Traffic
To ensure the safety of you, your passengers and others on the road, be aware of the traffic laws in place to keep you out of harm’s way. Also, be sure to read the sections on speed limits and crosswalks.
Virginia Code Section 46.2-816.1 in relevant part:
Careless driving and infliction of injury on vulnerable road users; penalty.
A. As used in this section, "vulnerable road user" means a pedestrian; the operator of or passenger on a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, wheel chair or wheel chair conveyance, skateboard, roller skates, motorized skateboard or scooter, or animal-drawn vehicle or any attached device; or any person riding an animal.
B. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor to operate a motor vehicle in a careless or distracted manner such that the careless or distracted operation is the proximate cause of serious bodily injury as defined in § 18.2-51.4 to a vulnerable road user who is lawfully present on the highway at the time of injury...
Virginia Code Section 46.2-818.2 in relevant part:
Use of handheld personal communications devices in certain motor vehicles; exceptions; penalty.
A. It is unlawful for any person, while driving a moving motor vehicle on the highways in the Commonwealth, to hold a handheld personal communications device...
Buckle Up Virginia
Virginia has seat belt laws. For your safety, your child's safety and the safety of others, buckle up.
VCU Police officers assist with enforcement as part of the National Click It or Ticket program, designed to increase safety belt usage and save people from death and serious injury on the streets and highways. To learn more about the facts behind safety belt usage and their effectiveness, please visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. You may refer to the DMV FAQ for answers to other questions.
Loud Car Stereos
Aside from traffic congestion, loud car stereos serve as another daily traffic annoyance. The VCU Police Department has received many complaints regarding this issue and is taking action against it. There is a law making loud music illegal:
Pursuant to the Sound Control Ordinance of the City of Richmond, Section 11-28, "no person shall operate or cause to be operated a motor vehicle or motorcycle on a public right-of-way at any time in such a manner that the level of sound emitted by the motor vehicle or motorcycle, when measured at a distance of at least 50 feet, exceeds 76 dBA (82 dBA for a motorcycle) in areas with a speed limit of 35 MPH or less or 82 dBA (86 dBA for a motorcycle) in areas with a speed limit over 35 MPH. Any person who violates this section shall be deemed guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor (second violation within any 12-month period is deemed a Class 3 misdemeanor).
Questions?
Any questions or concerns related to traffic issues at VCU should be directed to Officer Jose DeJesus.