Virginia § 46.2-880 - Tables of speed and stopping distances
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 46.2-880 — Tables of speed and stopping distances, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 46.2-880. Tables of speed and stopping distances
All courts shall take notice of the following tables of speed and stopping distances of motor vehicles, which shall not raise a presumption, in actions in which inquiry thereon is pertinent to the issues:
| a | SPEED IN | AVERAGE STOPPING DISTANCES | TOTAL STOPPING | ||||
| b |
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|
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| Avg Driver | DISTANCES: | |
| c |
|
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| Truck Brakes | Perception- | DRIVER AND | |
| d | Miles | Feet | Automobile | Brakes on | Reaction Time |
|
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| e | Per | Per | Brakes | All Wheels | (1.5 Seconds) | Automobiles | Trucks |
| f | Hour | Second | (In Feet) | (In Feet) | (In Feet) | (In Feet) | (In Feet) |
| g | 10 | 14.7 | 5 | 6 | 22 | 27 | 28 |
| h | 15 | 22.0 | 11 | 14 | 33 | 44 | 47 |
| i | 20 | 29.3 | 19 | 25 | 44 | 63 | 69 |
| j | 25 | 36.7 | 30 | 40 | 55 | 85 | 95 |
| k | 30 | 44.0 | 43 | 57 | 66 | 109 | 123 |
| l | 35 | 51.3 | 58 | 78 | 77 | 135 | 155 |
| m | 40 | 58.7 | 76 | 102 | 88 | 164 | 190 |
| n | 45 | 66.0 | 96 | 129 | 99 | 195 | 228 |
| o | 50 | 73.3 | 119 | 159 | 110 | 229 | 269 |
| p | 55 | 80.7 | 144 | 192 | 121 | 265 | 313 |
| q | 60 | 88.0 | 171 | 229 | 132 | 303 | 361 |
| r | 65 | 95.3 | 201 | 268 | 143 | 344 | 411 |
| s | 70 | 102.7 | 233 | 311 | 154 | 387 | 465 |
| t | 75 | 110.0 | 268 | 357 | 165 | 433 | 522 |
| u | 80 | 117.3 | 305 | 406 | 176 | 481 | 582 |
| v | 85 | 124.7 | 344 | 459 | 187 | 531 | 646 |
| w | 90 | 132.0 | 386 | 514 | 198 | 584 | 712 |
| x | 95 | 139.3 | 430 | 573 | 209 | 639 | 782 |
| y | 100 | 146.7 | 476 | 635 | 220 | 696 | 855 |
The courts shall further take notice that the above table has been constructed, using scientific reasoning, to provide factfinders with an average baseline for motor vehicle stopping distances: (1) for a vehicle in good condition and (2) on a level, dry stretch of highway, free from loose material.
Deviations from these circumstances do not negate the usefulness of the table, but rather call for additional site-specific examination and/or explanation.
Site-specific research may be utilized under any circumstances.
Code 1950, § 46-212.2; 1956, c. 600; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-195; 1989, c. 727; 2001, c. 145; 2003, c. 277.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 46.2-880
What does Code of Virginia § 46.2-880 cover?
Section 46.2-880 ("Tables of speed and stopping distances") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Virginia § 46.2-880?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 46.2-880" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 46.2-880 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.