What are the Maximum Speed Limits in Virginia?
When a person operates a vehicle in excess of the maximum speed limits in Virginia, a speeding ticket can result in costly fines and even driver’s license suspension or revocation. As a result, it is vital for all drivers to adhere to the maximum speed limits on all Virginia roadways. That is sometimes easier said than done, however, as the speed limit can change based on a number of factors, including the class of vehicle or type of traffic zone.
General Rule for Speed Limits
The general rule for maximum speed limits appears in Code of Virginia Section 46.2-870. In most circumstances, the maximum speed limit is 55 miles per hour across Virginia roadways for all personal vehicles, including:
- Passenger motor vehicles;
- Buses;
- Pickup or panel trucks; and
- Motorcycles.
On the other hand, there is a different speed limit for commercial trucks and other towing vehicles. The maximum speed limit is 45 miles per hour for such vehicles, including:
- Trucks;
- Tractor trucks;
- Transportation vehicles;
- House trailers; and
- Passenger vehicles used in towing capacities.
High-Speed Traffic Zones
In specific traffic zones, Section 46.2-870 enables a vehicle to travel up to 60 or 70 miles per hour. These high-speed zones are designated through an analysis of traffic engineering studies and law enforcement data. Any high-speed traffic zone in Virginia will feature a lawfully posted sign displaying the maximum speed limit.
Drivers may drive at 60 miles per hour pursuant to lawfully posted signs on:
- S. Route 17;
- S. Route 23;
- S. Route 29;
- S. Route 58;
- S. Alternate Route 58;
- S. Route 360; and
- S. Route 460.
Drivers may drive at 70 miles per hour pursuant to lawfully posted signs on:
- Interstate highways;
- Multilane, divided, limited-access highways; and
- Certain high-occupancy vehicle lanes.
Speed Limits in School Crossing Zones
The maximum speed limit in school crossing zones appears in Code of Virginia Section 46.2-873. Within these designated zones, the maximum speed limit is 25 miles per hour. Though this speed limit only applies in specially marked zones with traffic control devices that display the words “school” or “school crossing.”
Speed Limits in Residential & Business Districts
The maximum speed limit in residential and business districts appears in Code of Virginia Section 46.2-874. In these special districts, the maximum speed limit is 25 miles per hour. That being said, this speed limit does not apply to certain highways in residential or business districts, including:
- Interstate highways;
- Limited-access highways with divided roadways;
- Non-limited highways with four or more lanes; or
- State primary highways.
Do You Need Legal Help?
If you need legal help with a speeding ticket or other traffic penalties in Virginia, it is beneficial to speak with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. The attorneys at Simms Showers LLP, servicing Leesburg, Winchester, Fairfax, and Manassas, feature a wealth of experience in criminal defense cases across Virginia, including speeding tickets and other traffic penalties. If you need legal help with criminal defense, contact us today for a free initial consultation.
