Virginia Speed limit Aerial Enforcement....

[Pappy!]

Is a lie!

Well, we may have to look off in the bushes and in our  rear view mirrors but one thing is for sure. We do not have to look up!

http://www.whsv.com/content/news/Speed-limits-not-actually-enforced-by-aircraft-in-Virginia-477744383.html

[scooperhsd]

Maybe not - but per Jess they strictly enforce 80 MPH absolute max speed....

[Serk]

That's not what I've heard about the over-zealous traffic enforcement in Virginia!

[DirtyDan]

Rumor has it Great Britain uses a satellite

So glad I drove WHEN I did

Dan

[Jess from VA]

The most important sentence in the article:  Of course, this doesn't mean you can get away with speeding in Virginia — squad cars remain effective in the only state which has outlawed all radar detectors.

Detectors are also unlawful in DC.

They have detector detectors in VA, and if you are caught using one (turned on), not only do you get a ticket, they confiscate the unit on the spot.  If it can't easily be removed from the vehicle, they impound the vehicle.

And, having lived and driven all over, the VA coppers are as good at catching you speeding as anyone, anywhere.  Out in the sticks and hills, you are pretty safe to have some fun, but in urban areas, all freeways, and main thoroughfares, you need to be on your toes.  

Two of my few tickets were awarded from deep cover cars: one old red Ford Taurus station wagon, and one Volkswagen Golf.  You could not have spotted they were undercover if you were sitting on them, or in my case, if they were following you. (fat, dumb, happy, and Jess, all in the same car)  

I will (again) post a warning for all traveling to Inzane at Roanoke using I-81 north or south.  While local PDs will camp out on the exits/entrances nearest their little towns, the VA State Police own I-81 from top to bottom.  They give no warnings, only tickets.  

It is only 2-lane each way with a ton of 18 wheeler truck traffic.  Much of it is really a nice ride with lots of rolling hills (for a freeway).  But it is not uncommon for one 18 wheeler to pass another at one MPH faster than the other, and by the time the pass is complete, traffic is backed up a long way (and raring to go).  

And all these heavy loaded trucks slow way down going up all the hills, so that is the natural place to punch it and pass 10 trucks when you get the chance.  And just as you crest the hill, you see several cruisers and officers working radar and lidar just on the down-slope, and they direct you to the back of the line of cars getting performance awards.  So beware when cresting any of these many rolling hills.

Speed limits on I-81 vary up and down from 55, 60, 65 and 70 depending on how close you are to population during the trip, so you cannot rely on cruise control (or a steady right wrist) (without making adjustments often).  Over 80 (even in a posted 70), or 20 over anywhere, can be an automatic reckless driving ticket, which in VA requires you to personally appear in court (no prepaying allowed, because jail time is an option).  You can be ticketed just for 20 over and not reckless at the officers discretion.  And also at the officer's discretion for reckless driving, you can be taken away in cuffs, and your vehicle impounded.  I have not heard of this happening much, but just so you know it can happen.

You will not find a more professional, well trained, spit and polish, and polite bunch of policemen than the VA State Troopers anywhere in the country.  But they have no discernible sense of humor (on the job), and never issue warnings (only tickets) to the best of my knowledge.

Also, if you are pulled over on your bike, it's OK to get off your bike, but keep your hands out of your pockets, and never approach them within grabbing distance (they don't like it).  You hold out your license, and let them come and take it from you.

We do not have a lawful requirement to announce if you are carrying concealed as part of our CCP law.  But they are very grateful if you tell them, and the best way to do it is to hand over license, registration, and permit all at the same time.  No VA cop ever asks for proof of insurance like every other jurisdiction I've lived in.  I suppose they might at an accident scene.

Virginia honors all valid out of state CCW permits. Any person issued a concealed carry permit in another state may carry in Virginia provided they meet the following conditions;

   They are at least 21 years old.
   They must carry photo ID issued by a government agency of any state or the US Department of State     or  US Department of Defense.
   The permit must be displayed with photo ID upon request from law enforcement.
   The permit holder has not had a Virginia concealed carry permit revoked in the past.

This has been a public service announcement, and we now return to our regularly scheduled foolishness.  

[northernvalk]

We had photo radar here for a while until someone managed to get it removed  I have read recently that England is using time in-time out on automated toll roads to issue average speed tickets......

[MarkT]

I don't speed a lot esp when towing a trailer but I do always run an Escort.  Use it to monitor the voltage, and if the cops are going to use electronics to monitor me then so am I to monitor them.  So I will minimize the travels in VA.  However I have a brother a hundred miles north of ground zero - probably do a short visit.  I will want to see the famous roads in the area - BRP and so on.  Haven't planned the ride yet.

[Serk]

So I will minimize the travels in VA.

Funny you mention that, I do the same thing even though I don't bother with radar detectors any more (Running Waze I've found to be far more effective.)

I'd already been plotting my route to Inzane via a path that intentionally crosses as little of VA as possible just because of their over zealous revenue collection policies.

[3fan4life]

I don't speed a lot esp when towing a trailer but I do always run an Escort.  Use it to monitor the voltage, and if the cops are going to use electronics to monitor me then so am I to monitor them.  So I will minimize the travels in VA.  However I have a brother a hundred miles north of ground zero - probably do a short visit.  I will want to see the famous roads in the area - BRP and so on.  Haven't planned the ride yet.

Before I decided that they weren't worth using, I got busted a few times using a radar detector in VA.

The worst that ever happened to me was a $50 fine.

A couple of times it was a stand alone fine.

Once it was in addition to the ticket.

That was the only time that I've had a judge not cut me any slack.

So I will minimize the travels in VA.

Funny you mention that, I do the same thing even though I don't bother with radar detectors any more (Running Waze I've found to be far more effective.)

I'd already been plotting my route to Inzane via a path that intentionally crosses as little of VA as possible just because of their over zealous revenue collection policies.

I also think that WAZE is more effective than a Radar detector.

I wouldn't say that the VA State Police are over zealous.

But, they do their job.

Typically, you are ok if you're less than 10 mph over.

Like Jess said anything over 80 mph is reckless driving in VA.

I have had State Troopers let me off with a warning but not very often.

Being polite and respectful goes a long way with them.

I have had them reduce the speed on the ticket so that it wasn't reckless driving.

The most notable was in 1985.

I was on my 1982 750 Honda Super Sport running with a Mercedes 450 SL at over 100 mph.

When I saw the trooper sitting in the median, I sped up.

I never saw him come out after me so I slowed down and tried to blend in with traffic.

About 15 miles later he was behind me with his light on.

In addition to the usual questions he asked me about the bike which still had the 30 day tags on it.

Finally, he asked me if I knew how fast I was going?

The speed limit was still 55 mph at the time so I admitted to seeing 70 mph on the speedometer.

He looked at me and said, " You and I both know that you were going a hell of a lot faster than that. But, I'm going to write you a citation for 70 in a 55."

A few years later I would learn from his sister in law that he had written his own wife a speeding ticket.         

[baldo]

I got a ticket in VA 10 yrs ago. Heading North on 95 the speed limit dropped by 5 mph when it crossed into VA. There was a trooper up high on the median .5 miles past the border. The ticket was around $250 if I remember, and they were vigorous in their collection efforts.....

[Mapper]

These types of signs are typical near local airfields.  It's a cheap way to get people to slow down. 

When I was flying helicopters for the Navy, one of our outlying fields (allowing military helicopters only) had the same signs along I-10 (near a weigh station close to the Alabama border) -- generally, who would know the difference?

[3fan4life]

I got a ticket in VA 10 yrs ago. Heading North on 95 the speed limit dropped by 5 mph when it crossed into VA. There was a trooper up high on the median .5 miles past the border. The ticket was around $250 if I remember, and they were vigorous in their collection efforts.....

Sounds like you were either way over the limit or in a construction zone.

[Jess from VA]

Those signs are out in my day ride areas in the hills of NoVA.  I've looked up and never seen a plane (never even heard of anyone getting a flying ticket in 25 years).  

Well, you see the big ones flying in and out of Dulles International and Washington National, but they don't seem to care if I'm speeding or not.  

[Mapper]

Those signs are out in my day ride areas in the hills of NoVA.  I've looked up and never seen a plane (never even heard of anyone getting a flying ticket in 25 years).  

Well, you see the big ones flying in and out of Dulles International and Washington National, but they don't seem to care if I'm speeding or not.  

Check a map, I'll bet there's a small airstrip.

[baldo]

I got a ticket in VA 10 yrs ago. Heading North on 95 the speed limit dropped by 5 mph when it crossed into VA. There was a trooper up high on the median .5 miles past the border. The ticket was around $250 if I remember, and they were vigorous in their collection efforts.....

Sounds like you were either way over the limit or in a construction zone.

Well, I don't remember exactly what it was. But with the lowered speed limit I think I was about only about 5 over his comfort zone.....and he was a bit of a richard.

[Jess from VA]

Those signs are out in my day ride areas in the hills of NoVA.  I've looked up and never seen a plane (never even heard of anyone getting a flying ticket in 25 years).  

Well, you see the big ones flying in and out of Dulles International and Washington National, but they don't seem to care if I'm speeding or not.  

Check a map, I'll bet there's a small airstrip.

You're right, there are several out there.  I know Mt Weather (the G's super secret/secure place where the elite get to save their lives while the rest of us get to melt in radiation) is out there.  Riding by the place is a nice area.... long as you don't mind being on camera for a few miles.



And these:  http://www.flyingclub1.org/airfields/nova_airfields.php

[Bighead]

I got a ticket in VA 10 yrs ago. Heading North on 95 the speed limit dropped by 5 mph when it crossed into VA. There was a trooper up high on the median .5 miles past the border. The ticket was around $250 if I remember, and they were vigorous in their collection efforts.....

Shoulda been more for you

[baldo]

I got a ticket in VA 10 yrs ago. Heading North on 95 the speed limit dropped by 5 mph when it crossed into VA. There was a trooper up high on the median .5 miles past the border. The ticket was around $250 if I remember, and they were vigorous in their collection efforts.....

Shoulda been more for you

Why?