Reader’s Question:

Hi. I would like to know how long do points remain on your driving record for failing to stop at a red light in Lynchburg, Virginia?

Victor

Lynchburg, VA

The amount of time points remain on your driving record because of traffic violations, such as failure to stop at a red light, will depend upon your state’s regulations and laws.

For instance, not stopping for a red light in the state of Virginia is three points. In Virginia the violation conviction remains on MVR for the three years but the demerit points stay on the driving record for only two years from the date that the violation was committed. Therefore in this state, the the points and the dates are taken off from your driving record are not related to the date that the offense is removed from your driving record.

You can typically get information on your state’s points system and driving record by contacting your local Department of Motor Vehicles or checking their websites online.

Tags: auto insurance

Reader’s Question:

I recently got involved in an accident and charged with a DUI in Norfolk, Virginia. Should I expect to have to obtain an Sr22 insurance? How much should I be expecting with my car insurance rates to go up?

Bryan

Norfolk, VA

A conviction of a DUI violation in Virginia will result in a mandatory minimum $250 fine, the revocation or suspension of your driver’s license and other penalties.

The SR-22 form is financial responsibility certificate, that is required in VA if you have an unsatisfied judgment, an uninsured car suspension or suspension of drivers license as a result of a major offense. It would look like that you may be required to carry an SR22 due to DUI violation conviction in Norfolk, Virginia.

As for how much your car insurance rates will go up if you are convicted of a DWI or DUI will depend upon your insurance provider and their rating system. Insurance rates typically do go up since many insurance companies find a person with a DUI on their driving history to be high risk to insure. To verify about your insurance company’s rating system you will need to ask your insurance broker or contact the Virginia insurance regulatory body with whom insurance rates must be filed.

Tags: auto insurance, automobile, drunk driving insurance, DUI

Reader’s Question:

I got involved in an accident and was at fault while in my father’s vehicle. I did not car insurance and a license. I was issued a summons to show up in court. Is there a possibility that I will get some jail time? I live in Burke, Virginia.

Warren

Burke, VA

Driving without a license and without car insurance are both serious violations. The Virginia Code 46.2-300 states that driving without a license is prohibited and a conviction of this offense constitutes a Class 2 misdemeanor. This can result in either fine of up to $1000 and confinement in jail for up to six months or both. Driving without a license is also three points on your driving record (which you have even without a license).

Since you were driving without insurance and got involved in an accident and was at fault, you will likely be held personally responsible for the damages the vehicle and motorist sustained.

Because of being in your father’s vehicle at the time of the accident and if the car itself was without car insurance, he may also be held responsible as the car owner and have to face penalties for permitting a vehicle without insurance to be driven.

Tags: auto insurance, automobile, driving without insurance

Reader’s Question:

How many times can a person take a defensive driving class in Newport News, Virginia to obtain plus points? How many years do I have to wait to take the class again towards my points?

Paula

Newport News, VA

The Department of Motor Vehicles in Virginia assigns you demerit points to your driving record after you are convicted of a moving violation. The number of demerit points vary on the severity of the violation.

The safe driving points the opposite of demerit points. These are assigned for each full calendar year that you hold a valid The opposite of demerit points are VA driver’s license and operate a vehicle without any suspensions or violations. In some situations, you may also earn safe driving points by finishing a driver improvement clinic.

You can obtain a total of five safe driving points and may use these to offset demerit points. If you are eighteen or older, you may be awarded five safe driving points after you complete successfully a motorist improvement clinic.

Tags: auto insurance, automobile, safe driver insurance

Reader’s Question:

I got my third violation of DUI in ten years in Dale City Virginia with a lot of damages. Will I be able to drive again?

Jason

Dale City, VA

The state of Virginia increased the penalties for those who are caught driving under the influence in 2004. For a third DUI conviction the consequences are quite severe. The penalties for being stopped and cited for third DUI violation within ten years include:

• Mandatory, minimum 90-day jail term
• Bail will be more difficult to obtain as a repeat offender
• Prosecution as a Class 6 Felony
• A Mandatory fine of at least $1000
• Convictions will be reported to the central criminal records exchange (CCRE)
• Permanent forfeiture of your vehicle (if you are the sole owner)
• Mandatory indefinite driver’s license revocation

When you do receive your drivers license again (restricted or full), you will be required to install an ignition interlock device on every car you own or co-own.

Tags: automobile, drunk driving insurance, DUI

Reader’s Question:

If I have a learner’s permit and crash my father’s vehicle, will his auto insurance pay for it? He has full coverage in Roanoke, Virginia.

George

Roanoke, VA

Full coverage wont guarantee coverage for your accident. If you live in your father’s household in Roanoke, Virginia and are not listed on his insurance policy as an ‘eligible’ driver, his insurance provider may not cover the accident. (There are some insurance providers that will cover a teen with a learner’s permit, even if that child is not listed on the insurance policy as a driver.) If you were driving the car without permission, you will not be covered. If you did not have a 21-year-old licensed driver with you at the time of the accident, there is a chance his insurance provider will not cover the accident. If you were specifically listed on your father’s policy as ‘excluded,’ you will not be covered.

Tags: auto insurance, Beginner car insurance, New Driver Insurance, teen insurance, Young driver car insurance