How to Fight a Speeding Ticket in Virginia
If you got a speeding ticket in Virginia, you can usually pay it, contest it in court, or pursue a dismissal/mitigation option. Virginia speeding fines vary by court and locality.
How to fight a speeding ticket in Virginia, step by step
Decide how to plead
For civil speeding infractions (under 20 mph over AND under 85 mph): (1) Plead not guilty and contest at a hearing — if officer absent, citation may be dismissed; (2) Challenge speed measurement with calibration records and officer certification; (3) Complete a VA-approved safe driving course after conviction to remove 5 pts (once per 2 years). Virginia does not have a uniform statewide diversion program.
Check Virginia's dismissal & mitigation options
For civil speeding infractions (under 20 mph over AND under 85 mph): (1) Plead not guilty and contest at a hearing — if officer absent, citation may be dismissed; (2) Challenge speed measurement with calibration records and officer certification; (3) Complete a VA-approved safe driving course after conviction to remove 5 pts (once per 2 years). Virginia does not have a uniform statewide diversion program.
Request the evidence in your case
Ask the court for the officer's notes and any photos, device records, or calibration logs relied on to issue your speeding citation — you have a right to review what the case against you is built on.
Know exactly what you're contesting
Virginia speeding fines vary by court and locality.
Show up prepared
Virginia speeding fines vary by court and locality. Arrive early, dress neatly, and bring your documents plus a short, factual statement of your side.
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Start my free court prep →Virginia Speeding ticket — frequently asked questions
What is the statute for speeding in Virginia?
VA Code § 46.2-870 governs speed limits in Virginia. Standard limits: 70 mph on most interstate highways; 65 mph on other divided highways; 55 mph on other highways; 25 mph in business/residential districts; school zone limits apply when children are present. VA Code § 46.2-861 also establishes a basic speed rule. CRITICAL: Under § 46.2-862, driving 20+ mph over the posted limit OR 85+ mph regardless of the limit is reckless driving by speed — a Class 1 misdemeanor.
What are the fines for a speeding ticket in Virginia?
Virginia speeding fines vary by court and locality. Base fines are generally modest ($6-$7 per mph over the limit), but court costs make total amounts significantly higher. Fines in school and construction zones are doubled. IMPORTANT: If you are cited for 20+ mph over the limit OR 85+ mph, you are NOT facing a simple speeding ticket — you are facing reckless driving by speed, a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to $2,500 fine and up to 12 months jail. Verify fine amounts at courts.virginia.gov or with the court on your citation.
Does Virginia have a points system for speeding tickets?
Yes. Virginia uses a demerit point system (VA Code § 46.2-492). Point values for speeding: 3 pts (1-9 mph over); 4 pts (10-19 mph over); 6 pts (reckless driving by speed: 20+ over or 85+ mph). Points remain on record for 2 years. Suspension thresholds: 18 pts in 12 months = 90-day suspension; 24 pts in 24 months = 90-day suspension; 36+ pts = revocation. Voluntary completion of a VA-approved safe driving course removes 5 points once per 2 years (VA Code § 46.2-499).
What is the most dangerous speed to drive in Virginia?
Driving at 80 mph on a 65-mph highway (15 mph over) is a 4-point speeding infraction. BUT: driving at 85 mph on the same 65-mph highway (20 mph over, and at 85 mph) triggers reckless driving by speed under VA Code § 46.2-862 — a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to $2,500 fine, up to 12 months jail, and a 6-month license suspension. Virginia is uniquely strict: 85+ mph is reckless driving REGARDLESS of the speed limit. This surprises many out-of-state drivers.
Can a speeding ticket be dismissed in Virginia?
For civil speeding infractions (under 20 mph over AND under 85 mph): (1) Plead not guilty and contest at a hearing — if officer absent, citation may be dismissed; (2) Challenge speed measurement with calibration records and officer certification; (3) Complete a VA-approved safe driving course after conviction to remove 5 pts (once per 2 years). Virginia does not have a uniform statewide diversion program. For reckless driving by speed (20+ over or 85+), consult a Virginia criminal defense attorney immediately — do NOT attempt to handle this as a simple traffic ticket.
Zigpon is an educational self-help guide, not a law firm — this is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different; verify details with your court or a licensed attorney before acting.