Are you a CDL holder facing a Tunnel Height Violation charge in Virginia? Well you should read this:

I represent many CDL holders charged with various traffic violations, but the charge that I see the most is a Tunnel Height Violation under Virginia Code §46.2-1110. In particular, most of my clients that are charged with this offense are truck drivers that have received a Tunnel Height Violation in Hampton, Virginia when driving or attempting to drive through the westbound tunnel of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel on Interstate 64.

Virginia Code §46.2-1110 states that: “No loaded or unloaded vehicle shall exceed a height of 13 feet, six inches.” The purpose behind this law is to eliminate accidents caused by overheight vehicles and to protect the tunnel. To ensure your compliance with this law, the Virginia Department of Transportation has installed overheight vehicle optical detection systems to identify vehicles that exceed the overhead clearance of the westbound tunnel of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel on Interstate 64.

If your vehicle exceeds 13 feet, 6 inches in height and you are driving or attempting to drive through the westbound tunnel of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel on Interstate 64, you will be charged with a Tunnel Height Violation and you are subject to a misdemeanor criminal conviction, a $1,000 mandatory minimum fine (or a $2,500 mandatory minimum fine for a 2^nd or subsequent offense) and demerit points on your driving record. This may, in turn, cause greater issues with your CDL and/or employment.

If you are charged with a Tunnel Height Violation, I may be able to avoid the demerit points, misdemeanor criminal conviction, and the mandatory minimum fine associated with it. This would protect your CDL and your job.

If you find yourself with a Tunnel Height Violation charge, you should strongly consider retaining an experienced attorney to protect your interests. The address for the Hampton, Virginia courthouse is: 236 North King Street, Hampton, Virginia 23669. Depending on the specific facts of your case, I may be able to appear in court on your behalf so that you do not have to appear in court.

Bottom Line: If you plan to drive through the westbound tunnel of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel on Interstate 64, make sure that your vehicle is not taller than 13 feet, 6 inches.

By Michael Huff, Esq.