TRANSPORTATION

Newcomers to Virginia will find a comprehensive network of transportation amenities, from major interstates and state and federal highways to regional airports and opportunities for mass transit. In addition to convenient fixed-route bus service and commuter express, Ride Solutions provides assistance in locating a shared ride and information on walking and bicycling. Other public programs like “bikes on buses” expand the alternative solutions to private automobile use. Transit systems include programs for the disabled who are not able to take advantage of public transportation facilities.

 

AIR TRAVEL

Roanoke Regional Airport
5202 Aviation Drive NW
Roanoke 540-362-1999
www.roanokeregionalairport.com

Lynchburg Regional Airport
500 Church Street
Lynchburg 434-455-6090
www.lynchburgva.gov/airport

 

Commercial Airlines

Allegiant Air
702-505-8888
www.allegiantair.com

Delta Connection
800-221-1212
www.delta.com

Northwest Airlink
800-225-2525
www.nwa.com

United Express
800-241-6522
www.ual.com

US Airways
800-428-4322
www.usair.com

 

HIGHWAY TRAVEL

Major Regional Highways
Interstate 81      North/South
Interstate 64      East/West (20 miles to the north)
US Route 11     North/South
US Route 460   East/West
US Route 220   North/South

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)
VDOT Headquarters
804-786-2801
Lynchburg District
434-947-6559
Salem-Roanoke District
540-387-5320
www.virginiadot.org

VDOT Information Center
804-786-2801
www.virginiadot.org/info

Virginia Traffic Update
Dial 511
www.511virginia.org

Commuter Ride-Share Assistance
540-342-9393
866-424-3334
www.ridesolutions.org

 

MASS TRANSIT

Regional Transit Options

Greater Lynchburg Transit Company
Information 434-455-5080 434-856-CITY
Bus Service 434-455-5090
Paratransit 434-455-5099
www.gltconline.com
Fixed-route bus service, paratransit service, commuter services, and historic trolleys are part of the full-service approach to public transportation.

Valley Metro
Information 540-982-2222
www.valleymetro.com
Services include fixed-route bus, paratransit, special event shuttles, commuter services, and commuter bus service between Roanoke and New River Valley.

STAR Service by RADAR
Information 540-343-1721
www.radartransit.org
STAR stands for “Specialized Transit-Arranged Rides,” referring to transportation options for those who qualify and are unable to take advantage of regular public transit.

 

Inter-Intrastate Transit

Amtrak Passenger Rail
Information 800-USA RAIL
www.amtrak.com

Greyhound Bus Lines
Information 800-231-2222
www.greyhound.com

 

MOTOR VEHICLE INFORMATION

Drivers License

Within 30 days of establishing state residency, newcomers must obtain a Virginia driver’s license. You must be at least 16 years of age to apply for a full-privilege driver’s license, although those who are 15 years of age and older can apply for a Virginia’s learner’s permit. Necessary documentation includes two forms of acceptable identification, social security number, proof of Virginia residency, legal birth certificate if applicable, and your out-of-state drivers license. All applicants must pass a vision test and all first-time applicants must pass a road test. The road and safety exams may be waived for those with a previous license in good standing. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles lists all licensing service centers and DMV select locations (vehicle services) online with location, hours, and current wait times. For details on fees, testing centers, or answers to specific questions, contact:

Department of Motor Vehicles
866-DMVLINE
800-435-5137
www.dmvnow.com

 

Vehicle Registration & Title

To title a vehicle in Virginia, complete an application and bring statement of origin for new vehicles or the vehicle title. Your name must appear on an out-of-state title as the owner unless the previous owner has assigned the title to you. Also required is your out-of-state registration and proof of your Social Security number. Registration of your vehicle can be completed at any DMV Select service center. DMV will issue two license plates, decals showing the expiration date, and a registration card. Place the decals on the plates and install the plates on the front and rear of your vehicle. Keep the registration card in your vehicle at all times. For details on fees, testing centers, or answers to specific questions, contact:

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
866-DMVLINE
800-435-5137
www.dmvnow.com

 

Virginia Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Program

Vehicle safety inspections are required annually in Virginia and are available at more than 4,000 inspection stations across the Commonwealth. New-car dealers and many auto garages participate; look for the white sign with blue lettering that indicates an official inspection station. For additional information on inspections or if you have problems location a station, contact the Roanoke-Salem district office:

Virginia State Police
Roanoke-Salem District
540-387-5437
www.vsp.state.va.us/safety.htm

 

Mandatory Insurance

Registration of a vehicle includes proof of minimum insurance coverage with a carrier authorized to do business in Virginia, or payment of the uninsured motor vehicle fee (UMV). The UMV fee of $500, paid to the Department of Motor Vehicles, does not provide any insurance but allows you to drive an uninsured vehicle at your own risk. It expires with your registration and must be paid at renewal. For more information, contact:

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
866-DMVLINE
800-435-5137
www.dmvnow.com

 

Virginia Safety Laws

All front-seat occupants of the vehicle who are over 16 years old must wear a safety belt system at all times in a moving vehicle. Children who are five years old or younger must be secured in a federally approved child safety seat. Children between the ages of six and sixteen must be secured in a safety belt system, regardless of where they are sitting in the vehicle. These child protection laws are primary and enforceable without any other violation. For more information on auto safety, contact:

Virginia Department of Health
Division of Injury & Violence Protection
Richmond 804-864-7732
www.vahealth.org/civp

 

QUICKLINKS

American Automobile Association (AAA)
www.aaa.com

Hampton Roads Transit
www.gohrt.com

Online Transportation Information Map
www.virginiadot.org/projects/protim.asp

Online Travel Guide
www.mytravelguide.com

VDOT Online Services
www.dmv.virginia.gov/dmvnet/online.asp

Virginia Airport Information
www.flyvirginia.com

Virginia Department of Emergency Service
www.vdem.state.va.us

Virginia Ferries
www.virginiadot.org/travel/ferry.asp

Virginia Interstate System
www.virginiainterstates.org

Virginia Railway Express
www.vre.org

Virginia RideShare Assistance
www.ridefinders.com

The Weather Channel
www.weather.com

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