Reckless Driving
Va. Code 46.2-852 — endangering life, limb or property, a Class 1 misdemeanor
In Virginia, driving on any highway recklessly, or at a speed or in a manner that endangers the life, limb or property of any person, is reckless driving whatever the speed limit. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which carries up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
Reckless driving while holding a handheld phone carries a mandatory minimum fine of $250. It is a Class 6 felony when the driver was on a license suspended or revoked for a moving violation and the reckless driving alone caused another's death.
Sources for this section (3)
- Va. Code 46.2-852 — Reckless driving; general rule
- Va. Code 46.2-868 — Reckless driving; penalties
- Va. Code 18.2-11 — Punishment for conviction of misdemeanor
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Virginia attorney.