Beware New Speed Limit on Unpaved Roads
In Virginia, the speed limit for unmarked highways is 55 miles an hour. A new law that took effect on July 1, 2014 has reduced the speed limit on unpaved roads to only 35 miles an hour.
Note the big qualifier: we’re talking about unpaved highways, which means dirt and gravel roads. We’re not talking about a road that is chip sealed or a black top. We’re talking about loose gravel or loose dirt roads. On those type of roads, the speed limit used to be 55 miles an hour if the road was not otherwise marked. As of July 1, that speed limit has been reduced to 35.
It seems like the idea behind the law is to simply make it a little clearer for everyone about the speed limit and make it easier for VDOT to be able to mark the roadways with the proper limits. Now instead of having a sign posted that the limit is 35, the default rule if you leave a paved surface is 35 mph.
This certainly has the potential for catching people off guard, especially people who are used to driving on those roads and are used to obeying the posted speed limits. If there’s no limit posted, you have to remember that you should not exceed 35 miles an hour in Virginia.
If you get a ticket for speeding anywhere in Virginia, feel free to give me a call or download one of my free books so we can get started discussing your case.
Photo by: ednl
