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New Virginia Traffic Laws Starting July 1, 2025
Virginia has several new law changes that took effect on July 1st that drivers across Virginia should be aware of. These laws include updates to Virginia’s seat belt law, the creation of a new “exhibition driving” reckless driving law, changes to rules on ignition interlock devices and the evidence needed by cameras to prove speeding in school zones.
1. As of July 1, 2025, exhibition driving is now considered reckless driving. A driver participates in exhibition driving if they spin their wheels while using both the brakes and gas pedal, operate a vehicle by zigzagging or spinning around in a circular pattern, or operate a vehicle to exhibit the speed or power of a vehicle from a designated starting point to a designated ending point. Those arrested for exhibition driving shall have their vehicles impounded or immobilized for 20 days. If a person is found guilty of exhibition driving, their license shall be suspended for a period of up to 6 months. Read more about the new exhibition driving statute here.
2. As of July 1, 2025, courts are authorized to dismiss charges for driving without a license or driving on a suspended license where the license issue is cured. Read more about when the court may dismiss charges for no license or driving on a suspended license here.
3. As of July 1, 2025, pre-conviction interlock is available for first or second time DUI offenders. First and second time DUI offenders may now elect to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle prior to trial. The length of time the interlock device is installed on their vehicle before trial will be counted toward any ignition interlock requirements or restricted license sentences imposed by the court or Department of Motor Vehicles. Read more about the pre-conviction ignition interlock accrual law here.
4. As of July 1, 2025, evidence of an active school zone is required for camera tickets. This new law requires that proof of an active school zone, whether in the form of an activated flashing sign, portable sign, or tilt-over sign, must be present in the pictures, videos, or other “documentation” that is used as evidence against the offender. Read about the new requirements for photo speed monitoring devices in school zones here.
5. As of July 1, 2025, all vehicle occupants over 18 are required to wear seat belts. Previously, the law only required those over 18 in the front seats of vehicles to wear seat belts. Now, the new law makes it a requirement for passengers who are over 18 in the back seat to wear seat belts as well. Failure to do so is considered an infraction. Read more about the new seat belt law here.
6. As of July 1, 2025, new penalties are in place for those who allow unauthorized individuals and minors to operate motor vehicles. If someone not legally authorized to drive a vehicle or a minor without a learner’s permit or a minor with a learner’s permit who violates the requirements set forth in § 46.2-335 gets into an accident resulting in injury or death, the individual who allowed them to drive will be guilty of a class 1 criminal misdemeanor. Read about the law and penalties for allowing an unauthorized individual to drive here.
7. As of July 1, 2025, injuring or killing a pedestrian who is lawfully crossing a street is considered a class 1 criminal misdemeanor. Previously, the law stated that failing to stop for a pedestrian under § 46.2-924 was an infraction. The amendment, however, makes a violation of this code section a misdemeanor if there is serious bodily injury or death to a vulnerable road user. Learn more about the elevated penalties here.
New Virginia Traffic Laws Coming July 1, 2026:
1. A New Intelligent Speed Assistance Program (Speed Governor) will be established for those convicted of Reckless Driving. This new program will be monitored by Virginia ASAP and will act as an alternative to license suspension should a defendant be found guilty of reckless driving by speed (certain criteria apply), reckless driving too fast for conditions, or reckless driving for racing (effective July 1, 2026). ISAP will work similarly to a speed governor and will be required to be installed on all vehicles owned by or registered to the defendant. Read more about the Intelligent Speed Assistance Program coming to Virginia in 2026 here.
What Does this Mean for You?
Traffic laws are always changing, and having someone on your side who understands the nuances of traffic law could mean the difference between a conviction and a reduction or a dismissal. If you have received a ticket for a traffic violation in either the Hampton Roads area or on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, one of our experienced attorneys would be glad to speak with you. We provide free traffic law consultations in the cities we practice in.
Please call (757) DUI-HELP (757-384-4357) or use this link to book a consultation.