The following information is updated periodically. However, laws and regulations can change between updates. State statutes and local ordinances are the ultimate authorities for these issues.

Points of Interest

• The town of Summersville, located on US 19 in Nicholas County between interstates 77 and 79, is a notorious speedtrap, featuring a four-lane highway with paved shoulders and generous sight distances and a 50 mph speed limit though much of town after miles of a lightly enforced 65 mph limit. This town of just over 2,000 residents maintains a municipal police force of over 20 that generates millions of dollars each year from mostly out-of-state travelers they know will not return to town to fight their tickets.
• A license to carry a concealed firearm issued to a nonresident by another state shall be honored if such state provides reciprocal privilege.

Speed Limits

Rural Interstates: Cars 70, Trucks 70
Urban Interstates: Cars 55, Trucks 55
Other Limited Access Roads: Cars 65, Trucks 65
(http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/speedlimit_laws.html)

These speed limits apply unless a different limit is posted.

Speed limits are absolute--exceeding the speed limit is illegal per se (regardless of whether it was safe under the specific conditions).

Speed Limits Enforcement Techniques
Enforced through use of:
Pacing: Yes
Radar: Yes
Vascar: No
Automated Speed Enforcement: No
Aircraft: No
Laser: Yes

Ticket Payment Methods
Consult your ticket or clerk of courts

Trial By Declaration Allowed
No

Jury Trial Allowed
Speeding: Yes
Parking: Yes
Equipment: Yes
DWI: Yes

Member of Nonresident Compact
Yes

Member of Driver License Compact
Yes

When and Where to File Accident Reports
The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person or total property damage to an apparent extent of five hundred dollars or more shall immediately by the quickest means of communication, whether oral or written, give notice of such accident to the local police department if such accident occurs within a municipality, otherwise to the office of the county sheriff or the nearest office of the West Virginia state police.

(West Virginia Statute 17C-4-6, http://law.justia.com/westvirginia/codes/17c/wvc17c-4-6.html)

Resident Insurance Requirements
Liability insurance is required (although some states allow posting a cash bond or such as an alternative)
Minimum Coverage Required:
Injury to one person: $20,000
All injuries: $40,000
Property Damage:$10,000

Phone Restrictions
Novice Drivers: All cell phone use, including text-messaging, prohibited for learners or intermediate stage permit holders, using primary enforcement
School Bus Drivers: No special restrictions
All Drivers: No restrictions
(http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html)

Other Regulations

• The BAC level is .08 percent.
• West Virginia has an administrative license suspension law and an implied consent law. The breathalyzer refusal penalty is a 1-year-to-life driver's license suspension.
• A hit-and-run with a fatality is a felony.
• All firearms must be unloaded and may be carried in plain view except during evening hours when firearms should also be cased; unlicensed individuals may not conceal any firearm on or about their persons.
• Studded tires are permitted from November 1 to April 15.
• Tire chains are not required.
• West Virginia has a seat belt law with secondary enforcement for all front seat occupants. This law also covers all occupants of the back seat who are under 18. This does not apply to vehicles with more than ten seating positions.
• West Virginia has a mandatory child restraint law that covers children under 8; children under 4 must be in a child seat and children between 4 and 8 who are under 5 feet tall must be in a booster seat.
• West Virginia has a mandatory motorcycle helmet law.
• Registration and insurance card must be carried in the vehicle.

General Information
http://www.transportation.wv.gov/DMV/VEHICLES/Pages/VehicleLicenseInfo.aspx (Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicles Division)
Emergency Cellular Phone Number: *SP (*77)