{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/46.2-868.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/46.2-868.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/46.2-868.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/46.2-868.html"}],"law_id":71700,"edition_id":1,"section_id":71700,"structure_id":13413,"section_number":"46.2-868","catch_line":"Reckless driving; penalties","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 46-210; 1950, p. 691; 1952, Ex. Sess., c. 16; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-192; 1962, c. 302; 1970, c. 337; 1980, cc. 29, 221; 1989, c. 727; 2004, c. 349; 2013, cc. 752, 790; 2020, cc. 250, 543.","full_text":"A\n\nEvery person convicted of reckless driving under the provisions of this article is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.B\n\nEvery person convicted of reckless driving under the provisions of this article who, when he committed the offense, (i) was driving without a valid operator’s license due to a suspension or revocation for a moving violation and, (ii) as the sole and proximate result of his reckless driving, caused the death of another, is guilty of a Class 6 felony.C\n\nThe punishment for every person convicted of reckless driving under the provisions of this article who, when he committed the offense, was in violation of § 46.2-818.2 shall include a mandatory minimum fine of $250.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":258352,"text":"Every person convicted of reckless driving under the provisions of this article is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":258353,"text":"Every person convicted of reckless driving under the provisions of this article who, when he committed the offense, (i) was driving without a valid operator’s license due to a suspension or revocation for a moving violation and, (ii) as the sole and proximate result of his reckless driving, caused the death of another, is guilty of a Class 6 felony.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":258354,"text":"The punishment for every person convicted of reckless driving under the provisions of this article who, when he committed the offense, was in violation of § 46.2-818.2 shall include a mandatory minimum fine of $250.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13413,"edition_id":1,"name":"Reckless Driving and Improper Driving","identifier":"7","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12875,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:51","permalink":{"id":230871,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13413,"identifier":"7","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/7","url":"\/46.2\/III\/8\/7\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12875,"edition_id":1,"name":"Regulation of Traffic","identifier":"8","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12827,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","permalink":{"id":230189,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12875,"identifier":"8","token":"46.2\/III\/8","url":"\/46.2\/III\/8\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12827,"edition_id":1,"name":"Operation","identifier":"III","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12770,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","permalink":{"id":228597,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12827,"identifier":"III","token":"46.2\/III","url":"\/46.2\/III\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12770,"edition_id":1,"name":"Motor Vehicles","identifier":"46.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":225289,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12770,"identifier":"46.2","token":"46.2","url":"\/46.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":81167,"structure_id":13413,"section_number":"46.2-852","catch_line":"Reckless driving; general rule","url":"\/46.2-852\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/7\/46.2-852","metadata":false},{"id":79974,"structure_id":13413,"section_number":"46.2-853","catch_line":"Driving vehicle which is not under control; faulty brakes","url":"\/46.2-853\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/7\/46.2-853","metadata":false},{"id":82702,"structure_id":13413,"section_number":"46.2-854","catch_line":"Passing on or at the crest of a grade or on a curve","url":"\/46.2-854\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/7\/46.2-854","metadata":false},{"id":63229,"structure_id":13413,"section_number":"46.2-855","catch_line":"Driving with driver's view obstructed or control impaired","url":"\/46.2-855\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/7\/46.2-855","metadata":false},{"id":81455,"structure_id":13413,"section_number":"46.2-856","catch_line":"Passing two vehicles abreast","url":"\/46.2-856\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/7\/46.2-856","metadata":false},{"id":57560,"structure_id":13413,"section_number":"46.2-857","catch_line":"Driving two abreast in a single lane","url":"\/46.2-857\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/7\/46.2-857","metadata":false},{"id":55484,"structure_id":13413,"section_number":"46.2-858","catch_line":"Passing at a railroad grade crossing","url":"\/46.2-858\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/7\/46.2-858","metadata":false},{"id":54383,"structure_id":13413,"section_number":"46.2-859","catch_line":"Passing a stopped school bus; prima facie evidence","url":"\/46.2-859\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/7\/46.2-859","metadata":false},{"id":63384,"structure_id":13413,"section_number":"46.2-860","catch_line":"Failing to give proper signals","url":"\/46.2-860\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/7\/46.2-860","metadata":false},{"id":79399,"structure_id":13413,"section_number":"46.2-861","catch_line":"Driving too fast for highway and traffic conditions","url":"\/46.2-861\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/7\/46.2-861","metadata":false},{"id":55489,"structure_id":13413,"section_number":"46.2-861.1","catch_line":"Drivers to yield right-of-way or reduce speed when approaching stationary vehicles displaying certain warning lights on highways; penalties","url":"\/46.2-861.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/7\/46.2-861.1","metadata":false},{"id":81999,"structure_id":13413,"section_number":"46.2-862","catch_line":"Exceeding speed limit","url":"\/46.2-862\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/7\/46.2-862","metadata":false},{"id":59229,"structure_id":13413,"section_number":"46.2-863","catch_line":"Failure to yield right-of-way","url":"\/46.2-863\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/7\/46.2-863","metadata":false},{"id":57003,"structure_id":13413,"section_number":"46.2-864","catch_line":"Reckless driving on parking lots, etc","url":"\/46.2-864\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/7\/46.2-864","metadata":false},{"id":69860,"structure_id":13413,"section_number":"46.2-865","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Racing or exhibition driving; definitions; penalties","url":"\/46.2-865\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/7\/46.2-865","metadata":false},{"id":71115,"structure_id":13413,"section_number":"46.2-865.1","catch_line":"Injuring another or causing the death of another while engaging in a race or exhibition driving; penalties.","url":"\/46.2-865.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/7\/46.2-865.1","metadata":false},{"id":86611,"structure_id":13413,"section_number":"46.2-866","catch_line":"Racing or exhibition driving; aiders or abettors; penalty.","url":"\/46.2-866\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/7\/46.2-866","metadata":false},{"id":73373,"structure_id":13413,"section_number":"46.2-867","catch_line":"Racing; seizure of motor vehicle","url":"\/46.2-867\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/7\/46.2-867","metadata":false},{"id":79469,"structure_id":13413,"section_number":"46.2-867.1","catch_line":"Exhibition driving; impoundment of motor vehicle.","url":"\/46.2-867.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/7\/46.2-867.1","metadata":false},{"id":71700,"structure_id":13413,"section_number":"46.2-868","catch_line":"Reckless driving; penalties","url":"\/46.2-868\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/7\/46.2-868","metadata":false},{"id":64733,"structure_id":13413,"section_number":"46.2-868.1","catch_line":"Aggressive driving; penalties","url":"\/46.2-868.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/7\/46.2-868.1","metadata":false},{"id":72718,"structure_id":13413,"section_number":"46.2-869","catch_line":"Improper driving; penalty","url":"\/46.2-869\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/7\/46.2-869","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":79469,"structure_id":13413,"section_number":"46.2-867.1","catch_line":"Exhibition driving; impoundment of motor vehicle.","url":"\/46.2-867.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/7\/46.2-867.1","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":64733,"structure_id":13413,"section_number":"46.2-868.1","catch_line":"Aggressive driving; penalties","url":"\/46.2-868.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/7\/46.2-868.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-868\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 8 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1958, chapter 541; in 1962, chapter 302; in 1970, chapter 337; in 1980, chapters 29 and 221; in 1989, chapter 727; in 2004, chapter 349<\/a>; in 2013, chapters 752<\/a> and 790<\/a>; in 2020, chapters 250<\/a> and 543<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":62771,"section_number":"46.2-392","catch_line":"Suspension of license or issuance of a restricted license on conviction of certain offenses; probationary conditions required; generally","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-392\/"},{"id":68016,"section_number":"46.2-829","catch_line":"Approach of law-enforcement or fire-fighting vehicles, rescue vehicles, or ambulances; violation as failure to yield right-of-way","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-829\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":75401,"section_number":"46.2-818.2","catch_line":"Use of handheld personal communications devices in certain motor vehicles; exceptions; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-818.2\/"}],"permalink":{"id":230949,"object_type":"law","relational_id":71700,"identifier":"46.2-868","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/7\/46.2-868","url":"\/46.2-868\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-868\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/7\/46.2-868","dublin_core":{"Title":"Reckless driving; penalties","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-868","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Every person convicted of reckless driving<\/span> under the provisions of this article is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Every person convicted of reckless driving<\/span> under the provisions of this article who, when he committed the offense<\/span>, (i) was driving without a valid operator<\/span>’s license due to a suspension<\/span> or revocation<\/span> for a moving violation and, (ii) as the sole and proximate result of his reckless driving<\/span>, caused the death of another, is guilty of a Class 6 felony<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The punishment for every person convicted of reckless driving<\/span> under the provisions of this article who, when he committed the offense<\/span>, was in violation of § 46.2-818.2<\/a> shall include a mandatory minimum fine of $250. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nRECKLESS DRIVING; PENALTIES (\u00a7 46.2-868)\n\nA. Every person convicted of reckless driving under the provisions of this\narticle is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.\n\nB. Every person convicted of reckless driving under the provisions of this\narticle who, when he committed the offense, (i) was driving without a valid\noperator’s license due to a suspension or revocation for a moving\nviolation and, (ii) as the sole and proximate result of his reckless driving,\ncaused the death of another, is guilty of a Class 6 felony.\n\nC. The punishment for every person convicted of reckless driving under the\nprovisions of this article who, when he committed the offense, was in violation\nof § 46.2-818.2 shall include a mandatory minimum fine of $250.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 46-210; 1950, p. 691; 1952, Ex. Sess., c. 16; 1958, c.\n541, \u00a7 46.1-192; 1962, c. 302; 1970, c. 337; 1980, cc. 29, 221; 1989, c. 727;\n2004, c. 349; 2013, cc. 752, 790; 2020, cc. 250, 543.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}