West Virginia Traffic Laws

By Natalie Moritz | Legally reviewed by Amber Sheppard, Esq. | Last reviewed September 20, 2024

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West Virginia's traffic laws govern rules from speed limits and seat belt requirements to driving under the influence. Understanding these laws is crucial for avoiding traffic tickets and staying safe on the road.

Use the driving manuals and state vehicle code below for comprehensive traffic law information:

The table on this page links to specific West Virginia statutes. They are for common driving violations and serious traffic offenses. Use the linked material on this page to learn more about:

  • West Virginia's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) driving record point system
  • Driver's license suspensions and revocations
  • Speed limits and speed restrictions for varying roads and highways
  • Crossing paths with an authorized emergency vehicle
  • Rules for funeral processions
  • Overtaking and passing laws
  • Understanding common traffic signs and signals
  • Safety regulations for seat belts, booster seats, and child restraints
  • Special rules for school zones and construction areas
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances (DUI)
  • Right-of-way rules
  • Parking restrictions and other non-moving violations
  • Requirements for electric personal assistive mobility devices and similar transportation devices
  • Other miscellaneous rules and traffic regulations

Table of Important West Virginia Traffic Rules and Statutes

Use the links below for more information about traffic violations in West Virginia.

Drinking and driving violations Operating under influence of alcohol (WV Code section 20-7-18b)
Driving without a license/with a suspended license Drivers must be licensed (WV Code section 17B-2-1)
Driving without insurance/with insufficient insurance Required security (WV Code section 17D-2A-3)
Driving without registration/with expired registration Registration; misdemeanor to violate provisions of article (WV Code section 17A-3-1)
Illegal U-turn Turning movements and required signals (WV Code section 17C-8-8)
Leaving the scene of an accident/hit and run Accidents involving damage to vehicle (WV Code section 17C-4-2) Accidents involving death or personal injuries (WV Code section 17C-4-1)
Mechanical violations Equipment (WV Code 17C-15-1 to 17C-15-50) Unsafe and improperly equipped vehicles (WV Code section 17C-15-1)
Reckless driving Reckless driving (WV Code section 17C-5-3)
Running a red light/stop sign Obedience to traffic control devices (WV Code section 17C-3-4)
Seat belt/child restraint violations Child passenger safety devices required (WV Code section 17C-15-46) Operation of vehicles with safety belts (WV Code section 17C-15-49)
Speeding Speed limitations generally (WV Code section 17C-6-1)
Unlawful vehicle modifications Equipment (WV Code 17C-15-1 to 17C-15-50) Unsafe and improperly equipped vehicles (WV Code section 17C-15-1)

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state laws you are researching.

Need More Help With West Virginia Traffic Laws? Talk to an Attorney

Even minor traffic infractions can affect your driver's record and increase auto insurance costs. Serious traffic offenses can have even more significant consequences. These include jail time or loss of driving privileges. Most motorists are comfortable resolving traffic tickets on their own. But some situations need professional legal advice.

An attorney can help reduce fines, avoid points on your record, prevent a driver's license suspension, and more. They can also represent you in traffic court, increasing your likelihood of a favorable outcome. Contact a traffic law attorney to learn how they can help.

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  • Experienced lawyers can seek to reduce or eliminate penalties
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