Virginia traffic infractions are punished with fines. Under Va. Code §46.2-113, a traffic infraction is punishable by a fine of up to $250 (the Class 4 misdemeanor maximum under Va. Code §18.2-11), unless a different penalty applies or the offense is classified as a crime. Collateral consequences of an infraction conviction include points accrued on your Virginia driving record and an increase in your insurance rates. If you accumulate enough infractions (or criminal convictions), the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can suspend your license. Moreover, if you drive for a living your employer may require you have zero moving violations to remain in good standing with your company.

Most Virginia traffic infraction convictions will lead to DMV demerit points on top of any fines imposed by the court. The court does not have power to remove points from the offender’s driving record unless the charge is amended to a non-point violation. DMV demerit points stay on your record for two years from the offense date, but the conviction itself can stay on your record much longer – some permanently – depending on the offense. It is important to remember that DMV points can carry serious consequences. For example, the DMV will suspend a driver’s license in Virginia for rapid point accumulation in a short period of time.