Driving of motor vehicles - Virginia

Federal regulations

Virginia has adopted Part 392 of the Federal Regulations.

Applicability

Part 392 applies to vehicles over 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, whichever is greater, and vehicles of any size used to transport hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding.

Engine idling

In commercial or residential urban areas, engines of motor vehicles licensed for commercial or public service may not idle for more than three minutes.

Exceptions — Diesel powered vehicles may idle for up to 10 minutes to minimize restart problems. Tour buses may idle for up to 10 minutes during hot weather to maintain power to the air conditioning system. There is also an exception to the idling rules for an engine that provides auxiliary power (other that heat or air conditioning).

Speed limit

55 mph day or night on all highways, except where lower limits are posted. The speed limit is 70 mph on certain rural interstates where posted.