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Speed Limits

Know the Speed Limits

With a few exceptions, the speed limit within the Monroe Park campus area is 25 miles per hour. The speed limit on Belvidere Street is 25 miles per hour. On West Broad Street, westbound from the Belvidere Street intersection, the speed limit is 25 miles per hour. Eastbound beginning just east of Belvidere Street, the speed limit is 25 miles per hour. This continues on into the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System campus, where the speed limit for the entire campus area is 25 miles per hour. Please be aware that the VCU Police Department is enforcing the speed limits on each campus using radar-equipped patrol cars and motorcycles.

Radar / LiDar

The VCU Police Department uses two types of radar units. The first is the Kustom Signals Falcon handheld unit used by our radar-certified motorcycle officers. The second radar set is the Kustom Signals Golden Eagle fixed-mount system used in patrol cars. This type of digital radar system will read vehicles approaching the patrol car and after they pass. They also can measure speeds while the patrol car is in motion.

In addition, VCU Police uses the Kustom Signal Pro Laser 4 which is a LiDar (Light Detection and Ranging) as opposed to RaDar (Radio Detection and Ranging).  Lidar uses a laser or light and moves at the speed of light. Radar uses radio waves that move at the speed of sound. Though they are both used for speed detection, The lidar is vehicle specific and the radar is a cone so the operator has to verify the car based on display and tracking vehicle history. The ProLaser 4 is a handheld LiDAR. A LiDAR is a method for determining ranges and speed by targeting an object or a surface with a laser and measuring the time for the reflected light to return to the receiver. 

Drivers should be aware of the law regarding radar detectors. Virginia Code section 46.2-1079 makes it illegal to use radar detectors within the state.

Mobile Data Terminals

VCU police cars are equipped with a computer system called a Mobile Data Terminal, or MDT. These systems are operated by VCU police officers who are each certified to access VCIN, the Virginia Criminal Information Network. Officers using this system can obtain information about vehicle ownership, an operator's license, stolen property or see if someone is wanted.

Reckless Drivers

Many drivers do not know that their speed could be considered reckless. According to Virginia Code section 46.2-862, a person shall be guilty of reckless driving who drives a motor vehicle on the highways in the Commonwealth:

  1. 20 miles per hour or more in excess of the applicable maximum speed limit
  2. in excess of 85 miles per hour regardless of the applicable maximum speed limit

If you witness a reckless driver within the VCU community, call  VCU Police at (804) 828-1196 or use the LiveSafe app to report it.