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Speeding Laws

The timely, cost-effective resolution of traffic tickets often calls for an attorney who is experienced in handling traffic violations and dedicated to providing personal service. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation and case evaluation with a criminal defense attorney.

Experienced Defense for Traffic Violations in Virginia

Serious traffic violations, such as reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, or DWI and DUI offenses, carry significant penalties for drivers in the state of Virginia, including fines, suspended or restricted licenses and lost security clearances. In the worst cases, these penalties can even include jail time. By hiring an experienced attorney, you can understand the possible consequences of your traffic violation and get the representation you need to protect your rights.

At the law firm of Myers and Myers, in Norfolk, Virginia, our lawyers can defend you against challenging traffic offenses in court. We represent military personnel, college students, out-of-state drivers and other Virginia drivers who are concerned about what could happen to them and need someplace to turn. Contact our firm today to learn more information.

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Traffic courts in Hampton Roads and the state of Virginia frequently sentence people to jail for some traffic offenses such as DUI. Contact a lawyer at Myers, Myers and Myers to learn about your rights and options in defense.

The lawyers at Myers, Myers and Myers have more than 50 years of combined legal experience. We have obtained successful resolutions for hundreds of clients facing traffic violations and DUIs in the state of Virginia. Call 757-583-1879 for more information.

Speeding Laws

Ordinarily speeding tickets are offenses or infractions rather than crimes, but it is not uncommon for speeding tickets to be treated as misdemeanors. If you received a speeding ticket, contact Myers, Myers & Myers in Norfolk to schedule a meeting with an attorney who can explain how the speed laws operate in Virginia.

Although the basis for a speed law violation will vary from state to state, the following discussion describes typical provisions related to speed.

Basic Speed Rule

A basic speed rule or basic speed law typically provides that "no person shall drive a vehicle greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing." Uniform Vehicle Code §11-801. Laws of this kind operate independently of other traffic laws, including laws prescribing a maximum speed. For example, although the maximum speed in a particular area is 55 MPH, a driver might be issued a speeding ticket for driving 55 MPH if doing so is unreasonable because of weather, road, or traffic conditions.

Statutory Speed Limit

Laws establishing maximum speeds for roads in particular areas are called statutory seed limits. For example, a statutory speed limit may set a maximum speed of 35 MPH in urban districts a maximum speed of 55 MPH in all other locations. Uniform Vehicle Code §11-802. The statutory speed limit generally applies unless a posted speed limit designates a different speed.

Minimum Speed Rule

A minimum speed rule or minimum speed law typically provides that "no person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic." Uniform Vehicle Code §11-805(a). Additionally, a minimum speed rule might require drivers who are driving at less than the normal speed of traffic to drive in the right-hand lane. Uniform Vehicle Code §11-301(b)

Posted Maximum and Minimum Speed Limits

State or local governments may increase the statutory speed limits, decrease the statutory speed limits, or set minimum speed limits on roads under their jurisdiction.

In general, states may also establish different highway speed limits for different types of vehicles, at different times of the day, for various weather conditions, or for other factors bearing on safe speeds. Uniform Vehicle Code §11-803. For example, posted speed limits that designate a speed different than the speed provided by the statutory speed law are frequently found on state highways, on residential streets, in school zones, and in business districts. Posted speed limits that vary from the statutory speed limit are also used to designated maximum speeds at certain times (when children are present or certain times of day, for example), at particular places (sharp curves, entry ramps and exit ramps), or for particular vehicles (trucks over a minimum weight). Posted speed limits are presumed to be safe and some states require speeding to continue for a certain distance before it becomes a violation.

Conclusion

The basis for speed law violations and the associated penalties vary from state to state. As such, it is important to work with an attorney who is knowledgeable of the speed laws in your jurisdiction. If you received a traffic ticket, contact Myers, Myers & Myers in Norfolk to schedule a consultation with an attorney who can explain how the speed laws operate in Virginia.

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Myers and Myers
2476 East Little Creek Road
Norfolk, VA 23518
Phone: 757-583-1879
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The full service law firm of Myers & Myers is located in Norfolk, Virginia, and serves clients in the communities of Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton and Newport News, Isle of Wight County, York County and the rest of the state of Virginia.