GHSA maintains data on state laws surrounding a number of highway safety issues. Below is information regarding laws in the state of Virginia. For more information, consult the State Highway Safety Office.
Universal helmet law enacted 1970.
8 years
75 and over: renewal every 5 years in person with vision test (in person or physician report)
65
65
70
70
70
70
.15 and .20
7 days
None
Mandatory for repeat convictions; highly incentivized for first convictions
No
yes
Under 2 years old in rear-facing seat (or until minimum weight requirement reached)
7 yrs or under
Children in rear-facing devices must be in a rear seat if available - otherwise, in front only if front passenger airbag is deactivated
8-17 yrs (4-7 yrs with physician's exemption)
45 (15)
16 / 3
Midnight - 4 a.m. (secondary enforcement)
First 12 months: no more than 1 under 21 (secondary enforcement) Thereafter: no more than 3 under 21 under certain conditions (secondary enforcement)
18 years
15 / 6
9
Secondary; Primary for occupants under 18
All drivers; passengers 18 and over
Front Under 18: All (primary enforcement)
Yes. Primary law.
Yes. Primary law.
No
All drivers. Primary law.
Permitted by state law
School crossing zones and highway work zones
Permitted by state law and city ordinance
Statewide; no more than one intersection for every 10,000 residents in each community, except for communities under the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, which are allowed systems at not more than 10 intersections or no more than one intersection for every 10,000 residents, whichever is greater
Decriminalized and legal for recreational and medical use
None
Per se >0 for some drugs
Police say drivers are taking advantage of empty roads to speed and drive aggressively.
Story by Marcella Robertson
April 27, 2020
Pedestrian deaths are projected to have risen across DC, Maryland and Virginia in 2018, according to GHSA's latest report. Kara Macek, Senior Director of Communications and Programs, discusses the behavioral and design changes needed to address this issue.
The Virginia legislature recently passed a law banning handheld device use behind the wheel. This article contextualizes the move using GHSA's list of state laws.
Story by Adam Tuss
February 13, 2019
A number of factors may be contributing to high numbers of pedestrian deaths in communities nationwide. GHSA's Kara Macek discusses, pointing out that while vehicles have gotten safer, pedestrians remain as vulnerable as ever.
Story by Rich Griset
January 2, 2019
Motorcycle Helmet Required?
Universal helmet law enacted 1970.
Length of Regular Renewal Cycle
8 years
Rural Interstates: Cars (MPH)
70
