How Many Points Is A Speeding Ticket In Virginia Fairfax?
A speeding ticket in Fairfax County, Virginia, typically adds 3 to 6 demerit points to your driving record, depending on your speed. Exceeding 85 mph or driving 20+ mph over the limit is reckless driving—a criminal offense with 6 points.
Virginia Speeding and Point System Laws
Virginia uses a demerit point system managed by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to track driving offenses. Points are assigned based on the severity of the violation and remain on your record for two years from the conviction date. Accumulating too many points can result in driver improvement clinic requirements, license suspension, and significant insurance premium increases.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia Legislature
The specific point values for speeding are outlined in the Virginia Code and DMV regulations. For a standard speeding ticket, the point assessment is as follows:
- 1 to 9 mph over the limit: 3 DMV points.
- 10 to 19 mph over the limit: 4 DMV points.
- 20 mph or more over the limit: 6 DMV points (and charged as reckless driving under Va. Code § 46.2-862).
- Driving 85 mph or more regardless of the limit: 6 DMV points (also reckless driving under Va. Code § 46.2-862).
It is critical to address any ticket promptly. A conviction for a driving offense like speeding adds points immediately. Consulting with a traffic ticket lawyer can help you explore options to avoid a conviction and the associated points.
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 46.2-878 (Speeding Violations) – Official Virginia statute on speeding penalties.
- Fairfax County General District Court – Court website for traffic case information and procedures.
Fairfax County Court Process for Speeding Tickets
In Fairfax County, most speeding tickets are heard at the Fairfax County General District Court. The process for handling a ticket depends on whether it is prepayable. Minor speeding offenses may be prepayable, meaning you can plead guilty and pay the fine without appearing in court. However, this results in an automatic conviction and points on your record.
For non-prepayable tickets or if you wish to contest the charge, you must appear in court. The timeline from receiving a ticket to a bench trial is typically 4 to 8 weeks. An experienced traffic defense attorney can handle this process, potentially negotiating with the prosecutor for a favorable outcome.
- Review Your Ticket and Options: Determine if your ticket is prepayable and the court date. Decide whether to pay (and accept points) or contest.
- Consult a Traffic Lawyer: Discuss the specifics of your case, including speed alleged and your driving history, to understand potential defenses and outcomes.
- Prepare for Court: If contesting, gather any evidence such as calibration records for your speedometer, witness statements, or photos of the location.
- Court Appearance or Representation: Appear in person or have your attorney represent you at Fairfax County General District Court to present your case or negotiate a resolution.
- Address the Outcome: If convicted, pay fines and costs. If points are assessed, monitor your DMV record and consider a driver improvement clinic to offset points.
Penalties for Speeding in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, a speeding conviction results in fines, court costs, and 3 to 6 DMV demerit points, which increase insurance premiums and risk license suspension if you accumulate too many.
| Offense | Classification | Fine Range | DMV Points | License Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding 1-9 mph over | Traffic Infraction | $30 – $100 + costs | 3 | Possible suspension at 12+ points |
| Speeding 10-19 mph over | Traffic Infraction | $100 – $200 + costs | 4 | Possible suspension at 12+ points |
| Speeding 20+ mph over or 85+ mph (Reckless Driving) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 + costs | 6 | Mandatory 6-month suspension possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Fairfax County Traffic Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case. We have a documented record of 1,132 traffic case results specifically in Fairfax County. Our approach is grounded in a detailed understanding of local court procedures and prosecutor tendencies.
Documented Case Results in Fairfax County
Our firm has achieved numerous favorable outcomes for clients facing traffic charges in Fairfax County. For example, we have secured dismissals, reductions to lesser offenses like improper driving (which carries only 3 points), and favorable plea agreements that avoid license suspension. In one case, a client facing a second offense of driving without a license received a sentence of 30 days in jail with all 30 days suspended.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Another attorney at our firm, Bryan Block, is a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience. His unique perspective on traffic investigations and police procedures provides an additional layer of strategic advantage for our clients’ cases.
Contact Our Fairfax Traffic Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fairfax Location — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts. We provide representation for those seeking a traffic defense attorney near Fairfax, Centreville, Reston, Vienna, and throughout the county. 24/7 phone consultations are available.
FAQs: Speeding Tickets and Points in Fairfax, VA
How many points is a speeding ticket in Virginia Fairfax for going 15 over?
4 points. Speeding 10 to 19 mph over the limit in Fairfax County adds 4 demerit points to your Virginia DMV record, along with fines and potential insurance increases.
Can a traffic ticket lawyer get points reduced in Fairfax?
Yes. A traffic ticket lawyer can often negotiate with the Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney to amend a speeding charge to a non-moving violation (like a defective equipment ticket) that carries zero points, or to a lesser offense with fewer points.
Is 20 over always reckless driving in Virginia?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 46.2-862, driving 20 mph or more over the speed limit is automatically charged as reckless driving, a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying 6 points, up to 12 months in jail, and a permanent criminal record.
How long do points stay on your VA license?
Demerit points from a conviction remain on your Virginia driving record for two years from the date of the violation. However, the conviction itself may stay on your record longer.
What happens if I get 12 points in Virginia?
If you accumulate 12 demerit points within 12 months or 18 points within 24 months, the Virginia DMV will require you to complete a driver improvement clinic. Failure to do so, or accumulating more points, can lead to license suspension.
Should I just pay my speeding ticket online in Fairfax?
Paying online is a guilty plea. It guarantees points on your license and an insurance hike. Consulting a lawyer first is advisable to explore options for avoiding the conviction and points altogether.
Internal Resources
- Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer Hub
- Reckless Driving Lawyer in Fairfax City
- Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. For current advice on your specific situation regarding how many points is a speeding ticket in Virginia Fairfax, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.