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answered on Apr 3, 2024
Attending a DMV-approved driver improvement clinic voluntarily may result in you being awarded 5 safe driving points. This can be done once every two years. When you enroll you should be able to provide your reason for attending the clinic; if it's entered into the system as being done... View More 
Hello,
This morning I was driving to work and a school bus pulled out in front of me and I quickly switched to the next lane over. The reason I’m concerned is because as soon as the bus pulled out they were slowly moving and I didn’t realize they were about to stop again. I’m not... View More
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answered on Mar 22, 2024
There are two Virginia statutes governing the passing of a school bus. They both discuss a vehicle "approaching" a stopped school bus and require that the school bus actually be stopped when it is passed. The statutes do not appear to apply to the situation you have described; this, as... View More
Hello,
This morning I was driving to work and a school bus pulled out in front of me and I quickly switched to the next lane over. The reason I’m concerned is because as soon as the bus pulled out they were slowly moving and I didn’t realize they were about to stop again. I’m not... View More
answered on Apr 15, 2024
Whether you get a ticket will largely depend on 1) if the bus driver noted you, felt you were passing them and reported you, and 2) if the bus had video cameras (the distribution of those cameras is very sporadic). This is a tough one, because the judges take it very seriously in light of the risk... View More
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answered on Mar 20, 2024
The Code of Virginia (specifically, Title 46.2, which governs most traffic matters) defines "highway", "roadway", and "shoulder" separately. That being said, there are times when traffic rules will apply to vehicles on the shoulder. For instance, Section 46.2-888,... View More
In Virginia I did go to court for citation just infraction speeding 54 on a 35. I have a super clean record as well, nothing on it was hoping I get a break. Cop did not ask typical questions like where are you going why are you almost going criminal speed. He was super quick on giving me a ticket.... View More
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answered on Mar 18, 2024
If you were present then you should not be found guilty in absentia or be asked to pay the associated in absentia fee ($35 last I checked). Check with the clerk's office for the court in which your case was called to see if there's anything you can do. It's possible that the clerk... View More
turn in to my drive way, left turn and I was turning in front of him, there was a far distance then all of a sudden very close to me, he never touched breaks and no break marks on road. I think he was speeding and might have been able to react better. I know I got the ticket but not sure if I... View More
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answered on Feb 26, 2024
If it were me, I would appear if possible. A judge has options for reducing or even dismissing a ticket like this. An amended charge of improper driving (only 3 demerit points) or even dismissal with completion of a driver improvement clinic might be possible depending on the circumstances of the... View More
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answered on Dec 28, 2023
The statute deals with a "school bus that is stopped" rather than one coming to a stop or simply displaying its warning signals. My reading of the statute is that there would need to be testimony from a witness and/or video footage establishing that the bus was passed while stopped.... View More
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answered on Nov 27, 2023
This will depend on a number of factors. These include, but are not limited to, the following: how comfortable you are testifying and presenting evidence in court, whether you feel like you have a legitimate chance of beating or reducing the charge as alleged and would prefer an experienced... View More
What to do to avoid jail this is my first ticket I have a clean record please advising what can happen and what should I do
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answered on Nov 28, 2023
Jail sentences are commonly imposed at speeds of 100 mph and higher. To improve your chances of a reduced penalty, you could consider performing community service at a charitable institution, proactively taking a driver safety course before the court date, have a calibration done on your... View More
What to do to avoid jail this is my first ticket I have a clean record please advising what can happen and what should I do
answered on Nov 26, 2023
Generally, getting your speedometer tested and completing community service before court can go a long way to helping avoid jail time.
Electing to have a jury trial is also a very good way to typically avoid jail as jurors tend to be less likely to impose incarceration than judges. (That... View More
One state trooper followed me across town and watched me stop at the store then the state trooper who lives near me was waiting on me in his driveway as I drove by and pulled me over 100 yards from my house. When he came to my window he said the reason he pulled me over was because I stopped at the... View More
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answered on Nov 10, 2023
The Code of Virginia limits the use of vehicles displaying antique tags to such activities as driving to test the operation of the vehicle, to drive to and from shows, and for occasional pleasure driving. The Code states that vehicles using antique plates shall not be used for "general... View More
One for failure to stop at a sign & one for going 80/55. Can I go to court for the first offense and just pay for the speeding? I’m 17 and was driving without a license.
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answered on Oct 13, 2023
Juvenile traffic case policies are very much dependent on the local judge's preferred way of handling them. Although the ultimate goal of the juvenile court system is rehabilitation rather than punishment, that does not necessarily mean that the judges will impose light penalties (as they also... View More
answered on Jul 8, 2023
Your ticket won't be dismissed for a typo. If you go to trial, you can point it out to the court, may affect the credibility of the officer. Officer could file a correction in the meantime, before trial. I recommend you contact several attorneys in your area that practice this type of law,... View More
Sorry I got 2 tickets not 2 speeding tickets that’s a typo error. For the speeding ticket, I didn’t pay attention to my speed and was stopped by the police, he said you are speeding and I said I’m sorry I didn’t realize, then he asked if I had insurance and I said no. Due to not having the... View More
answered on Jul 8, 2023
Usually, you can post "bail" before your court hearing and if you don't show, you are adjudge guilty and your bail is forfeited. You have some real problems. The speeding charge will carry points against your driving record and your insurance could go up, SIGNIFICANTLY. (if you have... View More
Oct 2022, both my siter and I got T-Boned by a driver with NO, DL, and NO Insurance. She had taken the car owned by her sister. We have reasons to believe that her sister know that she was taking the car out for drive since this was not the first time the ounger sistre 19 had done so in the past... View More
answered on Jun 20, 2023
A Virginia attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week, and you express urgency in your request for assistance. I'm sorry about your accident and the serious medical attention that it has resulted in. There are a number of issues here that an attorney will need to... View More
The summon is in general court of Arlington County. I do not want any demerit points in my DL. I have a +1 point in my DL and it has been clean since I started driving.
answered on Jun 17, 2023
Paying online is easier and more convenient, but is an admission of guilt to the ticket. Failure to obey a highway sign will result in 3 demerit points being added to your record.
If you want to try to get a reduction, you must go to court and ask the judge to reduce the ticket.... View More
I got a speeding ticket (46.2-870) for going 23 above the speed limit on a highway (83 in a 60 mph zone) in Madison County, VA. This is my first offense. I've had my license for 7.5 years almost. The officer did not charge me with reckless driving, only a speeding infraction.
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answered on Apr 6, 2023
Both reckless driving and speeding 20 mph or more written as a traffic infraction are the maximum 6 demerit points on your driving record. Your best path is to hire a lawyer or represent yourself as you see fit and try to get the case reduced/dismissed. Generally hiring a lawyer is better as a good... View More
college-aged female, 1 previous record of speeding (non reckless) from over a year ago, otherwise clean record, involved in community. is there a benefit to at least showing up to court?
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answered on Mar 20, 2023
People frequently choose to pay a ticket rather than contest it because they think it costs more to go to Court and take a day off of work than to pay the ticket. However, most people experience a large increase in their insurance premiums when points appear on their driving record. Three points... View More
HOV lanes, says he paced me at 84 in a 65. The fine is high, but not sure it's mire than what a lawyer would charge me?!?!
answered on Feb 9, 2023
Worth is entirely dependent on your perspective. In terms of immediate dollars spent, it will likely cost more to get an attorney and fight the ticket. There isn't enough information here to truly evaluate your longterm risk. What code section were you charged under? What is your current... View More
the driver is 18 y/o and has had a clean record up until these two tickets; 90 in a 55 and 72 in a 45
answered on Jan 17, 2023
Yes. In some jurisdictions in Virginia, judges are giving jail sentences for excessive speed Reckless Driving charges. Your son should seek legal representation in the jurisdiction(s) in which he is charged.
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