Virginia Road Signs: Two-Part DMV Exam, 85 mph Reckless Driving

Are radar detectors legal in Virginia? What happens if you drive over 85 mph in Virginia? What does Virginia two-part DMV knowledge exam test? Radar detectors are illegal in Virginia. possessing one in a vehicle is prohibited. Driving over 85 mph anywhere in Virginia is reckless driving regardless of the posted limit. Driving 81-85 mph in a 65 mph zone: an additional $100 fine. The Virginia DMV at dmv.virginia.gov gives a two-part computer exam. Part 1 tests road signs (must pass before Part 2), Part 2 is general knowledge (80% required). Work zone speeding: up to $500. Handheld device in work zone: $250.

Table of Contents

1. Virginia Two-Part DMV Exam, Illegal Radar Detectors and the 85 mph Reckless Driving Threshold

Virginia roads span the dense Northern Virginia I-95/I-66 corridor, Richmond James River crossings, the Hampton Roads bridge-tunnel network, Blue Ridge Parkway mountain approaches, and Shenandoah Valley rural routes. The Virginia DMV at dmv.virginia.gov gives a two-part computer knowledge exam. Part 1 is road signs. you must pass it before taking Part 2, which covers general safe driving knowledge (80% required). An audio version is available. Fail three times: complete a DMV-approved course first. Under-18 fail: mandatory 15-day wait.

2. Virginia Two-Part Exam: Part 1 Is Entirely Road Signs: Here is Every Shape, Color and Symbol You Need

Virginia DMV knowledge exam has two parts, and Part 1 is entirely about road signs. you must pass Part 1 before you can attempt Part 2. On Northern Virginia dense urban interchanges, Hampton Roadss bridge approaches, and Blue Ridge mountain routes, sign shape and color register before text. Every row in this table is potential Part 1 material.

Shape	Diagram	Meaning	Example Sign
Octagon (8-sided)		STOP. always and only
Triangle (inverted)		Yield to other traffic
Diamond		Warning - hazard ahead
Rectangle (vertical)		Regulatory - rules of the road
Rectangle (horizontal)		Guide or informational
Pentagon (5-sided)		School zone or crossing - exclusively
Round (circle)		Railroad crossing advance warning - exclusively
Pennant		No passing zone - exclusively
Orange (any shape)		Construction and work zone warnings
Blue (any shape)		Motorist services - gas, food, lodging, hospitals
Brown (any shape)		Recreation areas, parks, and scenic routes

3. Virginia Regulatory Signs: Reckless Driving at 85 mph, $100 Extra Fine at 81-85 mph and Illegal Radar Detectors

Virginia regulatory signs carry force under the Virginia Code. Three Virginia-specific rules: (1) driving 20+ mph over the limit OR over 85 mph = reckless driving misdemeanor; (2) driving 81-85 mph in a 65 mph zone = additional $100 fine on top of the speeding ticket; (3) radar detectors are illegal in all Virginia vehicles. White rectangular signs, prohibitory signs, and lane-control signs are all tested in Part 1 and Part 2 of the VA exam.

STOP Sign

Come to a full stop; yield to all traffic and pedestrians before proceeding

YIELD Sign

Slow down and give right-of-way to cross traffic or pedestrians

Speed Limit Sign

Maximum legal speed under ideal conditions

Do Not Enter Sign

You are going the wrong way; do not proceed

Wrong Way Sign

You have entered a one-way road going against traffic

No U-Turn Sign

U-turns are prohibited at this location

No Left Turn Sign

Left turns are not allowed

No Right Turn Sign

Right turns are not allowed

One Way Sign

Traffic moves in one direction only

Keep Right Sign

Stay to the right of an island or obstruction

No Passing Zone Sign

Passing is forbidden in this stretch. pennant-shaped sign

Do Not Pass Sign

Passing prohibited. do not overtake vehicles ahead

No Turn on Red Sign

No turns permitted on a red light at this intersection

No Left Turn on Red Sign

Left turn on red is prohibited here

No Right Turn on Red Sign

Right turn on red is prohibited here

Turn Left Only Sign

You must turn left from this lane

Turn Right Only Sign

You must turn right from this lane

Straight or Turn Right Sign

You may go straight or turn right from this lane

Minimum Speed Limit Sign

You must drive at least this speed on this road

Slower Traffic Keep Right Sign

Slower vehicles must use the right lane

No Parking Sign

Parking is prohibited in this area

No Trucks Sign

Commercial trucks are prohibited on this road

No Bicycles Sign

Bicycles are not permitted on this road

No Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Pedestrians must not cross here

Reserved Parking Sign

Parking reserved for designated users (e.g., accessible parking)

Four Way Stop Sign

All four directions must stop at this intersection

Stop Except Right Turn Sign

All traffic must stop except those turning right

Left Turn Yield on Green Sign

Left-turning vehicles must yield to oncoming traffic on green

Lane Use Control Sign

Indicates which movements are permitted or prohibited from a specific lane

Restricted Lane Ahead Sign

An upcoming lane has restrictions on who may use it

4. Virginia Warning Signs: Blue Ridge Curves, Chesapeake Bay Bridges, Deer Hazards and Work Zone Approaches

Diamond-shaped yellow warning signs flag hazards before you reach them. on Virginia roads that means sharp curve warnings on Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive approaches, merge and lane-drop warnings on Hampton Roads bridge-tunnel approaches, deer crossing signs statewide (the manual specifically lists deer as a hazard in Virginia), and school zone approaches preceding 25 mph reductions. Orange marks work zones where speeding = up to $500 fine.

Left Curve

A curve to the left is ahead; reduce speed

Right Curve

A curve to the right is ahead; reduce speed

Sharp Left Turn

A very sharp left turn is coming; slow down significantly

Sharp Right Turn

A very sharp right turn is coming; slow down significantly

Winding Road

Series of curves ahead

Set of Curves (Left-Right)

Multiple curves ahead, first curving left then right

Set of Curves (Right-Left)

Multiple curves ahead, first curving right then left

Sharp Turns (Left-Right)

Successive sharp turns ahead. left then right

Slippery When Wet

Road surface becomes slick in rain; reduce speed

Deer Crossing

Wildlife frequently cross here. the Virginia DMV manual specifically lists deer hazards as a safe driving topic; white-tailed deer are common across Virginia rural western and central routes

Pedestrian Crossing

Crosswalk ahead; watch for foot traffic

Bicycle Crossing

Cyclists frequently cross here; slow down and yield to bikes

School Zone / Crossing

Virginia school zones: 25 mph (same as business/residential default); some zones have automated photo speed enforcement, signs read "Speed Photo Enforced"

School Crossing Ahead

A school crosswalk is approaching; watch for children and crossing guards

Divided Highway Begins

Road splits into two one-way sections; keep right

Divided Highway Ends

Two-way traffic resumes

Merging Traffic

Another lane of traffic is joining yours

Added Lane

A new lane is being added ahead. merging traffic does not need to yield

Lane Ends Ahead

Your lane ends ahead. merge safely into the adjacent lane

Lane Ends Merge Left

Your lane ends. move to the left lane

Left Lane Ends

The left lane ends ahead. merge right

Road Narrows

The road becomes narrower ahead; stay alert

Narrow Bridge Ahead

Bridge ahead is narrower than the road. proceed carefully

Low Clearance

Bridge or overhead obstruction with limited height clearance

Railroad Crossing (RR)

Tracks ahead; look and listen for trains

Hill / Steep Grade (Downgrade)

Downgrade ahead; trucks should check brakes

Bump

A raised bump or speed hump is ahead; slow down

Dip

A dip in the road is ahead; reduce speed

Loose Gravel

Road surface has loose gravel. reduce speed and increase following distance

Pavement Ends

Paved road ends ahead; expect gravel or dirt surface

Shoulder Drop Off

Road shoulder drops off steeply. avoid driving on the edge

Watch for Ice on Bridges

Bridges freeze before road surfaces. reduce speed in cold weather

Two Way Traffic Ahead

Divided road ends. two-way traffic begins ahead

Cross Road

An intersection with a crossing road is ahead

Cross Traffic

Traffic crosses your path ahead. be prepared to yield

T Intersection

The road ends at a T. you must turn left or right

Side Road

A side road enters the highway ahead at an angle

Highway Intersection Ahead

A highway intersection is approaching; be prepared to yield or stop

Road Entering Curve

A road enters from the side on a curve ahead. watch for merging traffic

Roundabout

A roundabout is ahead. yield to circulating traffic and travel counterclockwise

Truck Rollover

High risk of truck rollover on this curve or ramp. trucks reduce speed significantly

Weave Area

Traffic is entering and exiting simultaneously. expect lane changes and merging

Advisory Speed

Recommended safe speed for a curve or hazard. not legally enforced but strongly advised

Traffic Signal Ahead

A traffic light is ahead. be prepared to stop

5. Virginia Guide Signs: I-95, I-64, I-81 and the Routes Connecting Richmond, Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia

Guide signs do not regulate driving. they show destinations, distances, and services. Green = highway navigation. Blue = motorist services. Brown = parks and recreation.

Interstate Route Marker

Identifies the interstate number (e.g., I-95, I-64, I-81, I-66, I-77)

US Route Marker

Marks US highways (e.g., US-1 Richmond Highway, US-17 Tidewater Trail, US-29, US-11 Valley Pike)

State Route Marker

Identifies Virginia state routes (e.g., VA-7 Harry Byrd, VA-123, VA-5 Colonial Parkway, VA-616 secondary)

Exit Sign (Exit Only)

Shows upcoming freeway exit and distance

Mile Marker

Indicates distance from the state line or route origin

Services Sign

Points to nearby gas, food, lodging, or medical facilities

Hospital Sign (H)

Indicates direction to the nearest hospital

Diesel

Indicates diesel fuel is available at the next service area

Park / Recreation Sign

Directs to state parks, campsites, and scenic areas

6. Virginia Traffic Signals: Required Stops, Flagger Authority and What Both Parts of the DMV Exam Cover

Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = yield. Virginia requires stopping at all stop signs, red lights, flashing red signals, at railroad crossings with flashing signals, and when signaled by flaggers. Both parts of the VA DMV exam cover signal types. Part 1 focuses on sign and signal identification, Part 2 on rules.

Standard Traffic Lights

Steady Red

Come to a complete stop behind the stop line. Wait until green.

Steady Yellow

Prepare to stop. the light is about to turn red. Do not speed up to beat it.

Steady Green

Proceed if the intersection is clear. You must still yield to pedestrians and cross traffic.

Green Arrow (left)

You may proceed only in the direction of the arrow. Oncoming traffic is stopped.

Yellow Arrow (no left)

The protected turn is ending. Prepare to stop or yield if you have not yet entered the intersection.

Red Arrow (no left)

Do not turn in the direction of the arrow. Wait for a green arrow or green light.

Green. no left arrow

Proceed straight or right. left turn not permitted on this phase.

Opposing Traffic Extended Green

Oncoming traffic has an extended green phase. wait before turning left.

Flashing Signals

Flashing Red

Treat as a STOP sign, come to a complete stop, then proceed when safe.

Flashing Yellow

Treat as a YIELD sign, slow down, look carefully, and proceed with caution.

Flashing Red Beacon

Overhead flashing red beacon. treat as a stop sign. Come to a full stop, then proceed when safe.

Flashing Green Arrow

You may turn in the direction of the arrow after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

Pedestrian Signals

WALK / White Walking Figure & DONT WALK / Orange Hand

White walking figure = pedestrians may cross. Orange hand = do not start crossing; if already crossing, finish quickly.

Flashing Orange Hand + Countdown

Crossing phase is ending. Pedestrians who have started may finish; others should not begin.

Key test point: Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = yield. Flaggers directing traffic must be obeyed. same legal weight as traffic control devices. All tested on the Virginia DMV two-part exam.

7. Virginia Pavement Markings: No-Passing Zones at Railroad Crossings, Bicycle Lane Rules and 50-Foot Parking Zones

Yellow lines separate opposing traffic. White lines separate same-direction traffic. Both parts of Virginia DMV exam cover lane lines, road arrows, curb markings, and pavement symbols. including the 50-foot no-parking zone at railroad crossings and the rule that passing at railroad crossings is unlawful except on roads with two or more lanes going in the same direction.

Line Colors

Yellow lines

Separate traffic moving in opposite directions

White lines

Separate traffic moving in the same direction, or mark the edge of the road

Line Types

Broken yellow line (Single)

Passing allowed when safe on your side

Solid yellow + broken yellow

Passing allowed only on the broken-line side

Double solid yellow lines

No passing in either direction

Broken white line

Lane changes permitted when safe

Solid white line

Do not cross. lane edge, crosswalk, or stop line

Double solid white lines

Do not change lanes. often used near intersections or toll areas

Center Turn Lane

Shared left-turn lane. used to begin or complete a left turn only

Center Turning Lane (sign)

Overhead or posted sign marking a shared center left-turn lane

Pavement Symbols & Special Markings

Arrows in lane

Indicate which direction(s) you may travel from that lane

Stop line (wide white bar)

Stop your vehicle completely behind this line at red lights and stop signs

Stop Here on Red

Painted instruction on pavement. stop at this marked line on red

Crosswalk lines

Mark the pedestrian crossing area. yield to pedestrians within these lines

Broken white line (pavement)

Lane changes permitted when safe

Solid white line (pavement)

Do not cross. lane edge, crosswalk, or stop line

Double solid white lines (pavement)

Do not change lanes. often used near intersections or toll areas

Railroad crossing markings (X + RR)

Advance warning of tracks ahead. painted on pavement before the crossing

Diagonal yellow lines (gore area)

Do not drive in this area. marks a traffic island or diverging zone

Bicycle lane marking

White painted lane reserved for cyclists. do not drive or park in it

HOV / Carpool lane diamond

Lane restricted to vehicles with 2 or more occupants during posted hours

Yellow curb

No parking or stopping at any time

Red curb

No stopping, standing, or parking. fire zone

White curb

Passenger loading/unloading only. brief stops permitted

Key test point: Yellow lines always separate opposing traffic. White lines always separate same-direction traffic. This is a foundational rule that appears on nearly every DMV exam.

8. Virginia Work Zone Signs: $500 for Speeding, $250 for Using a Handheld Device: Both Specific Virginia Fines

Orange marks every Virginia work zone. slow down and be alert immediately when you see it. Virginia specifies two work zone fines: (1) exceeding the posted work zone speed limit = up to $500 fine; (2) using a handheld communications device in a work zone = $250 fine. Highway workers lives depend on drivers obeying posted speed limits and avoiding distractions in work zones.

Road Work Ahead

Construction zone begins ahead. reduce speed and be alert

Flagger Ahead

A person is directing traffic. obey their signals immediately

Workers Ahead

Road workers are present. slow down and be prepared to stop

Active Work Zone

You are in an active work zone. fines doubled, drive with extra caution

End of Active Work Zone

Work zone ends. normal speed and rules resume

Work Zone Headlights

Headlights required in this work zone

Lane Closed Ahead

A travel lane ends ahead. merge early and do not pass in the closed lane

Road Closed

Road is completely closed. do not enter, follow detour signs

Orange barrels / cones

Mark lane boundaries and closures in active work zones

Channelizing devices (barricades)

Direct traffic around obstacles or closed areas

• You must obey flaggers directing traffic in Virginia work zones.
• Virginia work zone speeding: fine of up to $500. Using a handheld device in a work zone: $250 fine. Both are specific Virginia statutes.
• Orange = slow down and be alert. Highway workers lives depend on drivers obeying speed limits and avoiding distracted driving in work zones.
• Never drive through or around a lane closure barrier. follow posted work zone signs and flagger instructions.

Key test point: Orange always means construction or work zone. If you see orange, reduce speed and increase following distance immediately.

9. Virginia Railroad Crossings: Mandatory Stop at Flashing Signals and No Passing Except on Multi-Lane Roads

Virginia requires a full stop at railroad crossings when flashing signals are present. Passing at railroad crossings is unlawful and unsafe. except on roads with two or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. No parking within 50 feet of a railroad crossing.

Advance Warning Sign

Railroad crossing ahead. the first sign you see. Begin slowing down.

RR Crossbuck Sign (X-shaped)

Located at the crossing itself. yield to trains. Treat as a yield sign if no gates or lights.

Railroad Crossing (at crossing)

Marks the exact railroad crossing location

Crossing Gates

Lower when a train is coming. never drive around or under a lowered gate

Pavement markings (X + RR)

Painted on the road surface before the crossing as an advance warning

Flashing Red Lights

A train is approaching, stop and wait. Do not proceed until lights stop and it is fully clear.

Stop Line

Virginia requires stopping at railroad crossings when flashing signals are present; no parking within 50 feet; passing at crossings is unlawful except on multi-lane roads

• The round yellow advance warning sign is the first sign before a Virginia railroad crossing. slow down and prepare to stop.
• Virginia requires stopping at railroad crossings when flashing signals are active. Never stop on the tracks themselves.
• Passing at railroad crossings is unlawful and unsafe in Virginia. the exception is roads with two or more lanes moving in the same direction.
• No parking within 50 feet of a railroad crossing.
• Tractor-trailers, passenger buses, tank vehicles, and school buses must stop at all crossings. be prepared to stop when following these vehicles.

Key test point: Stop at Virginia railroad crossings when signals flash. Passing at crossings is unlawful except on multi-lane roads. Both rules are tested on the Virginia DMV exam.

10. Virginia School Zone Speed (25 mph), Photo Enforcement and What Happens When You Pass a Stopped School Bus

Pentagon-shaped, fluorescent yellow-green signs mark Virginia school zones. The default school zone speed limit in Virginia is 25 mph, the same as business and residential areas. Some Virginia school zones have automated photo speed enforcement with signs reading "Speed Photo Enforced." You must stop for a school bus loading or unloading passengers. the only exception is a median or barrier-divided road with the bus on the opposite side.

School Zone

School ahead. be alert for children, reduce speed

School Speed Limit

Virginia school zone default speed is 25 mph; some zones have automated photo enforcement, signs will read "Speed Photo Enforced"; always obey posted signs

Speed Limit Lights Flashing

Speed limit applies only when the flashing lights are active

School Crossing Ahead

Crosswalk used by schoolchildren ahead. yield to crossing guard and students

• Virginia school zone default speed is 25 mph, the same as business and residential areas unless a different limit is posted.
• Some Virginia school zones use automated photo speed enforcement, signs with "Speed Photo Enforced" or similar message. These cameras operate even when no officer is present.
• You must stop for a school bus stopped to load or unload passengers on a public road. from any direction.
• Exception: You do not have to stop if traveling in the opposite direction on a roadway with a median or barrier dividing the road and the bus is on the opposite side. However, be prepared for unexpected actions by persons exiting the bus.

Key test point: The pentagon shape is used exclusively for school signs. No other sign category uses this shape. making it one of the easiest shapes to identify on the exam.

11. Virginia Pedestrian and Bike Signs: 3 Feet to the Left When Passing: and When Being Passed, Do not Speed Up

Pedestrians have right-of-way at crosswalks in Virginia. When passing a person riding a bicycle, moped, or power-assisted bicycle, Virginia requires reducing speed and passing at least 3 feet to the left. The Virginia manual also specifies what cyclists should do when being passed. do not speed up, maintain a steady speed or slow down. Both sign types use fluorescent yellow-green and are tested on both parts of the VA DMV exam.

Pedestrian Crossing Sign

A marked crosswalk is ahead. watch for pedestrians crossing

Bicycle Crossing Sign

Cyclists frequently cross here. reduce speed and yield to bikes

No Bicycles

Bicycles are prohibited on this road or path

No Pedestrian Crossing

Pedestrians must not cross here

• Pedestrians always have right-of-way in Virginia crosswalks. stop for pedestrians attempting to cross.
• When passing a bicyclist, moped rider, or power-assisted bicycle, reduce speed and pass at least 3 feet to the left.
• When you are being passed by another vehicle, do not speed up. maintain a steady speed or slow down to allow the passer to complete the maneuver safely.
• Fluorescent yellow-green is used for both school and pedestrian/bike signs. the shape distinguishes between them.

Key test point: Pedestrians always have right-of-way at crosswalks. marked or unmarked. This rule appears on virtually every state DMV exam.

12. How to Pass Virginia Two-Part DMV Exam: Signs First, Then General Knowledge at 80%: and 4 VA-Specific Laws

• Part 1 is road signs. pass it first. You cannot take Part 2 until you pass Part 1. Part 1 tests sign identification and meaning. Every sign category below is Part 1 material. Study sign shapes, colors, and what each one requires you to do.
• Part 2 requires 80% correct. General knowledge of traffic laws and safe driving. Use the sample exam in Section 8 of the Virginia Drivers Manual. Audio version is available at DMV offices.
• Fail three times = mandatory course. If you fail the knowledge exam three times, you must complete a DMV-approved driver improvement course before you can test again. Under-18: mandatory 15-day wait after any fail.
• Radar detectors are illegal in Virginia. It does not matter if it is in use. possession in a vehicle is illegal. This is one of only two states with this law and it is directly tested.
• Reckless driving at 85 mph regardless of limit. Driving over 85 mph anywhere in Virginia = reckless driving misdemeanor. Driving 20+ mph over any posted limit also = reckless. Extra $100 fine for 81-85 mph in a 65 mph zone.
• Work zone: $500 fine for speeding, $250 for handheld device. Both are specific Virginia fines and both are tested.
• School zone photo enforcement exists. Some Virginia school zones have cameras. signs say "Speed Photo Enforced." School zone speed = 25 mph default (same as business/residential).
• Virginia speed defaults: 25/35/55. School, business, residential = 25 mph. Unpaved roads = 35 mph. All other roads = 55 mph.
• Flashing signals. Flashing red = full stop. Flashing yellow = slow and yield.
• Practice at dmv.virginia.gov. The Virginia DMV website has an online practice exam. Use it before your test. it is based on the same material as the actual exam.

Virginia DMV Driver License