A major change is coming to Virginia roads starting July 1, 2025: all adult backseat passengers will now be legally required to wear seat belts, or face a $25 fine. Previously, only front-seat occupants and minors were required to buckle up. This new regulation is part of a broader push to improve traffic safety and reduce preventable injuries in motor vehicle accidents.
The legislation, officially known as House Bill 2475, was signed into law by Governor Glenn Youngkin and is also referred to as the Christopher King Backseat Law, named after a teenager who tragically lost his life in 2020 when he was ejected from a vehicle while riding unbuckled in the backseat. His mother has since advocated for tougher seat belt laws in Virginia, aiming to protect others from the same fate.
While the law applies to adult passengers, it’s important to note that drivers can also be held responsible if a minor is not properly restrained in the backseat. In such cases, fines can climb to $50. However, the new regulation will be enforced secondarily—meaning drivers won’t be pulled over solely for seat belt violations but can be cited if stopped for another reason.
Who’s Affected and Who’s Exempt Under the New Seat Belt Law?
This new law will affect all adult passengers seated in the rear of vehicles. It aligns Virginia with numerous other states that already have similar “click it or ticket” laws in place for all seating positions. However, there are a few notable exemptions.
Certain groups are not required to wear seat belts under the law, including:
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Law enforcement officers on duty
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U.S. postal workers actively delivering mail
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Taxi and rideshare passengers (though seat belts are still strongly encouraged)
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Emergency medical personnel
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Delivery drivers who make frequent stops (under certain conditions)
Despite these exceptions, the law’s intent is clear: increase compliance, raise awareness, and ultimately save lives. According to data, rear-seat passengers who don’t buckle up are twice as likely to be killed in a crash compared to those who do. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles supports the law, noting that seat belt usage already sits at 91% in the state—but backseat compliance remains much lower.