Virginia bill would change speed for reckless driving charges

WASHINGTON — A bill moving forward in Virginia would allow drivers to go faster before triggering reckless driving charges.

Under current law, drivers can be charged with the criminal offense of reckless driving if they’re caught speeding above 80 mph in the Commonwealth.

A bill that would raise that threshold to more than 85 mph has passed Virginia’s House Transportation Subcommittee.

Delegate Jeff Campbell, who introduced the bill, says because speed limits on most rural interstates have been increased in recent years from 65 to 70, the reckless driving threshhold should go up, too.

But The Virginian Pilot reports both state police and Nationwide Insurance oppose the change.

The bill heads next to the full House Transportation Committee.

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Michelle Basch

Michelle Basch is a reporter turned morning anchor at WTOP News.

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