Are you aware of all new laws affecting drivers in Virginia?

On July 1st, new laws passed by the Virginia General Assembly will go into effect across the state, and many are important for Virginia drivers to know.

Unpaid Court Fees No Longer Result in Suspended License
On July 1st, 2019, driver’s who are unable to pay their court fees will no longer have their licenses suspended. In addition, the budget amendment reinstates driving privileges for the more than 627,000 Virginians who currently have their licenses suspended because of unpaid court fees. Before heading to the DMV next week, consider how busy it may be due to this change.

The Virginia DMV is sharing the following additional information:

Background

Effective July 1, 2019, Virginia law will change to prohibit courts from suspending someone’s driving privilege solely for failure to pay court fines and costs. This change does not address non-payment of tolls.

Also beginning July 1, anyone whose driving privilege has been suspended solely for failure to pay court fines and costs will have his/her driving privilege reinstated. These individuals will not owe a reinstatement fee.

The law change only affects a person’s ability to get their driver’s license back. It does not eliminate the requirement to pay the underlying court costs and fines.
What do customers need to do?

Make sure your mailing address is up-to-date by visiting dmvNOW.com.

DMV will be contacting individuals who currently live in Virginia and are suspended for failure to pay court fines and costs to advise them of their specific requirements to get their driver’s licenses.

The customers will go through the standard application process, including a new photo and vision screening. There may be other requirements, as well, such as proof of permanent legal presence in the United States (i.e. birth certificate, U. S. Passport, legal permanent resident card) and/or testing, depending upon whether there is evidence the individual has ever held a license. If there is evidence someone has held a license, no testing will be required unless required as a result of a driver’s license revocation.

Children Must Remain in Rear-Facing Car Seats Until Age 2
Children in Virginia must remain in rear-facing car seats until the age of 2 or the minimum weight limit called for by the car seat manufacturer. If your car does not have a back seat, the child may sit in the front passenger seat but only when the passenger seat airbag is deactivated. The law does not apply to taxis, school buses, or limousines. The fine for a first offense is $50.

A bill passed by the 2018 Virginia General Assembly and signed by Governor Ralph Northam that will take effect July 1, 2019 requires children remain rear-facing in child safety seats until age two, or until the child reaches the minimum weight limit for a forward-facing child restraint device as prescribed by the manufacturer of the device.

“Car crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages one to 13, which is why it is so important for parents to select the right child safety seat and use it properly,” said Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine. “The forces during a crash can be deadly. A rear-facing car seat is designed to move with the child in the event of a crash, helping to protect his or her head, neck, and spinal cord.”

Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb, the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative, added, “Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommend all children ride rear-facing as long as possible. You may think your child is ready to face forward, but for optimal protection, it’s important to keep your child rear-facing until he or she is at the highest weight or height specified in the manufacturer’s instructions.”

The AAP and NHTSA also recommend the following when installing a child safety seat:

Follow the installation instructions provided by the child safety seat manufacturer.

Position the harness straps on the shoulders and chest and flat against the child’s body. The straps should be snug enough that you cannot pinch any slack in the straps at the child’s shoulder.
Position the chest clip at armpit level. Make sure the safety seat does not move forward or side-to-side more than one inch.

Virginia’s child passenger safety laws require all children under age eight be properly secured in a child safety seat or booster seat, regardless of weight or height. For more information on child safety seats, including selecting and installing a seat, visit dmvNOW.com.

Fines for Holding a Cell Phone in A Work Zone
Holding a cell phone while driving in a Virginia road work zone will now be against the law. Violators will face a $250 fine.

Failure to Move for Emergency Vehicles = Reckless Driving
Failing to move over or slow down for police, fire, EMS and similar vehicles stopped with flashing lights will now be reckless driving, similar to speeding over 80 mph. Penalties for reckless driving in Virginia include up to a year in jail or a fine up to $2,500.