Many people are unaware that a traffic violation, even a minor violation, can have far more consequences than just paying for a ticket. In Virginia, traffic violations can affect your driving ability and criminal record, regardless of whether the violation is a misdemeanor or not.
I do not want to make the mistake of not taking traffic offences seriously. I’m a big fan of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
There are many minor violations in Virginia that may not result in a permanent criminal record, but will result in fines, points and / or a driving license. Forget about dismissing the charge or reducing it to a crime with a lesser sentence. This can also lead to a dramatic rise in car insurance costs.
Virginia Code SS46 – 2 – 877 makes it a misdemeanor to obstruct traffic by driving too slowly and is punishable by a fine and up to three points. Depending on the seriousness of the infringement, it may remain in your logbook for a period of time. Demerit’s points are usually deleted after two years. The Virginia Code (SS 46 – 3 – 1) states that it is an offence to turn left into the middle lane from the other lane or to turn right into any other right-hand lane. The penalty is either the fine or three points.
The SS46 – 2 – 820 – 829 makes it an administrative offence not to give priority to oncoming traffic when turning left. The penalty is either the fine or four minus points.
Virginia Code SS46 – 2 – 833 requires drivers to follow traffic signals. Violating a traffic light is punishable by up to $1,000.
Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to four points. SS46 – 2 – 830 requires motorists to follow high signs. Ignoring road signs can lead to injury or death for a driver.
Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to three points. SS46 – 2 – 830 requires motorists to set speed limits.
Depending on how fast someone is travelling, they can face up to six points for driving without a license and up to eleven years of driving ban. If you have just paid for the ticket, you must realize that this is an admission of guilt and you have no right to stop for no probable reason. Even if you believe you are guilty, you can behave in such a way that it can lead to a defense. DUI – related tests, such as a blood alcohol reading of 0.08, are some of the defense mechanisms you might have.