How to Avoid Costly Speeding Tickets in Virginia

Every year across Virginia, speeding tickets and other traffic violations cost drivers a lot of money. These costly fines can build up over time, especially for repeat offenders. Drivers who rack up consistent speeding tickets can face driver’s license suspension or revocation. In order to avoid costly tickets and fines for speeding, Virginia drivers must adhere to the maximum speed limits established under Virginia law.

Speed Limit Generally

As highlighted in Code of Virginia Section 46.2-870, there is a generally applicable, maximum speed limit of 55 miles per hour for vehicles on most state highways and many other roadways.

There are several exceptions to this general rule. Section 46.2-870 also provides for a maximum speed limit of:

• 60 miles per hour — Pursuant to lawfully posted signs on certain U.S. Routes within the boundaries of Virginia; and
• 70 miles per hour — Pursuant to lawfully posted signs on certain interstate highways and high-occupancy roadways.

Speed Limit for School Buses

As detailed in Code of Virginia Section 46.2-871, the maximum speed limit for school buses is usually 45 miles per hour. Though on certain roadways with high speed limits, school buses are allowed to travel at the minimum allowable speed, even if it exceeds 45 miles per hour.

Speed Limit for Special Permits

As underlined in Code of Virginia Section 46.2-301, there is maximum speed limit of 55 miles per hour for vehicles operating under a special permit. Section 46.2-301 includes special permits such as those for:

• Excessive Size and Weight under Code of Virginia Section 46.2-1139; or
• Transportation of Tree-Length Logs under Code of Virginia Section 46.2-1149.2.

That being said, the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles does have discretion to reduce the speed limit for these special permits.

Speed Limit for Dirt & Gravel Roads

As explained in Code of Virginia Section 46.2-873.1, there is a maximum speed limit of 35 miles per hour on dirt and gravel roads. If there is a lawfully posted sign with a different speed limit, however, drivers must obey such a sign.

Speed Limit for Rural Rustic Roads

As explained in Code of Virginia Section 46.2-873.2, there is a maximum speed limit of 35 miles per hour on rural rustic roads. On the other hand, Section 46.2-873.2 does provide an exception for rural rustic roads with a different speed limit as of July 1, 2008. Assuming there are lawfully posted signs, the speed limits for those roads will remain in place, unless a traffic engineering study suggests otherwise.

Do You Need Legal Help?

If you need legal help with speeding tickets or other traffic violations in Virginia, it is best to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. The Virginia speeding ticket lawyers at Simms Showers, LLP, servicing Leesburg, Winchester, Fairfax, and Manassas, are experienced in criminal defense, including speeding tickets and other traffic violations. If you need legal help with criminal defense, contact us today for a free initial consultation.

https://www.simmsshowerslaw.com/what-are-the-maximum-speed-limits-in-virginia/