collision. See improper control or faulty brakes.

Passing on or approaching a hillcrest or curve where the view along the highway is obstructed, § 46.2-854, subject to the statute’s roadway exceptions.

Obstructed view or overloaded vehicle, § 46.2-855. See driving with an obstructed view or overloaded car.

Passing a stopped school bus, § 46.2-859. See reckless driving for passing a school bus.

Too fast for conditions, § 46.2-861. A speed can be unreasonable even below the posted limit. See driving too fast for conditions.

Racing, § 46.2-865. Racing carries its own license rules. See reckless driving by racing.

Other sections cover passing two vehicles abreast, passing at an intersection or railroad crossing, failing to signal, failing to yield the right of way and reckless driving in parking lots and similar premises (§ 46.2-864). The full article of the Virginia Code lists every provision.

After you receive a summons

Reckless driving after an accident explains why a collision alone doesn’t prove the charge.

Radar, lidar and pacing evidence explains how speed is measured and how each method is checked.

How to beat a reckless driving ticket walks through the defenses and options that can apply.

Speedometer calibration explains when testing your own speedometer can help, and why it is mitigation rather than a defense.

Intelligent Speed Assistance, the DMV points system and expungement and record sealing cover what can follow a conviction.

Reckless driving in Northern Virginia courts

Procedure differs from court to court. Our local pages cover Fairfax County, Loudoun County and Arlington. Check the court named on your summons before relying on any local detail.

Talk with NOVADefenders about your charge

NOVADefenders, S&R Law Firm PLLC represents drivers charged with reckless driving in Northern Virginia from our office across the street from the Fairfax County courthouse. Call 703.273.6431 for a free consultation or contact us online. Have your summons and court date ready so we can tell you which charge you face and what matters in your case.

Reviewed by attorney Benjamin Schaefer | Updated October 6, 2026