Speeding on a Bridge or in a Tunnel in Virginia: Fines, Points & What to Do

Virginia's big crossings — bridge-tunnels, long causeways, river bridges, and highway tunnels — are where traffic tightens, lanes narrow, and there's nowhere to go if something goes wrong. That's why the limit on a bridge or in a tunnel is often lower than on the highway leading up to it, and why drivers who don't slow down get ticketed.

Many drivers don't realize a bridge or tunnel can have its own speed limit set by a separate law. Miss the reduced-speed sign at the approach, and you can find yourself 10, 15, or 20 mph over before you've reached the other side.

Here's what the law says, how fines and DMV points are calculated, what a conviction means for insurance, and your options after a ticket.

What Is the Bridge and Tunnel Speeding Law in Virginia?

§ 46.2-881 of the Code of Virginia makes it unlawful to drive any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer on any public bridge, causeway, viaduct, or tunnel — or on any interstate — faster than the maximum shown on signs posted on the structure or at its approach by authority of the Commissioner of Highways.

What makes this law different:

• Structure-specific limits. The Commissioner of Highways can investigate a bridge or tunnel and set the maximum speed the structure can withstand or that public safety requires.

• The Commissioner's findings are conclusive. The statute says those findings are conclusive evidence of the maximum safe speed — so arguing that the posted limit was "too low" is not a defense.

• Variable limits are allowed. Limits can change with darkness, traffic, weather, emergencies, and similar conditions, as long as they are prominently posted. See our guide to the Virginia variable speed limit sign law.

• Signs at the approach count. The limit may be posted before you reach the structure, not just on it.

Tunnels also have their own height and hazardous-cargo restrictions. Speed isn't the only sign to watch at the portal.

Fines and DMV Demerit Points

For an ordinary speeding infraction, the Traffic Infractions and Uniform Fine Schedule sets the prepayable fine at $6 per mile per hour over the posted limit (§ 46.2-878.3), plus court costs. A judge who hears the case can impose up to $250, the maximum for a traffic infraction under § 46.2-113 and § 18.2-11.

At 20 mph or more over the limit, or above 85 mph, the charge usually becomes reckless driving under § 46.2-862 — a Class 1 misdemeanor (§ 46.2-868) punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500, with possible license suspension. Reckless driving can't simply be prepaid without consequences: paying it is a guilty plea to a criminal conviction.

DMV assigns demerit points based on how far over the posted limit you were:

Example: if a bridge-tunnel is posted at 55 mph and you're clocked at 67, that's 12 over — a 4-point speeding infraction with a $72 prepayable fine plus court costs. At 75 mph you're 20 over and facing reckless driving. For a breakdown of every speed band, see the Virginia speeding fine schedule and our guides to 10–14 mph over and 15–19 mph over tickets.

If the crossing is inside an active work zone, the penalty can be higher still — see Virginia work zone speeding tickets.

Points also trigger DMV action as they accumulate. For drivers 18 and older, 8 points in 12 months or 12 in 24 months brings an advisory letter, 12 in 12 months or 18 in 24 months requires a driver improvement clinic, and 18 in 12 months or 24 in 24 months results in a 90-day suspension. See Virginia DMV demerit points explained.

How It Affects Car Insurance

Insurers don't use DMV demerit points directly — they look at the conviction on your driving record when your policy renews. A minor speeding conviction can raise your premium or cost you a good-driver discount, and a reckless driving conviction is treated far more seriously, often as a major violation that can trigger a large surcharge or even non-renewal. Learn more in how a speeding ticket affects insurance in Virginia and insurance points vs. DMV points.

Because speeding convictions stay on your Virginia record for five years (reckless for eleven), one ticket can affect several renewals. Some insurers offer a discount for completing a driver improvement course — ask yours, and if they request the course, select the INS code at enrollment.

What to Do After a Ticket

1. Decide whether to contest. If the reduced limit wasn't properly posted on the structure or its approach, or the speed measurement is questionable, you can plead not guilty and ask for a trial. Because the Commissioner's findings on the safe speed are conclusive, focus any defense on the signage and the speed reading — not on whether the limit was reasonable. For reckless driving, talk to a Virginia traffic attorney.

2. Pay — or prepay — only if you accept the conviction. Prepaying a speeding infraction is a guilty plea, and the conviction and points go on your record. Reckless driving is a criminal charge — don't prepay it without understanding the consequences. See how to pay a traffic ticket in Virginia.

3. Take the driver improvement course. Completing a DMV-approved course before your court date can show the judge you take safety seriously, and some courts will consider it when deciding whether to reduce the charge. Taken voluntarily, it earns 5 safe driving points.

4. Monitor your record. Check your Virginia driving record after the case closes to confirm the right outcome and point total were reported. See how to check your Virginia driving record.

When you register, you'll choose the reason you're taking the course. Pick the code that matches your situation so your completion is reported correctly:

If you take the course voluntarily (VOL), Virginia DMV awards 5 safe driving points after completion, which offset demerit points on your record. You can earn these points for a voluntary course once every 24 months. A court-ordered course does not add safe driving points, but it can satisfy the judge's order and may lead to a reduced or dismissed charge. Keep in mind that safe driving points offset demerit points — they do not erase the conviction itself from your record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a bridge have a lower speed limit than the highway in Virginia?
Yes. Under § 46.2-881, the Commissioner of Highways can set a structure-specific maximum for bridges, causeways, viaducts, and tunnels, enforceable once it's posted on or at the approach to the structure.

How many points is speeding on a bridge in Virginia?
It depends on how far over the posted limit you were: 3 points for 1–9 mph over, 4 points for 10–19 over, and 6 points for 20 or more over (often charged as reckless driving).

Is speeding in a tunnel reckless driving?
Only if you were 20 mph or more over the posted limit or above 85 mph, under § 46.2-862 — or if the officer charges reckless driving under another section based on how you were driving. Otherwise it's a speeding infraction.

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