Car speed limits in Virginia (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: The maximum speed is 25 mph in business and residence districts and 55 mph on other highways for passenger vehicles. It is 55 mph on interstates unless 70 mph is posted after a traffic engineering study, and 60 mph may be posted on certain nonlimited access divided routes. School crossing zones have a 25 mph limit. Exceeding a posted work-zone limit when workers are present carries a fine of up to $500.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 25 mph on highways in business or residence districts; 35 mph on other highways in a city or town; interstates, limited access divided highways, nonlimited access highways with four or more lanes and state primary highways are excluded from these figures [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | 55 mph on all other highways for a passenger motor vehicle, bus, pickup or panel truck, or motorcycle [2] |
| Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway)Passenger car on public roads | 55 mph on nonlimited access highways with four or more lanes and on all state primary highways; 60 mph where posted on U.S. Routes 17, 23, 29, 58, 301, 360, 460 and parts of 501 and State Routes 3 and 207 where nonlimited access, multilane and divided [2] |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | 55 mph on interstate and other limited access highways with divided roadways; 70 mph where indicated by signs placed after a traffic engineering study [2] |
| School zonesPassenger car on public roads | 25 mph in a school crossing zone between signs bearing the word "school" or "school crossing", in operation from 30 minutes before to 30 minutes after school hours and when children are present. Speeding there carries a fine of up to $250 on top of other penalties; school zones in residential areas may be cut to 15 mph by local ordinance. [3] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | Exceeding a speed limit set for a highway work zone, when workers are present and signs show the limit and the penalty, is a traffic infraction with a fine of up to $500. [4] |
Notes
- Municipalities that maintain their own roads may increase or decrease speed limits after a traffic engineering investigation.
Sources
- Virginia General Assembly: Code of Virginia § 46.2-874, Maximum speed limit in business and residence districts (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Virginia General Assembly: Code of Virginia § 46.2-870, Maximum speed limits generally (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Virginia General Assembly (Legislative Information System): Code of Virginia § 46.2-873. Maximum speed limits at school crossings; penalty (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- Virginia General Assembly (Legislative Information System): Code of Virginia § 46.2-878.1. Maximum speed limits in highway work zones; penalty (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Virginia and neighbouring states
| State | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) | Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 25 mph; 35 mph elsewhere in towns | 55 mph | 55 mph; 60 mph where posted | 55 mph; 70 mph where posted |
| District of Columbia | 20 mph (default) | 20 mph (default) | 20 mph (default) | 20 mph (default) |
| Kentucky | 35 mph | 55 mph | 55 mph | 65 mph (70 on some) |
| Maryland | 30 mph (35 divided residential) | 50 mph | 55 mph | 70 mph maximum |
| North Carolina | 35 mph | 55 mph | 55 mph | 55 mph (up to 70 if posted) |
| Tennessee | ⚠ Not yet verified | 55 mph (unless posted) | ⚠ Not yet verified | 70 mph (as low as 55 mph in cities) |
| West Virginia | 25 mph | 55 mph | — | At least 55 mph |
More rules in Virginia
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ within limits · Growing at home: Up to 4 plants per household
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 yrs 3 mths (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 yrs 6 mths (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class three: 14, or supervised
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (only permissible fireworks)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed list; folding knife not named · Locking or one-handed knives: Not named; "like kind" clause
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $12.77 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.