Knowing a bit more about Norfolk can help you find cheap car insurance. Home to an estimated 247,000, Norfolk is one of nine cities and seven counties that make up the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News metro area in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Long known as a strategic military and transportation hub, the city is home to the largest Navy base in the world and the headquarters of Norfolk Southern Railway.

A recent refocus on downtown and addition of a cruise ship terminal has increased tourism in Norfolk. Big draws for visitors are the Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk Botanical Gardens, USS Wisconsin and the Virginia Zoo.

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Driving Conditions in Norfolk

Particularly in the Downtown Tunnel that goes through Norfolk, traffic congestion can be a problem, backing up both ways during rush hours.

But compared to average U.S. Cities commute of 25.2 minutes, Norfolk has a shorter commute time at 21.4 minutes, according to Census Bureau data. Current information on accidents, construction and weather-related delays is available by calling 511. Real-time traffic information also can be accessed and smartphone apps can be downloaded for Virginia 511 Web at 511virginia.org.

Unique Laws in Norfolk

Drivers who smoke in the car with a child under 8 can be fined $100, according to Virginia laws. There's also a fine for opening a car door when it's “not reasonably safe” to do so, such as in the path of an oncoming vehicle or cyclist. Drivers may cross double yellow lines to pass a pedestrian or anyone “moved by human power,” such as a bicycle, skateboard or scooter, provided it is safe to do so.

Bicycles, mopeds and other non-motorized vehicles are now included in the list of vehicles for which a motorist can be cited for following too closely.

Norfolk Crime Statistics

The Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News metro area had 2,950 cases of auto theft in 2015, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, or a rate of 171 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for the same year was a rate of 220.2 per 100,000 people.

Norfolk Safety Requirements

Unless it's an emergency call, learner’s permit holders may not use a cellphone or other wireless devices while driving, even if it is in hands-free mode. No matter where they are sitting in the vehicle, everyone under age 18 must wear a seat belt or ride in a child safety seat, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, and everyone in the front seat must wear a seat belt regardless of age.

Texting is banned for all drivers in Virginia.

Norfolk Impaired Driving Laws

According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, a driver who is over the age of 21 will receive a DUI charge if his or her blood alcohol level is higher than 0.08 percent. Those who refuse a test receive an automatic seven-day license suspension. First offenders receive a fine of $250 and one-year license revocation. Punishment increases to include a five-day jail sentence for a BAC of .15 percent and 10 days for .20 or higher. Ignition interlocks may also be ordered, including for first offenders.