Virginia Assembly Bill To Raise Reckless Driving Threshold Tabled

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

Those driving in or through Virginia will have to keep it under 80 for now, as the bill to raise the commonwealth’s threshold for reckless driving is dead.

Jalopnik reports the bill, authored by Delegate Jeff Campbell of the 6th District, would have raised the limit to 85 mph, after which one could be charged with a Class One misdemeanor, lose their license for six months, pay a $2,500 fine, and spend up to a year in jail; other Class Ones in Virginia include sexual battery and animal cruelty.

A legislative assistant for Del. Campbell said the bill was tabled by the criminal law subcommittee in the Virginia General Assembly Monday, all but declaring it “essentially dead for the remainder of the legislative session,” set to adjourn February 28, with a reconvened session to take place beginning April 15.

No clear reasons for tabling the bill were given, though it would have expected opposition from law enforcement and insurance companies.

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • Illan Illan on Jan 27, 2015

    dont forget that Radars Detectors are illegal on this state (virginia) as well. if i visit virginia i will be using a taxi.

  • Illan Illan on Jan 27, 2015

    a Good Read, one of jalopniks writers got reckless driving charge. http://jalopnik.com/never-speed-in-virginia-lessons-from-my-three-days-in-1613604053

  • Krhodes1 Krhodes1 on Jan 27, 2015

    Is it really so hard to just not speed in VA? It's not that big a place. I go there frequently for work, pay attention, drive no more than 5 over, and never a problem. I like to go fast as much as the next gearhead, but you have to pick your battles.

    • JimC2 JimC2 on Jan 28, 2015

      "Is it really so hard to just not speed in VA?" Have you ever driven on 58 through Emporia?

  • Cameron Aubernon Cameron Aubernon on Jan 28, 2015

    My mom and most of her side of the family live in or near Christiansburg (south of Blacksburg, southwest of Roanoke, if you're curious). Mom has never held a license in her life, and considering how draconian the commonwealth's laws are on speed and radar detection, I'm starting to think that may be for the best. I certainly would think twice about driving or riding there myself were I to visit Virginia again.

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