Many times, traffic violations result in citations. Police officers pull people over, ask them a few questions and then issue them a ticket. The driver has the option of fighting the ticket or paying it depending on whether they agree with the police officer’s interpretation of the situation.
Other times, police officers may actually arrest those accused of traffic violations because those infractions are serious enough to warrant criminal prosecution. Reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor offense under Virginia state law that can create not just financial penalties but also a criminal record for the motorist accused.
The broad definition of reckless driving allows police officers to arrest those accused of driving in a patently unsafe manner. Having an obstructed view or faulty brakes can be enough to warrant reckless driving charges in some cases. There are a host of other definitions included in Virginia traffic statutes. The following are three of the most common and serious forms of reckless driving, according to state law.
Excessive speeding
When a driver maintains a speed that is at least 20 miles per hour or more over the posted limit, the state could prosecute them for reckless driving. Particularly in scenarios where speeding occurs in a residential neighborhood or a school zone, officers may choose to arrest someone for reckless driving rather than to issue them a basic speeding ticket.
Passing on an incline or curve
Generally speaking, passing is only legal when the central line indicates that there is a passing zone ahead. However, some drivers pass in locations where they technically should not. Occasionally, unsafe passing may be serious enough to warrant reckless driving charges under Virginia state statutes. The law specifically addresses cases where a motorist tries to pass while going up a hill or rounding a curve. In such situations, the driver passing cannot clearly see the road ahead and could endanger themselves or others by potentially causing a head-on collision.
Racing on the street
Some people specifically modify their vehicles to make them faster, sleeker and more competitive. If they encounter each other in traffic, they might make eye contact and attempt to arrange an impromptu race to the next stop light. Others go so far as to coordinate races on public roads with small groups of other enthusiasts. Anyone caught racing on public streets could potentially face reckless driving charges rather than just a speeding ticket.
Reckless driving is a crime that can follow someone for years and affect their opportunities in life. Understanding what behavior might lead to reckless driving charges can help motorists avoid arrest and can also help them plan an effective defense strategy if they are accused of breaking Virginia traffic statutes.