Reckless Driving FAQ

Is reckless driving in Virginia a criminal offense? Yes.

Is reckless driving a felony in Virginia? Only in rare occasions, most reckless driving tickets in Virginia will be misdemeanor charges.

Can a reckless driving charge be expunged in Virginia? Maybe. Only if you were acquitted; the charge was nolle prosequi (not prosecuted); the charge with dismissed without any finding of sufficient evidence; or the charge was amended and the original charge of reckless is able to be expunged.

What is considered reckless driving in Virginia? Driving in excess of 85mph or in excess of 20 mph over the speed limit are the majority of reckless driving charges in Virginia. Driving erratically or getting into a single car accident may also be ticketed as reckless driving generally.

I was in a single car accident and charged with reckless driving. Why was it not improper driving? Police officers in Virginia cannot charge you with improper driving, only the court may use this code. Therefore often car accidents are charged with reckless driving and depending on the circumstances or an agreement your attorney can work out, this charge will be amended out of the misdemeanor to a mere infraction.