Virginia speed limits and key traffic laws

By the end of this topic you can

• You can state Virginia's default limits when no sign is posted.
• You can explain when reckless driving by speed applies.
• You can drive correctly through school crossing and highway work zones.
• You can explain when you must stop for a school bus.
• You can describe what Virginia's move-over law asks you to do.

What you need to know and understand

• Unless posted otherwise, the limit is 25 mph in business and residence districts.
• Most other highways default to 55 mph when no sign is posted.
• Interstates and some divided limited-access highways can be posted up to 70 mph after a traffic study.
• Driving 20 mph or more over the limit, or over 85 mph, is reckless driving.
• School crossing zones are usually 25 mph when signed and in operation. Speeding there can bring a fine of up to $250.
• Speeding in a highway work zone while workers are present can bring a fine of up to $500.
• Passing a stopped school bus that is loading or unloading is reckless driving.

Default limits when no sign is posted

Posted signs always tell you the legal maximum. Slow down below it for rain, fog, darkness, traffic and curves.

• 25 mph: streets in business and residence districts.
• 55 mph: interstates, other highways and primary roads when no higher or lower limit is posted.
• Up to 70 mph: interstates and multilane divided limited-access highways where signs say so.
• Up to 60 mph: certain listed divided routes where signs say so.

Reckless driving by speed

In Virginia you commit reckless driving if you drive 20 mph or more over the limit, or faster than 85 mph whatever the posted limit. On a 65 mph highway, 85 mph already counts. Reckless driving carries 6 demerit points and can lead to court, a fine and a license suspension.

School zones, work zones and school buses

School crossing zones are marked by flashing or tilt-over school signs and are normally 25 mph while operating. Some residential school zones are set at 15 mph by local ordinance, so always read the sign.

In a highway work zone with workers present and signs showing the limit and penalty, speeding can cost up to $500.

When a school bus stops to load or unload, you must stop from any direction and wait until people are clear and the bus moves on. The only exception is when the bus is on the other side of a divided highway separated by a barrier or unpaved area.

Move over for stopped vehicles

On a highway with four or more lanes, at least two going your way, move into a lane not next to a stopped vehicle showing flashing blue, red or amber lights, if it is reasonable. If you cannot change lanes safely, slow down and pass with care. The same applies to stopped vehicles with hazard flashers, flares or caution signs. Failing to move over for emergency lights is reckless driving.

Common mistakes

• Matching the speed of faster traffic. At 20 mph over, you are committing reckless driving no matter what others do.
• Assuming 70 mph is the default on every highway. If no sign is posted, the default is generally 55 mph.
• Passing a stopped school bus from the opposite direction on an undivided road.
• Staying in the lane next to a stopped police car when you could safely move over.

Test yourself: Virginia speed limits and key traffic laws

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Virginia Bioptic Driving Rules
• Virginia Driver’s License Over 18
• How to Get a Driver’s License in Virginia