Virginia Traffic Tickets

If you commit any violation of the traffic laws in Virginia, you will be issued a traffic ticket or citation like any other state. The court will notify the Department of Motor vehicles which will in turn add points on your driving record. Some violations that are frequently committed are:

  • Speeding;
  • Disregard of traffic signals;
  • Driving without a seatbelt;
  • Driving without license plates or registration.

Depending upon the type of violation you commit, three, four or six demerit points will be added to your record. These points will remain on your record for a specific number of years based on the severity of your offense. Your citation will detail the date on which you have to pay the fine. Fines are usually payable to the General District Court and payments can be made either in person, though mail or online.
It should be kept in mind that your decision to pay the Virginia traffic tickets is an indication that you are admitting your guilt of an offense.  Once you do this, the Department of Motor Vehicles will add points to your driving record.  Because of these points, your insurance company will increase the auto insurance rate. If the points on your driving record exceed a particular limit, your license might be suspended.  This is not to suggest that you should simply ignore these traffic tickets. Your failure to respond within fifteen days can generally result in the issuance of a warrant for your arrest. You should check the back of your ticket for the exact deadline.

You can contest the ticket if you think you have solid evidence of your innocence. The court will decide whether or not you have valid excuse for dismissal of charges. If you decide to contest a ticket, a traffic ticket lawyer can help you greatly in building up a proper case.
Alternatively you can enroll yourself in a defensive driving school or a driver improvement program approved by the state of Virginia to have the ticket dismissed. Some points will be deducted from your record. This will potentially lower the premium rates for your car insurance.

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