A lot of Virginia drivers know that they can lose their licenses if they are convicted for DUI. However, many drivers may not realize that their licenses can also be suspended or revoked for other reasons. These reasons relate to violations of traffic laws, and most of them are not crimes at all.
Probably the largest category of civil traffic offenses is that of “serious violations.” In Virginia, “serious violations” is broad, and includes:
Reckless driving;
Following too closely;
Speeding more than 15 miles per hour above the speed limit;
Improper and erratic lane changes;
Moving violations relating to fatal crashes;
And several additional violations relating to operating commercial motor vehicles.
Two serious violations within a three-year period are punishable by a 60-day disqualification; three or more serious violations within a three-year period are punishable by a 120-day disqualification.
There are many other categories of offenses that can lead to license revocation and suspension, as well, such as the following:
Committing a felony using a motor vehicle;
Habitually offending Virginia’s traffic laws;
Failing to pay certain judgments;
Racing on Virginia’s highways;
Reckless driving;
Speeding by more than 15 or 20 miles per hour; and
Refusing to take a blood test after being arrested for DUI.
Virginia law also provides for license revocation or suspension due to certain driver conditions or other conduct. The focus of these additional laws is to keep unsafe drivers off the highways. For example, a driver’s license may be suspended or revoked due to the driver being habitually drunk or addicted to drugs, being adjudicated insane, or otherwise being incompetent to drive. And a license may be suspended or revoked after a driver causes “serious property damage,” death, or injury through reckless or unlawful motor vehicle operation. Va. Code § 46.2-402.
If you are the victim of a car wreck caused by a driver who broke the traffic laws, Call Sandler Law Group – toll free 800-9-THE-LAW or (757) 627-8900 to schedule an initial FREE consultation. You may also contact us online at www.sandlerlaw.net or email at GSandler@Sandlerlaw.net.