Motor Vehicles

The Tide extends 7.4 miles from the Eastern Virginia Medical Center complex east through downtown Norfolk to Newtown Road at the border of Virginia Beach. It is served by 11 stations and four park-and-ride lots. Parking is free. Tickets can be purchased at all ticket vending machines, at select retail outlets, and online at http://gohrt.com/services/the-tide/.

Hampton Roads Transit provides service to people in Chesapeake, Hampton, Norfolk, Newport News, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach. Have a question about service, or need assistance reading maps and schedules, contact Customer Relations at 757-222-6100.

Schedules can be found online at http://gohrt.com/services/bus/.

State laws vary when it comes to motor vehicle insurance requirements, licensing and registration. The term vehicle generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Service members and their families will want to understand their state’s laws on registration and licensing before moving to a new state. Visit the USA.gov Motor Vehicle Services page for links to state-specific websites.

Virginia State law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver’s license in order to operate a vehicle. The term “vehicle” generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Further, your vehicle must be properly registered. Even though you are in the Military, you may be required to register your vehicle in-state and obtain an in-state license within a few months of moving. Access complete information on insurance, driver’s licensing, and where and how to register your vehicle by visiting the State Department of Motor Vehicles website.

State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location. Many states regulate the following:

• Seatbelt use
• Child safety seats
• Motorcycle operation
• The use of cellphones and other digital devices while driving

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws page.

You and your passengers must always wear seatbelts while driving, you will be ticketed and issued heavy fines if seatbelts are not secured. Effective July 1, 2007, children riding in motor vehicles will be required to be properly restrained in a booster seat until they reach eight (8) years of age. Additionally, the new law requires rear-facing child seats be placed only in the back seat of a vehicle. If the vehicle does not have a back seat, the device may be placed in the front passenger seat, provided the airbag has been deactivated, or there is no airbag equipment.

Motorcycles and their operators are subject to special laws. If you own and operate a motorcycle, you must comply with those laws. Visit the State Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information.

Many states and local jurisdictions have strict laws about the use of cell phones and other digital devices while driving. Research these laws on the State Department of Motor Vehicles website. Tickets will be issued and fines assessed for violating these laws. Play it safe and always use a “hands-free” device if you must use a cell phone or other PDA while driving. Cell phones are prohibited from use while driving on any installation in the Hampton Roads area, this includes hands-free devices.

Virginia drivers younger than 18 years of age may not operate a motor vehicle in Virginia while using a cellular telephone or other wireless communication devices. The new law prohibits the use of cell phones even if they are considered to be hands-free. It also prohibits text -messaging while driving.

Speed limits are strictly enforced on all bases in the Hampton Roads region. Failure to comply will result in fines and loss of driving privileges on all bases.

Virginia has several toll facilities located in Hampton Roads.

E-ZPass is an electronic toll-collection system. Motorists open a prepaid account and attach a small electronic device called a transponder to their windshield or license plate. As they travel through the toll facilities, tolls are automatically deducted from their pre-paid E-ZPass account. To register for E-ZPass, call 1-877-762-7824.

Cell phones are prohibited from use while driving on any installation in the Hampton Roads area this includes hands-free devices.

Since July 2012, Elizabeth River Crossings has maintained and operated both facilities that connect Norfolk and Portsmouth. The Downtown Tunnel on Interstate 264 is the oldest crossing of the Elizabeth River. The Midtown Tunnel on U.S. Route 58 opened in 1962 as the second tunnel between the cities.

Tunnel Restrictions

• Maximum vehicle height: 13 feet, 6 inches
• Maximum vehicle width: Up to 8 feet, 6 inches (without permit); to 11 feet (with permit)

South Norfolk Jordan Bridge, Route 337

This private toll bridge opened in October 2012 and spans the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River. With quick connections to I-464 and I-264, it’s an alternative route when neighboring bridges and tunnels are congested.

The fixed, high-rise bridge is one of the tallest in Virginia and not subject to openings for maritime traffic. It also has been designated an official Virginia truck route without height or weight restrictions.

A fully-electronic video capture system accepts E-Z Pass to maximize convenience for drivers, but an E-ZPass is not required for travel. There is no toll plaza and cash is not accepted. Vehicles traveling without an E-ZPass will be mailed an invoice for their travel fees.

Standard travel fees:

Passenger vehicles and motorcycles (two axles) Pay by E-ZPass: $1.50 Pay by plate: $3 Pay by mail: $4. Additional fees of $1 per additional axle apply to multi-axle vehicles.

Chesapeake Expressway (Route 168)

The Chesapeake Expressway is a fast and convenient 16-mile long, four-lane divided highway linking Interstate 64 in Chesapeake to North Carolina and the Outer Banks.

From I-64, take exit 291B to Route 168, the Chesapeake Expressway. E-ZPass is accepted and travelers can sign up for the discount program for a significant break on the tolls.

George P. Coleman Bridge (Route 17)

This one-mile bridge carries Route 17 traffic over the York River between historic Yorktown and Gloucester County. The tolls listed below are collected in the northbound direction only. For more information on the tolls, call (804) 642-1400 or e-mail: hamptonroadsinfo@VDOT.Virginia.gov

Commuters: 85 cents
Motorcycles: 85 cents
Two axles: $2
Three axles: $3
Four or more axles: $4

* Motorists in two-axle vehicles can qualify for the commuter rate by enrolling in the E-ZPass program and making three trips across the bridge in 90 days. E-ZPass is an automated toll collection system that allows motorists to pay tolls without stopping at the toll booths.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (Route 13)

The 23-mile bridge and tunnel structure stretches across the bay to connect Virginia's Eastern Shore to Virginia Beach. It is operated by the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel District. Tolls vary depending on vehicle size. For more information, call 757-331-2960.