Driving Around a "Road Closed" Barricade in Virginia: Fines, Points & What to Do

It's tempting. The detour adds fifteen minutes, the barricade is half-open, and you can see the road beyond it looks fine. But in Virginia, steering around a "Road Closed" sign or barricade is a moving violation — and in the wrong conditions, it can be deadly.

The stakes go beyond a small fine. A conviction puts 3 demerit points on your Virginia driving record, stays visible to insurers for years, and can stack with other tickets toward DMV intervention. If the road was closed because of flooding, a washed-out bridge, or a crash scene, you could also be risking your vehicle and your life.

In this guide, we'll cover what the violation is, the fines and points involved, how it affects your car insurance, and exactly what to do if you've been ticketed.

What Is Driving Around a "Road Closed" Barricade in Virginia?

Virginia doesn't have a separate "barricade" statute. Instead, officers typically charge drivers under Va. Code § 46.2-830, which states that "all drivers of vehicles shall obey lawfully erected traffic control devices." "Road Closed" signs, barricades, cones, and "Do Not Enter" panels placed by VDOT, a locality, or police are all traffic control devices.

Common ways drivers get cited include:

• Driving around a "Road Closed" barricade on a flooded road

• Entering a closed lane or ramp during construction

• Moving or slipping past cones at a closed crash scene

• Ignoring a "Road Closed to Thru Traffic" sign when you aren't a local resident or delivery

There's one important defense built into the statute. Under § 46.2-830, a sign can't be enforced if it was not "in proper position and sufficiently legible to be seen by an ordinarily observant person" at the time of the violation. A knocked-over or hidden barricade may matter in court.

Flood warning: Just six inches of moving water can cause a driver to lose control, and about a foot of water can float many vehicles. "Road Closed" signs at low-water crossings exist for a reason — turn around, don't drown.

For more safety guidance, see our post on driving on flooded roads in Virginia.

Fines & DMV Demerit Points

Here's what a conviction typically means in Virginia:

• DMV demerit points: 3 points for "Failure to obey highway sign"

• Record retention: The conviction stays on your Virginia driving record for 3 years

• Prepayable fine: $30 under the Supreme Court of Virginia's Uniform Fine Schedule, plus court costs and processing fees (commonly about $51, for roughly $81 total; amounts vary by court)

• Maximum fine: Because § 46.2-830 sets no specific penalty, the general rule in § 46.2-113 applies — up to the Class 4 misdemeanor maximum of $250

Three points may sound minor, but they add up. Virginia DMV sends an advisory letter at 8 points in 12 months (or 12 points in 24 months) and requires a driver improvement clinic at 12 points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months. Drivers under 18 face stricter rules. Learn more in our guide to the Virginia DMV demerit points system.

Ignoring a barricade can also lead to other charges. If you strike a worker, damage equipment, or get stuck in floodwater and need rescue, you could face additional citations — including reckless driving — and civil liability for damages.

How It Affects Car Insurance

Insurers pull your motor vehicle record at renewal, and a "failure to obey highway sign" conviction is a moving violation. Many carriers treat it as a minor violation, but it can still cost you:

• Loss of a good-driver or claims-free discount

• A premium surcharge at your next renewal, typically lasting about three years

• Bigger increases if you already have another ticket or an at-fault crash

If you drove into floodwater and damaged your car, comprehensive coverage may pay for the damage, but some insurers scrutinize claims where a driver went around a closed-road barrier. Read more in how Virginia traffic tickets affect insurance rates.

What to Do After a Road Closed Barricade Ticket

1. Decide whether to contest. If the barricade was knocked over, hidden, unlit at night, or not "sufficiently legible," § 46.2-830 may give you a defense. Take photos of the location as soon as possible and note the date and time.

2. Pay the ticket if you accept responsibility. Prepaying is a guilty plea — the conviction and 3 points go on your record. 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 many Virginia judges will reduce or dismiss minor charges. Taken voluntarily, it also earns 5 safe driving points.

4. Monitor your record. Check your DMV record afterward to confirm the outcome was reported correctly. Our guide on how to check your Virginia driving record walks you through it.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal to drive around a "Road Closed" sign if the road looks clear?
Yes. Under § 46.2-830, drivers must obey lawfully erected traffic control devices whether or not the hazard is visible. Closures often hide undermined pavement, downed lines, or active work zones.

How many points is failure to obey a highway sign in Virginia?
It's a 3-point violation that remains on your Virginia driving record for 3 years. A voluntary driver improvement course can add 5 safe driving points to offset it.

Can a driver improvement course get my ticket dismissed?
It depends on the judge and the jurisdiction. Many courts will reduce or dismiss a minor sign violation for drivers who complete a DMV-approved course before court, but it's never guaranteed. Ask the court clerk or your attorney what the local judge typically allows.

Enroll Today — $74.99, DMV-Approved, 30-Day Guarantee

ABC Driving Improvement's 8-hour online course is approved by the Virginia DMV, works on your phone, tablet, or computer, and lets you log in and out as your schedule allows. Whether a judge ordered the course, your insurer asked for it, or you simply want 5 safe driving points working for you, it's the fastest way to protect your record.

The price is $74.99, and every enrollment is backed by our 30-day guarantee. Don't let one ticket follow you for years — enroll in our 8-hour online driver improvement course today.