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Speed limits

Know the speed limits

With a few exceptions, the speed limit within the Monroe Park campus area is 25 miles per hour. The speed limit on Belvidere Street is 35 miles per hour. On West Broad Street, westbound from the Belvidere Street intersection, the speed limit is 35 miles per hour. Eastbound beginning just east of Belvidere Street, the speed limit is 25 miles per hour. This continues on into the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System campus, where the speed limit for the entire campus area is 25 miles per hour. Please be aware that the VCU Police Department is enforcing the speed limits on each campus using radar-equipped patrol cars and motorcycles.

Radar

The VCU Police Department uses two types of radar units. The first is the Kustom Signals Falcon handheld unit used by our radar-certified motorcycle officers. The second radar set is the Kustom Signals Golden Eagle fixed-mount system used in patrol cars. This type of digital radar system will read vehicles approaching the patrol car and after they pass. They also can measure speeds while the patrol car is in motion.

Drivers should be aware of the law regarding radar detectors. Virginia Code section 46.2-1079 makes it illegal to use radar detectors within the state.

Mobile Data Terminals

VCU police cars are equipped with a computer system called a Mobile Data Terminal, or MDT. These systems are operated by VCU police officers who are each certified to access VCIN, the Virginia Criminal Information Network. Officers using this system can obtain information about vehicle ownership, an operator's license, stolen property or see if someone is wanted.

Reckless drivers

Many drivers do not know that their speed could be considered reckless. According to Virginia Code section 46.2-862, a person shall be guilty of reckless driving who drives a motor vehicle on the highways in the Commonwealth:

  1. at a speed of 20 miles per hour or more in excess of the applicable maximum speed limit where the applicable speed limit is 30 miles per hour or less,
  2. at a speed of 60 miles per hour or more where the applicable maximum speed limit is 35 miles per hour,
  3. at a speed of 20 miles per hour or more in excess of the applicable maximum speed limits where the applicable maximum speed limit is 40 miles per hour or more, or
  4. in excess of 80 miles per hour regardless of the applicable maximum speed limit.

If you witness a reckless driver within the VCU community, call the VCU Police at (804) 828-1196 to report it.