{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/46.2-878.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/46.2-878.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/46.2-878.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/46.2-878.html"}],"law_id":81825,"edition_id":1,"section_id":81825,"structure_id":14992,"section_number":"46.2-878","catch_line":"Authority to change speed limits","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 46-212; 1950, p. 881; 1952, c. 666; 1954, c. 244; 1956, c. 364; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-193; 1960, c. 153; 1962, c. 307; 1964, cc. 118, 408; 1966, c. 85; 1968, c. 641; 1972, cc. 89, 546, 553, 608; 1974, c. 528; 1977, c. 577; 1978, c. 605; 1980, c. 347; 1989, c. 727; 1990, c. 779; 1993, c. 98; 2013, c. 303; 2024, cc. 272, 842.","full_text":"A\n\nNotwithstanding the other provisions of this article, and except as otherwise provided in subdivision A 4 of § 46.2-1300, the Commissioner of Highways or other authority having jurisdiction over highways may decrease the speed limits set forth in § 46.2-870 and may increase or decrease the speed limits set forth in §§ 46.2-873 through 46.2-875 on any highway under its jurisdiction and may establish differentiated speed limits for daytime and nighttime by decreasing for nighttime driving the speed limits set forth in § 46.2-870 and by increasing for daytime or decreasing for nighttime the speed limits set forth in §§ 46.2-873 through 46.2-875 on any highway under his jurisdiction. Such increased or decreased speed limits and such differentiated speed limits for daytime and nighttime driving shall be effective only when prescribed after a traffic engineering investigation and when indicated on the highway by signs. It is unlawful to operate any motor vehicle in excess of speed limits established and posted as provided in this section. The increased or decreased speed limits over highways under the control of the Commissioner of Highways shall be effective only when prescribed in writing by the Commissioner of Highways and kept on file in the Central Office of the Department of Transportation. Whenever the speed limit on any highway has been increased or decreased or a differential speed limit has been established and such speed limit is properly posted, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the change in speed was properly established in accordance with the provisions of this section.B\n\nNotwithstanding any other provision of this article, including the provisions of subsection A, the governing body of any town located entirely within the confines of a United States military base may by ordinance reduce the speed limit to less than 25 miles per hour on any highway within its boundaries, provided such reduced speed limit is indicated by lawfully placed signs.C\n\nIf the Commissioner of Highways increases or decreases a speed limit as provided in this section, the Department of Transportation shall notify the primary liaison with the Department of Transportation in each locality in which such speed limit change will occur. If such speed limit change will occur in a town, the Department of Transportation shall notify the primary liaison in the town and the primary liaison in the county in which the town is located. If such speed limit change will occur in a community subject to the Property Owners’ Association Act (§ 55.1-1800 et seq.) or the Virginia Condominium Act (§ 55.1-1900 et seq.), the locality shall also notify the relevant board of directors, as defined in § 55.1-1800, or executive board, as defined in § 55.1-1900, respectively. Any notice sent to a locality, board of directors, or executive board as required in this subsection shall include the location where the speed limit change will occur, the effective speed limit change date, the new speed limit, and the reason for the speed limit change. Failure to comply with any provision of this subsection shall not affect the change in speed limit.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":293151,"text":"Notwithstanding the other provisions of this article, and except as otherwise provided in subdivision A 4 of § 46.2-1300, the Commissioner of Highways or other authority having jurisdiction over highways may decrease the speed limits set forth in § 46.2-870 and may increase or decrease the speed limits set forth in §§ 46.2-873 through 46.2-875 on any highway under its jurisdiction and may establish differentiated speed limits for daytime and nighttime by decreasing for nighttime driving the speed limits set forth in § 46.2-870 and by increasing for daytime or decreasing for nighttime the speed limits set forth in §§ 46.2-873 through 46.2-875 on any highway under his jurisdiction. Such increased or decreased speed limits and such differentiated speed limits for daytime and nighttime driving shall be effective only when prescribed after a traffic engineering investigation and when indicated on the highway by signs. It is unlawful to operate any motor vehicle in excess of speed limits established and posted as provided in this section. The increased or decreased speed limits over highways under the control of the Commissioner of Highways shall be effective only when prescribed in writing by the Commissioner of Highways and kept on file in the Central Office of the Department of Transportation. Whenever the speed limit on any highway has been increased or decreased or a differential speed limit has been established and such speed limit is properly posted, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the change in speed was properly established in accordance with the provisions of this section.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":293152,"text":"Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, including the provisions of subsection A, the governing body of any town located entirely within the confines of a United States military base may by ordinance reduce the speed limit to less than 25 miles per hour on any highway within its boundaries, provided such reduced speed limit is indicated by lawfully placed signs.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":293153,"text":"If the Commissioner of Highways increases or decreases a speed limit as provided in this section, the Department of Transportation shall notify the primary liaison with the Department of Transportation in each locality in which such speed limit change will occur. If such speed limit change will occur in a town, the Department of Transportation shall notify the primary liaison in the town and the primary liaison in the county in which the town is located. If such speed limit change will occur in a community subject to the Property Owners’ Association Act (§ 55.1-1800 et seq.) or the Virginia Condominium Act (§ 55.1-1900 et seq.), the locality shall also notify the relevant board of directors, as defined in § 55.1-1800, or executive board, as defined in § 55.1-1900, respectively. Any notice sent to a locality, board of directors, or executive board as required in this subsection shall include the location where the speed limit change will occur, the effective speed limit change date, the new speed limit, and the reason for the speed limit change. Failure to comply with any provision of this subsection shall not affect the change in speed limit.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14992,"edition_id":1,"name":"Speed","identifier":"8","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12875,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:51:21","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:51:21","permalink":{"id":230961,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14992,"identifier":"8","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/8","url":"\/46.2\/III\/8\/8\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12875,"edition_id":1,"name":"Regulation of Traffic","identifier":"8","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12827,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","permalink":{"id":230189,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12875,"identifier":"8","token":"46.2\/III\/8","url":"\/46.2\/III\/8\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12827,"edition_id":1,"name":"Operation","identifier":"III","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12770,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","permalink":{"id":228597,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12827,"identifier":"III","token":"46.2\/III","url":"\/46.2\/III\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12770,"edition_id":1,"name":"Motor Vehicles","identifier":"46.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":225289,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12770,"identifier":"46.2","token":"46.2","url":"\/46.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":59540,"structure_id":14992,"section_number":"46.2-870","catch_line":"Maximum speed limits generally","url":"\/46.2-870\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/8\/46.2-870","metadata":false},{"id":80123,"structure_id":14992,"section_number":"46.2-871","catch_line":"Maximum speed limit for school buses","url":"\/46.2-871\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/8\/46.2-871","metadata":false},{"id":58764,"structure_id":14992,"section_number":"46.2-872","catch_line":"Maximum speed limits for vehicles operating under special permits","url":"\/46.2-872\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/8\/46.2-872","metadata":false},{"id":79719,"structure_id":14992,"section_number":"46.2-873","catch_line":"Maximum speed limits at school crossings; penalty","url":"\/46.2-873\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/8\/46.2-873","metadata":false},{"id":79726,"structure_id":14992,"section_number":"46.2-873.1","catch_line":"Maximum speed limit on nonsurface-treated highways","url":"\/46.2-873.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/8\/46.2-873.1","metadata":false},{"id":68019,"structure_id":14992,"section_number":"46.2-873.2","catch_line":"Maximum speed limit on rural rustic roads","url":"\/46.2-873.2\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/8\/46.2-873.2","metadata":false},{"id":82131,"structure_id":14992,"section_number":"46.2-874","catch_line":"Maximum speed limit in business and residence districts","url":"\/46.2-874\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/8\/46.2-874","metadata":false},{"id":78886,"structure_id":14992,"section_number":"46.2-874.1","catch_line":"Authority to increase penalties in residence districts","url":"\/46.2-874.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/8\/46.2-874.1","metadata":false},{"id":73270,"structure_id":14992,"section_number":"46.2-875","catch_line":"Maximum speed limit on certain other highways in cities and towns","url":"\/46.2-875\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/8\/46.2-875","metadata":false},{"id":67188,"structure_id":14992,"section_number":"46.2-876","catch_line":"Maximum speed limit for passenger vehicles towing certain trailers","url":"\/46.2-876\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/8\/46.2-876","metadata":false},{"id":66235,"structure_id":14992,"section_number":"46.2-877","catch_line":"Minimum speed limits","url":"\/46.2-877\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/8\/46.2-877","metadata":false},{"id":81825,"structure_id":14992,"section_number":"46.2-878","catch_line":"Authority to change speed limits","url":"\/46.2-878\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/8\/46.2-878","metadata":false},{"id":57192,"structure_id":14992,"section_number":"46.2-878.1","catch_line":"Maximum speed limits in highway work zones; penalty","url":"\/46.2-878.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/8\/46.2-878.1","metadata":false},{"id":79416,"structure_id":14992,"section_number":"46.2-878.2","catch_line":"Maximum speed limits in certain residence districts of counties, cities, and towns; penalty","url":"\/46.2-878.2\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/8\/46.2-878.2","metadata":false},{"id":68556,"structure_id":14992,"section_number":"46.2-878.2:1","catch_line":"Maximum speed limits on certain roads","url":"\/46.2-878.2_1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/8\/46.2-878.2_1","metadata":false},{"id":79911,"structure_id":14992,"section_number":"46.2-878.3","catch_line":"Prepayment of fines for violations of speed limits","url":"\/46.2-878.3\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/8\/46.2-878.3","metadata":false},{"id":87029,"structure_id":14992,"section_number":"46.2-879","catch_line":"No conviction for speeding in certain areas unless markers installed","url":"\/46.2-879\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/8\/46.2-879","metadata":false},{"id":59223,"structure_id":14992,"section_number":"46.2-881","catch_line":"Special speed limitation on bridges, tunnels and interstates","url":"\/46.2-881\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/8\/46.2-881","metadata":false},{"id":78936,"structure_id":14992,"section_number":"46.2-882","catch_line":"Determining speed with various devices; certificate as to accuracy of device; arrest without warrant","url":"\/46.2-882\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/8\/46.2-882","metadata":false},{"id":74055,"structure_id":14992,"section_number":"46.2-882.1","catch_line":"Use of photo speed monitoring devices in highway work zones, school crossing zones, and high-risk intersection segments; civil penalty","url":"\/46.2-882.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/8\/46.2-882.1","metadata":false},{"id":79089,"structure_id":14992,"section_number":"46.2-883","catch_line":"Signs indicating legal rate of speed and measurement of speed by radar","url":"\/46.2-883\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/8\/46.2-883","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":66235,"structure_id":14992,"section_number":"46.2-877","catch_line":"Minimum speed limits","url":"\/46.2-877\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/8\/46.2-877","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":57192,"structure_id":14992,"section_number":"46.2-878.1","catch_line":"Maximum speed limits in highway work zones; penalty","url":"\/46.2-878.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/8\/46.2-878.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-878\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 19 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1952, chapter 666; in 1954, chapter 244; in 1956, chapter 364; in 1958, chapter 541; in 1960, chapter 153; in 1962, chapter 307; in 1964, chapters 118 and 408; in 1966, chapter 85; in 1968, chapter 641; in 1972, chapters 89, 546, 553, and 608; in 1974, chapter 528; in 1977, chapter 577; in 1978, chapter 605; in 1980, chapter 347; in 1989, chapter 727; in 1990, chapter 779; in 1993, chapter 98; in 2013, chapter 303<\/a>; in 2024, chapters 272<\/a> and 842<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":67729,"section_number":"46.2-1300","catch_line":"Powers of local authorities generally; erection of signs and markers; maximum penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1300\/"},{"id":60928,"section_number":"46.2-373","catch_line":"Report by law-enforcement official investigating accident","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-373\/"},{"id":79059,"section_number":"46.2-397","catch_line":"Suspension of license for certain violations while transporting explosives, inflammable gas or liquid","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-397\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":67729,"section_number":"46.2-1300","catch_line":"Powers of local authorities generally; erection of signs and markers; maximum penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1300\/"},{"id":59540,"section_number":"46.2-870","catch_line":"Maximum speed limits generally","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-870\/"},{"id":79719,"section_number":"46.2-873","catch_line":"Maximum speed limits at school crossings; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-873\/"},{"id":73270,"section_number":"46.2-875","catch_line":"Maximum speed limit on certain other highways in cities and towns","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-875\/"},{"id":65321,"section_number":"55.1-1800","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1800\/"},{"id":55215,"section_number":"55.1-1900","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1900\/"}],"permalink":{"id":231007,"object_type":"law","relational_id":81825,"identifier":"46.2-878","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/8\/46.2-878","url":"\/46.2-878\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-878\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/8\/46.2-878","dublin_core":{"Title":"Authority to change speed limits","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-878","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Notwithstanding the other provisions of this article, and except as otherwise provided in subdivision A 4 of § 46.2-1300<\/a>, the Commissioner<\/span> of Highways<\/span><\/span> or other authority having jurisdiction<\/span> over highways<\/span><\/span> may decrease the speed limits set forth in § 46.2-870<\/a> and may increase or decrease the speed limits set forth in §§ 46.2-873<\/a> through 46.2-875<\/a> on any highway<\/span> under its jurisdiction<\/span> and may establish differentiated speed limits for daytime and nighttime by decreasing for nighttime driving the speed limits set forth in § 46.2-870<\/a> and by increasing for daytime or decreasing for nighttime the speed limits set forth in §§ 46.2-873<\/a> through 46.2-875<\/a> on any highway<\/span> under his jurisdiction<\/span>. Such increased or decreased speed limits and such differentiated speed limits for daytime and nighttime driving shall be effective only when prescribed after a traffic engineering investigation and when indicated on the highway<\/span> by signs. It is unlawful to operate any motor vehicle<\/span> in excess of speed limits established and posted as provided in this section. The increased or decreased speed limits over highways<\/span><\/span> under the control of the Commissioner<\/span> of Highways<\/span><\/span> shall be effective only when prescribed in writing by the Commissioner<\/span> of Highways<\/span><\/span> and kept on file in the Central Office of the Department<\/span> of Transportation. Whenever the speed limit on any highway<\/span> has been increased or decreased or a differential speed limit has been established and such speed limit is properly posted, there shall be a rebuttable presumption<\/span> that the change in speed was properly established in accordance with the provisions of this section. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, including the provisions of subsection A, the governing body<\/span> of any town located entirely within the confines of a United States military base may by ordinance<\/span> reduce the speed limit to less than 25 miles per hour on any highway<\/span> within its boundaries, provided such reduced speed limit is indicated by lawfully placed signs. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> If the Commissioner<\/span> of Highways<\/span><\/span> increases or decreases a speed limit as provided in this section, the Department<\/span> of Transportation shall notify the primary liaison with the Department<\/span> of Transportation in each locality in which such speed limit change will occur. If such speed limit change will occur in a town, the Department<\/span> of Transportation shall notify the primary liaison in the town and the primary liaison in the county in which the town is located. If such speed limit change will occur in a community subject to the Property Owners<\/span>’ Association Act (§ 55.1-1800<\/a> et seq.) or the Virginia Condominium Act (§ 55.1-1900<\/a> et seq.), the locality shall also notify the relevant board of directors, as defined in § 55.1-1800<\/a>, or executive board, as defined in § 55.1-1900<\/a>, respectively. Any notice sent to a locality, board of directors, or executive board as required in this subsection shall include the location where the speed limit change will occur, the effective speed limit change date, the new speed limit, and the reason for the speed limit change. Failure to comply with any provision of this subsection shall not affect the change in speed limit. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nAUTHORITY TO CHANGE SPEED LIMITS (\u00a7 46.2-878)\n\nA. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this article, and except as otherwise\nprovided in subdivision A 4 of § 46.2-1300, the Commissioner of Highways or\nother authority having jurisdiction over highways may decrease the speed limits\nset forth in § 46.2-870 and may increase or decrease the speed limits set\nforth in §§ 46.2-873 through 46.2-875 on any highway under its\njurisdiction and may establish differentiated speed limits for daytime and\nnighttime by decreasing for nighttime driving the speed limits set forth in\n§ 46.2-870 and by increasing for daytime or decreasing for nighttime the\nspeed limits set forth in §§ 46.2-873 through 46.2-875 on any highway\nunder his jurisdiction. Such increased or decreased speed limits and such\ndifferentiated speed limits for daytime and nighttime driving shall be effective\nonly when prescribed after a traffic engineering investigation and when\nindicated on the highway by signs. It is unlawful to operate any motor vehicle\nin excess of speed limits established and posted as provided in this section.\nThe increased or decreased speed limits over highways under the control of the\nCommissioner of Highways shall be effective only when prescribed in writing by\nthe Commissioner of Highways and kept on file in the Central Office of the\nDepartment of Transportation. Whenever the speed limit on any highway has been\nincreased or decreased or a differential speed limit has been established and\nsuch speed limit is properly posted, there shall be a rebuttable presumption\nthat the change in speed was properly established in accordance with the\nprovisions of this section.\n\nB. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, including the provisions\nof subsection A, the governing body of any town located entirely within the\nconfines of a United States military base may by ordinance reduce the speed\nlimit to less than 25 miles per hour on any highway within its boundaries,\nprovided such reduced speed limit is indicated by lawfully placed signs.\n\nC. If the Commissioner of Highways increases or decreases a speed limit as\nprovided in this section, the Department of Transportation shall notify the\nprimary liaison with the Department of Transportation in each locality in which\nsuch speed limit change will occur. If such speed limit change will occur in a\ntown, the Department of Transportation shall notify the primary liaison in the\ntown and the primary liaison in the county in which the town is located. If such\nspeed limit change will occur in a community subject to the Property\nOwners’ Association Act (§ 55.1-1800 et seq.) or the Virginia\nCondominium Act (§ 55.1-1900 et seq.), the locality shall also notify the\nrelevant board of directors, as defined in § 55.1-1800, or executive board,\nas defined in § 55.1-1900, respectively. Any notice sent to a locality,\nboard of directors, or executive board as required in this subsection shall\ninclude the location where the speed limit change will occur, the effective\nspeed limit change date, the new speed limit, and the reason for the speed limit\nchange. Failure to comply with any provision of this subsection shall not affect\nthe change in speed limit.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 46-212; 1950, p. 881; 1952, c. 666; 1954, c. 244; 1956,\nc. 364; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-193; 1960, c. 153; 1962, c. 307; 1964, cc. 118,\n408; 1966, c. 85; 1968, c. 641; 1972, cc. 89, 546, 553, 608; 1974, c. 528; 1977,\nc. 577; 1978, c. 605; 1980, c. 347; 1989, c. 727; 1990, c. 779; 1993, c. 98;\n2013, c. 303; 2024, cc. 272, 842.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}