Alcohol, Reckless Driving & the Exam
Virginia enforces strict impaired- and reckless-driving laws and a two-part knowledge exam with a demerit point system.
Blood alcohol limits
For drivers 21 and older, a BAC of 0.08% or higher is driving under the influence. Virginia's zero-tolerance law sets an illegal BAC of 0.02% or higher for drivers under 21.
Reckless driving
Driving 20 or more mph above the limit, or over 85 mph regardless of the posted limit, may be charged as reckless driving. Reckless driving is a misdemeanor criminal offense that can bring fines, license suspension, or jail.
Two-part exam and demerit points
The knowledge exam has two parts: you must answer all ten traffic sign questions correctly before taking part two, and score at least 80 percent on part two's general-knowledge questions. Convictions add three, four, or six demerit points to your record.