What Qualifies as Aggressive Driving in Virginia

Being an aggressive driver is a class 2 misdemeanor in Virginia. That means you could be facing a potential jail sentence of up to 6 months with a fine of $1,000. But exactly what is aggressive driving? Aggressive driving in Virginia is defined as violating 1 or more of the following traffic law provisions:

·         -Driving too slowly in the left lanes on the highway

·         -Failing to observe traffic lanes

·         -Following vehicles too closely

·         -Failing to properly stop or yield before entering a highway

·         -Driving off road or across property to avoid traffic signs or lights

·         -Cutting off other drivers on the road

·         -Increasing speed to prevent another driver to overtake you

·         -Improperly stopping on the highway

·         -Speeding 

In addition to violating 1 or more of these traffic law provisions, the person must have violated these traffic laws in such a manner as to be a hazard to another person OR violates these traffic laws with the intent to harass, intimidate, injure or obstruct another person. Aggressive driving with the intent to injure another person, is a class 1 misdemeanor, which carries up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

Aggressive driving is a technical offense and may be difficult for the prosecutor to prove. You need an experienced lawyer, like those at Portner & Shure, to review the evidence and identify the weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case.