Starting Tuesday, July 1, several new traffic laws will go into effect in Virginia — and drivers across the Commonwealth will need to pay close attention. Passed during the 2025 General Assembly session, these laws are aimed at improving roadway safety and cutting down on fatalities.
AAA highlighted the three most notable changes in a press release issued Monday.
1. Seatbelts Now Required for All Adults — Front and Back
All adult passengers must now wear seatbelts, regardless of where they’re seated in a vehicle. Previously, Virginia law only required seatbelt use for adults in the front seats.
The Virginia DMV reports that in 2024, 35% of the state’s traffic fatalities involved individuals who weren’t wearing seatbelts. And according to earlier reports by 8News, Virginia ranks as the worst state in the country when it comes to seatbelt use.
This is a secondary offense, meaning drivers won’t be pulled over solely for seatbelt violations — but they can be cited if stopped for another traffic offense.
2. Street Takeovers, Donuts, and Drifting Now Count as Reckless Driving
Social media-fueled trends like street racing and stunt driving have become more common — and more dangerous.
Beginning July 1, Virginia law will now classify illegal street takeovers, exhibition driving, donuts, and drifting as forms of reckless driving, whether they occur on public roads or in parking lots.
Penalties are increasing, and not just for drivers. Anyone caught riding on the hood, roof, or exterior of a vehicle performing these stunts can also face prosecution.
According to Insurify, Virginia ranked sixth in the nation for street racing incidents in 2023.
3. Speeding Over 100 MPH? Your Car May Be Forced to Slow You Down
While this law doesn’t take effect until July 1, 2026, it’s one to keep in mind.
Drivers convicted of reckless driving may soon be required to install intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices in their vehicles. These systems use GPS to track the speed limit and restrict acceleration once a driver exceeds it.
Judges may order the use of these devices instead of suspending a license — though for extreme speeders (those going over 100 mph), the devices will be mandatory.
AAA says this kind of technology is crucial to curbing repeat offenders. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, nearly half of drivers admitted to going 15+ mph over the speed limit on highways at least once in the past month.
‘Aimed at Saving Lives’
Morgan Dean, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic, believes these laws will help reverse dangerous driving trends.
“Too many people have lost their lives in crashes in the Commonwealth, and this legislation aims to lower these statistics,” Dean said. “These laws will bring about a reduction in traffic crashes and, ultimately, a decrease in traffic fatalities.”
Virginia drivers are encouraged to review these new laws and adjust their habits accordingly — starting July 1.
