Virginia Auto Insurance: Driving and Traffic Laws - A Heads-Up for VA Travelers

Your last name doesn't have to be Griswold to realize that packing up the "family truckster" for a lengthy road trip can be a stressful experience. In addition to herding the kids, you have to worry about budgeting your time, your money, and thanks to high gas prices your fuel to ensure that you arrive at your destination with your sanity in tact. The last thing you need along the way is a costly ticket for failing to know the driving laws and traffic laws for the states through which you pass.

Accordingly, if you`re planning to travel to or through "The Old Dominion," this handy Virginia Driving & Traffic Law Guide is for you. Hopefully, it will lessen your travel-related stress just a little as you head out on your next driving trip or vacation to Virginia.

[Compare car insurance quotes now.]

Virginia Speed Limit
Speed limits vary in Virginia based on location, terrain, and road conditions. In general, however, the maximum speed limit is 65 mph on Virginia highways. Some highways have a maximum speed limit of 55 mph, so visitors would be well advised to monitor posted limits-especially approaching urban areas. The maximum speed limit on Virginia urban streets is 35 mph, with the limit dropping to 20 mph in school zones (see http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/enforce/stspdlaw/vaspeed.htm). Failure to abide by posted speed limits in and around Virginia construction areas can result in double the standard fine.

Use of Radar Detectors in Virginia
Federal law prohibits the use of radar detectors in commercial vehicles 10,000 pounds and higher. In Virginia, radar detectors are also prohibited in all other vehicles. Drivers found in violation of Virginia`s radar detector ban are subject to a fine.

Virginia Cell Phone Law
Virginia does not regulate the use of cell phones by drivers either at the state or local level. For updates about Virginia cell phone laws, see http://www.iihs.org/.

Virginia Road Construction Information
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) provides the state`s best and most current information regarding Virginia bridge and road construction projects (see http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/default.asp ). Traffic updates and travel information are also available throughout the state by dialing "511" on any telephone.

Virginia Bicycle Laws
Many jurisdictions within Virginia require riders 14 years of age and younger to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. Riders operating between sunset and sunrise are required to have proper rear, red reflectors and forward-facing illumination. For more information on Virginia`s bike laws see http://www.vdot.virginia.gov/programs/bk-laws.asp .

For more information about Virginia driving laws and Virginia traffic laws, please visit the Virginia Department of Transportation website at http://virginiadot.org.