West Virginia Facts

The information below is updated periodically but things often change between updates. Do not rely on this information without checking with another source.

If you see an error, let us know at nma@motorists.org

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 generate 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
Unless Otherwise Posted
Absolute


Urban	25 mph
Rural	55 mph
Four-lane highways	65 mph
Interstates	70 mph

Speed Limits Enforcement Techniques
Enforced through use of:


Pacing	Yes
Radar	Yes
Vascar	No
Photo Radar	No
Aircraft	No
Laser	Yes

Tickets
Tickets can be paid by mail or in person.

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
Accidents involving death, personal injury, or property damage exceeding $250 must be reported within 5 days to the local authorities or to the Department of Motor Vehicles, Building 3, Capitol Complex, Charleston, WV 25317.

Resident Insurance Requirements
Any accident involving apparent damage over $500 or personal injury or death must be immediately reported to the police. A separate report from the driver to the DMV is no longer required.

Minimum limits: $20,000/40,000/10,000.

West Virginia has no-fault insurance law and uninsured motorists law.

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 persns.
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
Telephone: 304/746-2121
Emergency Cellular Phone Number: *SP (*77)