Wreckless driving

Does a Reckless Driving Ticket Affect My Insurance In Virginia?

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Does a Reckless Driving Ticket Affect My Insurance in Virginia?

Getting hit with a reckless driving ticket in Virginia isn’t just a small speeding mistake—it’s a criminal offense that can follow you for over a decade. Aside from the hefty fines and possible license suspension, this kind of violation can seriously affect your car insurance rates. In this post, we’ll break down what Virginia law says, how insurers react, and what you can do to protect yourself.

Table of Contents

What Counts as Reckless Driving in Virginia?

Under Virginia Code § 46.2, reckless driving isn’t limited to excessive speeding. It includes:

  • Driving 20+ mph over the speed limit, or over 85 mph regardless of the posted limit.
  • Passing a school bus, racing, faulty brakes, failing to signal, and more.

It’s classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is a criminal offense punishable by:

  • Up to 12 months in jail
  • Up to a $2,500 fine
  • License suspension

🔗 See VA law §46.2-862

DMV Demerit Points & Record Visibility

According to the Virginia DMV:

  • Reckless driving adds 6 demerit points
  • Conviction stays on your driving record for 11 years
  • Insurers access a 5-year version called the Driver/Insurance record

If you accumulate too many points, your license may be suspended or you may be required to attend a driver improvement clinic.

🔗 Request your driving record

Virginia has some of the strictest traffic laws in the country. If you’re unsure what coverage is legally required, review Virginia’s car insurance requirements here »

How It Affects Your Insurance

Per the Virginia State Corporation Commission:

  • Insurers assign their own surcharge points in addition to DMV points
  • Reckless driving may trigger a mandatory SR-22 filing—a form that proves you have minimum required coverage after a serious offense
  • Insurance companies may choose to cancel or not renew your policy

SR-22s must usually be kept for 3 years, during which your premium is typically much higher.

Can My Rates Go Up? How Bad Is It?

Yes—most insurers treat reckless driving as a major violation, often worse than a DUI depending on your history. A single reckless ticket could increase your rate by 40–90% or more, especially if you’re under 25 or already have points.

Can I Fix or Reduce the Damage?

You have a few options:

  • Negotiate in court to have the charge reduced to “improper driving,” which is only a traffic infraction with 3 points and no criminal record.
  • Take a driver improvement clinic to earn up to +5 safe driving points or satisfy court requirements.

🔗 Driver Improvement Clinic Info

Quick Facts About Reckless Driving in Virginia

  • Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 12 months jail & $2,500 fine
  • 6 demerit points added to DMV record, visible for 11 years
  • Insurance surcharge points & SR-22 filing typically required
  • Rates can increase 40–90% or more depending on insurer
  • Court negotiation & driver improvement clinics can help reduce penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a reckless driving conviction stay on my Virginia driving record forever?

No, the conviction remains visible on your DMV record for 11 years, but insurers typically see a 5-year version called the Driver/Insurance record.

What is an SR-22 and do I always need one after reckless driving?

An SR-22 is a form proving you have the minimum required insurance. It’s often required after serious offenses like reckless driving and usually must be maintained for 3 years.

Can I get my reckless driving ticket reduced?

Yes, many drivers negotiate to reduce reckless driving to “improper driving,” which is a traffic infraction with fewer penalties and points.

How much can my insurance rates increase?

Insurance hikes vary, but rates often go up by 40% to 90% or more after a reckless driving ticket, especially for younger or higher-risk drivers.

Disclaimer: Laws and insurance regulations change frequently. This post is based on information available from official Virginia government sources as of 2025. For the most current information, always check directly with the Virginia DMV and State Corporation Commission.