Many drivers in the Northern Neck may notice something new along certain roads—horse-drawn buggy signs calling attention to the presence of these slow-moving vehicles.
The Amish and Mennonite populations in the Northern Neck are growing. In the spring of 2019, VDOT posted horse-drawn vehicle signs in Richmond County. Recently, the department met with local residents, businesses, and officials in several counties to identify additional needs. As a result, new signs have been posted in Westmoreland, Northumberland and Richmond counties.
The warning signs have been placed or revised in the Northern Neck at the following locations:
Westmoreland County
- Route 203 (Oldhams Road) near Route 620 (Threeway Road)
- Route 202 (Cople Highway) near Route 203 (Oldhams Road)
Northumberland County
- Route 617 (Lively Hope Road) near Route 202 (Hampton Hall Road)
- Route 202 north of Callao
Richmond County
- Route 3 near Route 620 (Richmond Hill Road)
- Route 612 (Oakland Road) at Route 600 (Ridge Road)
- Revised signs at Route 360 near Route 600 (Ridge Road)
By definition, slow-moving vehicles are those that travel 25 mph and slower. The horse-drawn traffic in the Northern Neck generally travels between 5 to 10 mph, placing it into that category, noted VDOT. Like other slow-moving vehicles, any horse-drawn vehicles on the roads are required to display a slow-moving placard.
With the announcement of the additional signage, VDOT noted that state law requires motorists to pass a horse-drawn vehicle with at least three feet of clearance when the way is clear. When you enter this traffic, you should slow down and avoid using your horn.
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