Virginia

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.

Virginia
Motorcycle Helmet Required?

Universal helmet law enacted 1970.

Virginia
Length of Regular Renewal Cycle

8 years

Virginia
Provisions for Mature Drivers

75 and over: renewal every 5 years in person with vision test (in person or physician report)

Virginia
Rural Interstates: Cars (MPH)

70

Virginia
Rural Interstates: Trucks (MPH)

70

Virginia
Urban Interstates: Cars (MPH)

70

Virginia
Urban Interstates: Trucks (MPH)

70

Virginia
Other Limited Access Roads: Cars (MPH)

65

Virginia
Other Limited Access Roads: Trucks (MPH)

65

Virginia
Open container laws

No

Virginia
Repeat Offender Laws

yes

Virginia
Increased penalty for high BAC

.15 and .20

Virginia
Administrative license suspension on first offense

7 days

Virginia
Limited driving privileges during suspension

None

Virginia
Ignition Interlocks

Mandatory for repeat convictions; highly incentivized for first convictions

Virginia
Child Restraint Required

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

Virginia
Adult Safety Belt Permissible

8-17 yrs (4-7 yrs with physician's exemption)

Virginia
Full Privilege Minimum Age

18 years

Virginia
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15 / 6

Virginia
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

9

Virginia
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

45 (15)

Virginia
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16 / 3

Virginia
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

Midnight - 4 a.m. (secondary enforcement)

Virginia
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 12 months: no more than 1 under 21 (secondary enforcement) Thereafter: no more than 3 under 21 under certain conditions (secondary enforcement)

Virginia
Type of Law

Secondary; Primary for occupants under 18

Virginia
Who is Covered?

All drivers; passengers 18 and over

Virginia
In What Seat?

Front Under 18: All (primary enforcement)

Virginia
Hand-Held Ban?

Yes. Primary law.

Virginia
All Cell Phone Ban? School Bus Drivers

Yes. Primary law.

Virginia
All Cell Phone Ban? Novice Drivers

No

Virginia
Text Messaging Ban?

All drivers. Primary law.

Virginia
Speed Cameras: State Law

Permitted by state law

Virginia
Speed Cameras: Where Permitted

School crossing zones and highway work zones

Virginia
Red Light Cameras: State Law

Permitted by state law and city ordinance

Virginia
Red Light Cameras: Where Permitted

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

Virginia
DUID Zero Tolerance or Per se Laws for Some Drugs

Per se >0 for some drugs

Virginia
Marijuana Possession and Use

Decriminalized and legal for recreational and medical use

Virginia
Marijuana Impaired Driving

None
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