Virginia Road Signs: Two-Part DMV Exam, Over-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 to use on Virginia highways, and operating a vehicle equipped with one is prohibited; a detector with no power source that is not readily accessible to the driver or passengers is a statutory exception. 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 has 10 traffic-sign questions and all 10 must be correct before Part 2; Part 2 is general knowledge (80% required). Work-zone speeding under Virginia's specific work-zone speed statute can carry a fine of up to $500 when workers are present and the required speed-and-penalty signs are posted. A handheld-device violation in a highway work zone carries a mandatory $250 fine.

1. Virginia Two-Part DMV Exam, Illegal Radar Detectors and the Over-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. After three knowledge-exam failures, the required classroom driver-education component or, when eligible, an eight-hour Virginia Driver's Manual course must be completed before a fourth attempt. 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. come to a complete stop, wheels fully stopped, check all directions, then proceed when clear
Triangle (inverted)		Yield slow down, check traffic; if clear proceed, if not stop and wait until safe to go
Diamond		Hazard ahead; slow down, stay alert, and be ready to stop or steer
Rectangle (vertical)		Legal requirement; obey this sign or face fines and points on your record
Rectangle (horizontal)		Informational sign; read it and use it to navigate or plan your route
Pentagon (5-sided)		School zone ahead; reduce speed and watch for children crossing
Round (circle)		Railroad crossing ahead; slow down, look both ways, and prepare to stop
Pennant		No passing zone; do not attempt to overtake any vehicle ahead
Orange (any shape)		Construction or work zone ahead; slow down, stay alert, and obey all posted signs
Blue (any shape)		Motorist services nearby; exit if you need fuel, food, or medical care
Brown (any shape)		Park or scenic area ahead; follow directional signs to reach it

3. Virginia Regulatory Signs: Reckless Driving Over 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 to use on Virginia highways, and operating a vehicle equipped with one is prohibited, subject to the statutory exception for a detector with no power source that is not readily accessible. White rectangular signs, prohibitory signs, and lane-control signs are road-sign material for Part 1; Part 2 tests general knowledge.

Virginia's traffic-control manual includes regulatory signs such as RADAR DETECTORS ILLEGAL and NO HAND-HELD PHONE USE BY DRIVER, reinforcing statewide Virginia restrictions.

STOP Sign

Come to a full stop and yield before proceeding

YIELD Sign

Slow down and give right-of-way; stop if needed before proceeding

Speed Limit Sign

Do not exceed this speed; adjust for road and weather conditions

Do Not Enter Sign

Entry prohibited; turn around or find an alternate route

Wrong Way Sign

You have entered a one-way road against traffic

No U-Turn Sign

U-turns are prohibited at this location

No Left Turn Sign

Do not turn left here; continue straight or turn right

No Right Turn Sign

Do not turn right here; continue straight or turn left

One Way Sign

All traffic flows one direction; do not enter going the wrong way

Keep Right Sign

Move to the right side of the island or obstruction

No Passing Zone Sign

Do not pass here; wait until the no-passing zone ends

Do Not Pass Sign

Do not overtake any vehicle ahead until passing is permitted again

No Turn on Red Sign

Wait for a green signal before turning; do not turn on red

No Left Turn on Red Sign

Wait for green before turning left; no turn on red permitted

No Right Turn on Red Sign

Wait for green before turning right; no turn on red permitted

Turn Left Only Sign

You must turn left from this lane; going straight is not allowed

Turn Right Only Sign

You must turn right from this lane; going straight is not allowed

Straight or Turn Right Sign

From this lane you may only go straight or turn right

Minimum Speed Limit Sign

You must drive at least this speed; move right if driving slower

Slower Traffic Keep Right Sign

Move to the right lane if you are driving slower than traffic

No Parking Sign

Parking prohibited here; find a legal parking area nearby

No Trucks Sign

Trucks prohibited on this road; use an alternate truck route

No Bicycles Sign

Cyclists must not enter; use an alternate route

No Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Pedestrians must not cross here; use the nearest crosswalk

Reserved Parking Sign

Park here only if you qualify; others must find a different spot

Four Way Stop Sign

Stop completely, then take turns in order of arrival

Stop Except Right Turn Sign

Traffic must stop except for the permitted right-turn movement; right-turning traffic must still yield as required

Left Turn Yield on Green Sign

Yield to all oncoming traffic before completing your left turn

Lane Use Control Sign

Follow the sign; only the shown movement is permitted from this lane

Restricted Lane Ahead Sign

Check eligibility before entering; unauthorized use is a violation

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 posted school-zone speed reductions. Orange marks temporary traffic-control and work-zone warnings; Virginia's specific work-zone speeding penalty can reach $500 when workers are present and the required signs are posted.

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 ahead; slow down

Sharp Right Turn

A very sharp right turn is ahead; slow down

Winding Road

Multiple curves ahead; reduce speed and stay in your lane throughout

Set of Curves (Left-Right)

Multiple curves ahead curving left then right; reduce speed

Set of Curves (Right-Left)

Multiple curves ahead curving right then left; reduce speed

Sharp Turns (Left-Right)

Successive sharp turns ahead; slow down significantly

Slippery When Wet

Wet road is slippery; reduce speed and increase following distance

Deer Crossing

Animals frequently cross here; slow down and scan both sides of the road

Pedestrian Crossing

Pedestrians may be crossing ahead; slow down and be prepared to stop

Bicycle Crossing

Bicycles may cross or ride beside traffic here; slow down and drive with caution

School Zone / Crossing

Children may be present; slow to posted speed

School Crossing Ahead

School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children

Divided Highway Begins

Road splits ahead; keep right and stay in your lane

Divided Highway Ends

Two-way traffic resumes ahead; stay right and watch oncoming traffic

Merging Traffic

Two lanes of traffic are becoming one; drivers in both lanes are responsible for merging safely

Added Lane

An additional lane begins ahead; entering traffic has its own lane

Lane Ends Ahead

Your lane ends soon; check mirrors, signal, and merge now

Lane Ends Merge Left

Your lane ends; signal and move left before the lane disappears

Left Lane Ends

Left lane ends ahead; signal and move right before it closes

Road Narrows

Road gets narrower ahead; stay centered and reduce speed

Narrow Bridge Ahead

Bridge is narrower than the road; slow down and stay centered

Low Clearance

Overhead clearance is restricted; do not proceed if your vehicle is too tall

Railroad Crossing (RR)

Tracks ahead; slow down, look both ways, and stop if a train is coming

Hill / Steep Grade (Downgrade)

Steep hill ahead; reduce speed now and use a lower gear if needed

Bump

A bump or abrupt rise in the roadway is ahead; slow down before reaching it

Dip

Dip in the road ahead; reduce speed to avoid bottoming out

Loose Gravel

Loose gravel on road; reduce speed and increase following distance

Pavement Ends

Paved surface ends ahead; slow down before the surface changes

Shoulder Drop Off

Edge of road drops steeply; stay away from the shoulder

Watch for Ice on Bridges

Bridge may be icy; reduce speed and avoid sudden braking or steering

Two Way Traffic Ahead

Divided road ends; move to the right and watch for oncoming traffic

Cross Road

Intersection ahead; slow down and scan left and right before crossing

Cross Traffic

Traffic crosses from both sides; slow down and be ready to yield or stop

T Intersection

Your road ends ahead; slow down and prepare to turn left or right

Side Road

A side road joins ahead; watch for vehicles entering from the right or left

Highway Intersection Ahead

A major intersection is approaching; reduce speed and be ready to yield

Road Entering Curve

A road merges on a curve ahead; watch for vehicles entering

Roundabout

Yield to traffic already in the roundabout; then enter and keep right

Truck Rollover

High rollover risk on the curve or ramp ahead; reduce speed, especially in high-profile vehicles

Weave Area

Lanes are entering and exiting; stay alert, check mirrors, and adjust speed

Advisory Speed

Safe speed for this curve; slow to the posted advisory speed

Traffic Signal Ahead

A traffic light is ahead; reduce speed and be ready 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

You are on this interstate highway; note the number for navigation

US Route Marker

You are on this US highway; note the number for navigation

State Route Marker

You are on this state route; note the number for navigation

Exit Sign (Exit Only)

This lane becomes exit-only; move out of it if you are not exiting

Mile Marker

Marks your location on the route; note it for emergency or navigation use

Services Sign

Services available at next exit; move right if you need to stop

Hospital Sign (H)

Hospital is nearby; follow signs if you need emergency care

Diesel

Diesel fuel available ahead; exit if your vehicle needs it

Park / Recreation Sign

Park or recreation area nearby; exit and follow directional signs

6. Virginia Traffic Signals: Flashing Yellow, Red Arrows, Lane-Use Signals and Pedestrian Beacons

What does a flashing yellow light mean in Virginia? Slow down and proceed with caution, yielding to pedestrians and vehicles lawfully in the intersection. Flashing red requires a complete stop and yielding before proceeding when clear. Can you turn right on a red arrow in Virginia? A steady red arrow requires you to stop and remain stopped for the arrow movement unless a posted traffic-control device specifically permits the turn after stopping. On a circular red signal, a right turn and a qualifying one-way-to-one-way left turn may be allowed after a complete stop and yielding unless prohibited.

Virginia lane-use signals: a red X means never use the lane; a yellow X or yellow diagonal downward arrow means move out of the lane as soon as it is safe; a green arrow means the lane may be used; and a left-turn arrow over a lane means enter that lane only to turn in the direction shown.

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB): flashing yellow warns that the beacon has been activated, steady yellow means prepare to stop, solid red requires a stop, and alternating flashing red allows drivers to proceed with caution only after the crosswalk is clear.

Standard Traffic Lights

Steady Red

Stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection; on a circular red, a permitted right turn or qualifying one-way-to-one-way left may be made after stopping and yielding unless prohibited

Steady Yellow

If you have not entered the intersection, stop if it is reasonably safe; if already in it, clear the intersection and do not speed up

Steady Green

Proceed as permitted; yield to vehicles and pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or crosswalk

Green Arrow (left)

Proceed only in the arrow direction; yield to pedestrians

Steady Yellow Arrow

The protected arrow movement is ending; stop if it is reasonably safe unless you have already entered the intersection

Steady Red Arrow

Stop and remain stopped for the arrow movement unless a posted sign specifically permits a turn on the red arrow after stopping

Circular Green (no arrow)

Proceed straight or turn as permitted; a left turn must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians unless prohibited by a sign

Opposing Traffic Extended Green

Oncoming traffic still has green; wait and do not turn left yet

Flashing Signals

Flashing Red

Treat as a stop sign; stop fully, then proceed when safe and clear

Flashing Yellow

Slow down, check for hazards, and proceed with caution

Flashing Red Beacon

Treat the overhead beacon as a stop sign

Pedestrian Signals

WALK / White Walking Figure & DONT WALK / Orange Hand

White figure = cross now; orange hand = do not start crossing

Flashing Orange Hand + Countdown

Crossing phase ending; finish if started, do not begin

Key test point: Flashing red = stop and yield before proceeding; flashing yellow = slow down and proceed with caution; a flashing yellow arrow allows the arrow movement only after yielding. A steady red arrow prohibits the arrow movement unless a posted sign specifically allows the turn after stopping.

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

Yellow center lines separate opposing traffic. Broken or double white lane lines separate traffic moving in the same direction, while solid white is also used for turn lanes, the right roadway edge, stop lines, crosswalks, and parking spaces. Virginia also prohibits parking within 50 feet of a railroad crossing, and passing at a railroad grade crossing is unlawful except on a highway with two or more designated lanes for each direction of travel.

Line Colors

Yellow lines

Yellow center lines separate opposing traffic; solid yellow restricts passing, with limited Virginia exceptions for passing certain vulnerable road users when safe

White lines

White markings can separate same-direction lanes and also mark turn lanes, roadway edges, stop lines, crosswalks, and parking spaces

Line Types

Broken yellow line (Single)

You may pass on your side if it is safe and clear ahead

Solid yellow + broken yellow

Passing is allowed from the broken-line side when safe; Virginia also permits crossing from the solid side to pass a pedestrian, bicyclist, scooter or skateboard rider when the opposite lane is clear and it is safe

Double solid yellow lines

Passing is generally not allowed in either direction; Virginia permits crossing to make a left turn or to pass specified vulnerable road users when the opposite lane is clear and it is safe

Broken white line

You may change lanes if it is safe; always check mirrors and signal first

Solid white line

Marks turn lanes or the right roadway edge and discourages lane changes where they may be dangerous; it is not the same as a double solid white line

Double solid white lines

Do not change lanes here; stay in your current lane

Center Turn Lane

For left turns only; enter to prepare for the turn and do not travel more than 150 feet in the lane

Center Turning Lane (sign)

For left turns only; signal, enter, and turn; do not drive through it

Pavement Symbols & Special Markings

Arrows in lane

You must follow the arrow direction from this lane

Stop line (wide white bar)

Stop completely behind this line; do not roll past it

Stop Here on Red

Stop at this painted line; do not inch forward past it

Crosswalk lines

Pedestrian crossing area; obey traffic signals and stop or yield to pedestrians as Virginia law requires

Broken white line (pavement)

You may change lanes if it is safe; check mirrors and signal first

Solid white line (pavement)

May mark a turn lane or right roadway edge and discourages lane changes where they may be dangerous; double solid white lines may not be crossed

Double solid white lines (pavement)

Do not change lanes here; stay in your current lane

Railroad crossing markings (X + RR)

Tracks ahead; slow down, look both ways, and be ready to stop

Diagonal yellow lines (gore area)

Diagonal yellow or white stripes may mark a fixed obstruction or channelized area; follow the markings around the hazard

Bicycle lane marking

A preferential bicycle lane; drivers should not drive in it except when necessary to turn left or right and must check for and yield to bicyclists before turning

HOV / Carpool lane diamond

Follow the posted occupancy, eligibility, and time restrictions for the lane; Virginia rules include limited vehicle exceptions

Yellow curb

Generally, stop only long enough to load or unload; stay with your vehicle and check local signs for the exact restriction

Red curb

Do not stop, stand, or park here at any time

White curb

Generally, stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers; check local signs for the exact restriction

Key test point: Yellow center lines separate opposing traffic. Broken or double white lane lines separate same-direction traffic, while solid white is also used for turn lanes, roadway edges, stop lines, crosswalks, and parking spaces.

What does a sharrow mean in Virginia? A shared-lane marking is a bicycle symbol with double chevrons showing where bicyclists are encouraged to ride and reminding drivers to expect bicycles in the travel lane. At a Virginia bicycle box, drivers must stop behind the box on red; right turn on red is not allowed at that intersection, and a right turn on green requires signaling and yielding to bicycles on the right.

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

Orange warning signs and channelizing devices mark temporary traffic-control and work-zone conditions. Under Virginia's specific work-zone speed law, exceeding a specifically established work-zone speed limit can carry a fine of up to $500 when workers are present and the required signs display the maximum speed and penalty. A handheld communications-device violation in a highway work zone carries a mandatory $250 fine.

Road Work Ahead

Construction zone begins ahead; reduce speed and stay alert

Flagger Ahead

A person is directing traffic; obey their signals

Workers Ahead

Road workers are present; slow down and be ready to stop

Active Work Zone

You are in an active work zone; drive with extra caution

End of Active Work Zone

Work zone ends; resume normal speed and check posted limit

Work Zone Headlights

Obey any posted headlight-use sign; Virginia also requires headlights under its general low-visibility and windshield-wiper rules

Lane Closed Ahead

A travel lane ends ahead; merge early

Road Closed

Road is completely closed; follow detour signs

Orange barrels / cones

Active work zone boundaries; stay within marked lanes

Channelizing devices (barricades)

Follow the barricades; do not drive through or around them

• You must obey flaggers directing traffic in Virginia work zones.
• Virginia work-zone speeding under the specific work-zone speed statute can carry a fine of up to $500 when workers are present and the required speed-and-penalty signs are posted. A handheld-device violation in a highway work zone carries a mandatory $250 fine.
• Other moving violations committed in a properly signed highway work zone while workers are present can carry minimum work-zone fines beginning at $300. Photo speed monitoring may also be used in a work zone while workers are present; a vehicle recorded at least 10 mph over the posted limit may face a civil penalty of up to $100.
• 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

How far must you stop from railroad tracks in Virginia? Outside cities and towns, when a stop is required by an active signal, lowered gate, flagger, or an approaching train, stop 15-50 feet from the nearest rail. Passing at a railroad grade crossing is unlawful except on a highway with two or more designated lanes for each direction of travel. No parking within 50 feet of a railroad crossing.

Stop Line

Stop here completely when required before proceeding

RR Crossbuck Sign (X-shaped)

Located at the crossing; yield to trains

Railroad Crossing (at crossing)

You are at the crossing; stop if lights flash or gate lowers

Crossing Gates

Lower when a train is coming; never drive around a lowered gate

Pavement markings (X + RR)

Tracks ahead marked on pavement; slow down and prepare to stop

Flashing Red Lights

A train is approaching; stop and wait until fully clear

• The round yellow advance warning sign is the first sign before a Virginia railroad crossing. slow down and prepare to stop.
• Outside cities and towns, when an active signal, lowered gate, flagger, or approaching train requires a stop, stop 15-50 feet from the nearest rail. Never stop on the tracks themselves.
• Passing at a railroad grade crossing is unlawful in Virginia except on a highway with two or more designated lanes for each direction of travel.
• No parking within 50 feet of a railroad crossing.
• School buses must stop 15-50 feet from the nearest rail before a grade crossing unless an officer or traffic-control signal directs traffic to proceed. Outside cities and towns, vehicles carrying passengers for hire and vehicles carrying explosive substances or flammable liquids also have a 15-50-foot stop requirement.

Key test point: Stop when railroad signals, gates, flaggers, or an approaching train require it; where the 15-50-foot rule applies, measure from the nearest rail. After one train passes, check all tracks before proceeding.

10. Virginia School Zone Speed Limits, Photo Enforcement and Stopped School Bus Rules

How fast can you drive in a Virginia school zone? The statutory maximum in a school crossing zone is generally 25 mph while the zone signs are in operation; beginning in 2026, a residential school zone may be reduced to 15 mph by local ordinance after a school-board request. Some Virginia school zones use automated photo speed enforcement; a vehicle recorded at least 10 mph above the posted limit may face a civil penalty of up to $100. You must stop for a school bus stopped to load or unload passengers on a highway, private road, or school driveway, subject to Virginia's divided-road and directed-passing exceptions.

School Zone

School ahead; reduce speed and watch for children

School Speed Limit

Obey the reduced speed limit posted in school zones

Speed Limit Lights Flashing

When a fixed blinking school-zone sign is activated, obey the posted school-zone speed; portable and tilt-over signs can also place a school crossing zone in operation

School Crossing Ahead

School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children

• Virginia school crossing zones are generally 25 mph while the zone signs are in operation. A residential school zone may be reduced to 15 mph under the 2026 law when the required local action has been taken.
• A school-zone speeding violation can carry a fine of up to $250 in addition to other penalties provided by law.
• Some Virginia school zones use automated photo speed enforcement. Required warning signs identify monitored zones; a vehicle recorded at least 10 mph over the posted speed may receive a civil penalty of up to $100.
• You must stop for a marked school bus stopped to load or unload passengers on a highway, private road, or school driveway and remain stopped until the passengers are clear and the bus moves.
• Exceptions: You do not have to stop when the bus is on the other roadway of a divided highway, access road, or driveway separated by a physical barrier or unpaved area. Drivers may also pass a bus loading or unloading next to a school when directed by a law-enforcement officer or duly authorized uniformed crossing guard.

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

Virginia requires drivers to stop for a pedestrian crossing within the driver's lane or an adjacent lane approaching the driver's lane at a clearly marked crosswalk, at the regular pedestrian crossing formed by sidewalk extensions, or at an intersection where the driver approaches on a road with a speed limit of 35 mph or less; where traffic signals control the crossing, follow the signal. 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; if the lane is not wide enough for three feet, the motorist must change lanes when lawful and safe. Fluorescent yellow-green may be used for pedestrian, bicycle, and school warning signs.

Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Pedestrians may be crossing ahead; slow down and be prepared to stop as Virginia law requires

Bicycle Crossing Sign

Bicycles may cross or ride beside traffic here; slow down and drive with caution

No Bicycles

Cyclists must not enter; use an alternate route

No Pedestrian Crossing

Pedestrians must not cross here; use the nearest crosswalk

• Stop for a pedestrian crossing in your lane or an adjacent lane approaching your lane at a marked crosswalk, a regular sidewalk-extension crossing, or a qualifying intersection on a road with a speed limit of 35 mph or less; obey traffic-control signals where present.
• When passing a bicyclist, moped rider, or power-assisted bicycle, reduce speed and pass at least 3 feet to the left; if the lane is not wide enough, change lanes when lawful and safe.
• 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: Virginia's pedestrian stop rule depends on the crossing and traffic-control situation; at marked crosswalks and the other crossings covered by state law, stop when the pedestrian is in your lane or an adjacent lane approaching your lane.

Virginia bicycle signals: beginning in 2026, a person lawfully using a bicycle lane or shared-use path at an intersection with a bicycle signal must obey that signal. Steady green permits movement after yielding to lawful traffic and pedestrians; steady amber means stop if it can be done safely; steady red requires a stop, although a right turn after stopping may be allowed unless prohibited; flashing amber permits cautious movement after yielding; and flashing red requires a stop before proceeding with a yield.

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 = required education before a fourth attempt. After three knowledge-exam failures, complete the required classroom driver-education component or, when eligible, an approved eight-hour Virginia Driver's Manual course. Under-18: mandatory 15-day wait after a failed attempt.
• Radar detectors are illegal to use on Virginia highways. Operating a vehicle equipped with one is prohibited; the statute provides an exception when the detector has no power source and is not readily accessible to the driver or passengers.
• Reckless driving over 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: up to $500 for qualifying work-zone speeding, $250 for a handheld-device violation. The specific speeding penalty applies when workers are present and the required speed-and-penalty signs are posted; the highway work-zone handheld-device penalty is mandatory $250.
• School-zone speed and photo enforcement. School crossing zones are generally 25 mph while the zone signs are in operation, with a 15 mph residential-school-zone option under the 2026 law. Photo speed enforcement may cite a vehicle recorded at least 10 mph over the posted limit, with a civil penalty up to $100.
• Virginia speed defaults: 25/35/55. Business and residential districts are generally 25 mph, unpaved roads 35 mph, and other highways 55 mph unless otherwise posted; school crossing zones are generally 25 mph while in operation, with some residential school zones lawfully reduced to 15 mph.
• Flashing signals. Flashing red = full stop and yield before proceeding. Flashing yellow = slow down and proceed with caution. Flashing yellow arrow = turn in the arrow direction only after yielding.
• 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.