Virginia has some of the harshest speeding and traffic laws in the U.S. The state’s legal system is also popular for its strictness in handling traffic offenses. You could even be arrested without any type of bail and jailed for reckless driving.
If you’re a driver in Virginia, you must be careful about traffic laws and violations. In this guide, you’ll learn about Virginia’s seven new traffic laws to keep you updated about traffic regulations.
7 New Traffic Laws in Virginia
Beginning in July 2020, seven new driving laws took effect in Virginia. As a defensive driver, you must know and observe these laws to stay safe while using Virginia roads.
1. Drivers Must Stop When Yielding to Pedestrians
Designed to protect pedestrians, this law mandates all vehicle drivers to completely stop when yielding to pedestrians at various points, including:
- Marked crosswalks
- Highway intersections with a maximum of 35 mph speed limit
- Any regular pedestrian crossing added to the boundary lines of the adjacent sidewalk at the end of a block
2. Drivers Cannot Use Handheld Cell Phones and Other Devices While Driving
This law prohibits Virginia drivers from using handheld devices while driving. Unfortunately, due to some amendments, it was delayed until January 2021 before going into effect. As a result of the amendment, the law now prohibits even holding a handheld mobile device while driving.
3. Driving Over 85 mph is Now Considered Reckless Driving
The previous threshold for reckless driving was speeding at 80 mph. However, this new law raises that threshold to 85 mph. Nevertheless, a driver driving a vehicle with a maximum speed limit of 65 mph at 80 mph and above will be subject to a $100 fine.
4. Driver’s License Will No Longer be Suspended for Certain Non-driving Offenses
Virginia’s new traffic laws have stipulated that driver’s licenses would no longer be suspended for the following non-driving related offenses:
- Shoplifting motor fuel
- A deferred for a drug offense or conviction
- Non-payment of fees owed to a correctional facility or regional jail
5. Drivers Cannot Smoke in Vehicles Carrying Children
This law bans drivers from smoking in a motor vehicle carrying children under the age of 15. It expands on the previous laws that ban smoking in vehicles with children under eight years old present.
6. Driver’s License Will Not be Suspended for Non-payment of Fines
This law prevents the suspension of an individual’s driver’s license due to non-payment of fines. The bill also mandates the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to reinstate suspended licenses due to non-payment of fines before July 2019.
7. First Offenders of Breathalyzer Refusal Test Can Petition For a Restricted License
Virginia’s new traffic law now allows drivers convicted for refusing a breathalyzer or blood test to establish drunk driving to petition the court for a restricted driver’s license. However, this does not apply to commercial vehicle drivers.
Generally, these new laws expand on already existing traffic laws. Some even make provisions to lighten the strictness of Virginia’s traffic laws. However, consult a Virginia traffic lawyer if you’re ever in traffic trouble. They understand these laws best and are in the best position to help you out of your troubles.
Endnote
Virginia’s legal system is strict with traffic rules and violations. However, knowing the rules and abiding by them keeps you safe. Thus far, you’ve learned the new Virginia traffic laws, from the revised smoking to license suspension laws. Learn the details of these laws and always work with a legal professional when handling traffic infractions to remain safe.
