Virginia Permit Test: Speed Limits Practice Questions
Posted and default limits, school zones and the basic speed law.
Question 1
Unless a sign says otherwise, what is the maximum speed limit in Virginia school, business and residential areas?
Correct answer: 25 MPH
Unless posted otherwise, the limit for passenger vehicles is 25 MPH in school, business and residential areas.
Source: Section 3: Safe Driving β Speed Limits
Question 2
Unless posted otherwise, what is the maximum speed limit on unpaved roads in Virginia?
Correct answer: 35 MPH
The default limit is 35 MPH on unpaved roads, 25 MPH in school, business and residential areas, and 55 MPH on all other roads.
Source: Section 3: Safe Driving β Speed Limits
Question 3
When no speed limit is posted, what is the maximum speed on Virginia roads other than school, business, residential areas and unpaved roads?
Correct answer: 55 MPH
Unless a sign states otherwise, the maximum for passenger vehicles and motorcycles is 55 MPH on all other roads.
Source: Section 3: Safe Driving β Speed Limits
Question 4
In Virginia, an officer may charge you with reckless driving for speed alone if you drive:
Correct answer: 20 MPH or more over the limit, or over 85 MPH
Driving 20 MPH or more above the limit, or over 85 MPH regardless of the limit, can be charged as reckless driving, a criminal misdemeanor.
Source: Section 3: Safe Driving β Speed Limits
Question 5
What kind of offense is a reckless driving conviction in Virginia?
Correct answer: A criminal misdemeanor
Reckless driving is a misdemeanor criminal offense; the court may impose a fine, suspend your license and/or impose jail time.
Source: Section 3: Safe Driving β Speed Limits
Question 6
Are radar detectors legal to use in Virginia?
Correct answer: No, they are illegal
It is illegal to use radar detectors in Virginia.
Source: Section 3: Safe Driving β Speed Limits
Question 7
You are driving at the posted 55 MPH limit during heavy rain and an officer stops you. Can you get a ticket?
Correct answer: Yes, for driving too fast for the conditions
Speed limits are for good conditions. In rain, snow or ice you may be ticketed for driving too fast for conditions even at or below the posted limit.
Source: Section 3: Safe Driving β Speed Limits
Question 8
Besides the regular speeding fine, what extra fine applies in Virginia for driving 81 to 85 MPH in a 65 MPH zone?
Correct answer: $100
You are subject to an additional $100 fine if convicted of driving between 81 and 85 MPH in a 65 MPH zone.
Source: Section 3: Safe Driving β Speed Limits
Question 9
Is it legal to drive slower than the posted speed limit?
Correct answer: Yes, if you don't impede normal traffic
A speed limit is the maximum. You may drive slower as long as you don't impede normal traffic, and you must slow down when conditions make the limit unsafe.
Source: Section 3: Safe Driving β Speed Limits
Question 10
In Virginia, if you are convicted of speeding in a highway work zone, you may be fined up to:
Correct answer: $500
Speeding in a highway work zone can bring a fine of up to $500. Orange marks a work zone and means slow down and be alert.
Source: Section 2: Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings β Work Zones
Question 11
On which Virginia roads may a low speed vehicle be operated?
Correct answer: Public roads with limits of 35 MPH or less
Low speed vehicles, with top speeds of 21 to 25 MPH, may be driven on public roads with speed limits of 35 MPH or less by licensed drivers or supervised permit holders. Golf carts are not low speed vehicles.