West Virginia Driving Laws
Updated: October, 2024
Summary of common traffic laws in West Virginia – Speed limits, License Renewals, Learners Permits, Drunk Driving Laws, and more. For more information, visit the West Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Program website.
Speed Limits
In West Virginia, the maximum speed limit for cars is 70 mph. The maximum highway speed for trucks is also 70 mph. Speed limits vary by state and, in some cases, county-by-county. Always observe posted traffic laws and drive safely for the weather and road conditions.
Learners Permits
West Virginia allows new drivers to get their learners permit at the age of 15. You must have your provisional license for a minimum of 6 months. Drivers can then get their intermediate license at 16. An Intermediate License imposes restricts on when you are allowed to drive and how many passengers are allowed in the car, but allows you to drive yourself without an instructor in the car.
In West Virginia, drivers can obtain their full drivers license at the age of 17.
License Renewal
West Virginia requires you to renew your license every 8 years.
View all Drivers License Renewal Info
Work Zones
The state of West Virginia enforces increased penalties for speeding violations within work zones. These increased penalties are known as Work Zone Enhancements. Workers must be present and there must be signs idicating road work is in progress in order for Work Zone Enhancements to be enforced. In West Virginia, Work Zone Enhacements are:
Drunk Driving Laws
The legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is 0.08%. Most states impose increased mandatory penalties for driving above a specific BAC. In West Virginia, driving with a BAC above 0.15% will trigger automatic enhanced minimum penalties.
Texting while Driving
Cellphones and other handheld devices are banned while driving in most states. In West Virginia, hand-held devices such as phones and mp3 player are banned for all drivers, regardless of age. Hands-free interaction with cellphones is allowed.
Texting while driving is banned in West Virginia. Texting while driving is concidered a primary offense. This means that you can be pulled over with texting as the only offense. In West Virginia, distracted driving is listed as a category on police crash report forms.
Seat Belt Laws
West Virginia requires seabelt use. Seatbelt enforcement is concidered primary, meaning you can be pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt. The fine for a seatbelt law violation in West Virginia is $25.00. Safety belt laws very state-by-state. Consult your states Department of Transportation for specific seatbelt use laws.
Data Source
West Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Program
Data Source
United States Department of Transportation
