Travel Tips

Toll Roads

Virginia's SmartTag system merged with the E-ZPass network, making it even easier to get through the various toll roads around the Region or cruise from Virginia to Massachusetts without fumbling for change. Tolls ranging from 20 cents to $1.50 are found on the Downtown Expressway, Powhite Parkway and Pocahontas Parkway.

Driving Tips

Safety belts & passenger restraints

• The driver and front-seat passenger must wear safety belts.
• All children under age six must be properly secured in an approved child safety seat or booster seat.
• All children age six through 15 must be properly secured in an approved child safety seat, booster seat or safety belt no matter where the child is seated in the vehicle. It is unlawful for persons under age 16 to travel in the bed of a pick-up truck.

Behind the wheel

• Headlights must be turned on during inclement weather or whenever windshield wipers are used.
• Radar detectors and radar jamming devices are illegal in Virginia. Mobile infrared transmitters that change traffic lights also are illegal.
• It is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle, moped or bicycle on Virginia roadways while using earphones or headphones in both ears.
• Right turns are allowed on red unless posted otherwise.
• Left turns on red are allowed from a one-way street onto another one-way street, unless posted otherwise.

Parking

• On-street parking in the city is generally free on weekdays after 6 p.m. and on weekends. One- to two-hour metered parking is allowed on weekdays.
• In some areas, street and lot parking is reserved for permit holders. Be sure to read parking signs carefully.
• Paid parking lots are located throughout downtown Richmond.

Highway Assistance

Call "511" or 1-800-578-4111 from a wireless or landline phone for information about Virginia highway and traffic conditions, travel services and more. To report road hazards and unsafe work zones call the Virginia Department of Transportation highway help line at 1-800-367-ROAD.

Around the Region

As you travel around Virginia's Richmond Region you may hear references to the West End, Southside or Fan District. The West End is actually the area northwest of downtown Richmond, while the Southside is really located southwest of the city - but gets its name from being on the southern side of the James River. And the Fan District, a historic residential and commercial area, gets its name from the shape that the streets make as they "fan out" from Monroe Park.

Downtown Richmond is built on a grid, and many downtown streets are one-way, with Broad Street as an exception. Interstate 95 is a north-south route, and Interstate 64 is east-west. Interstate 295 is a beltway around downtown Richmond, connecting areas east and west of the city. State Route 288 runs from I-95 in Chesterfield County to Route 250/Broad Street in Goochland. Interstate 895, also called Pocahontas Parkway, connects Richmond International Airport to points south of the city.