Think twice before letting your teen take the wheel—Virginia’s newest driving law puts parents directly in the hot seat. Here’s everything you need to know about the major changes coming this July, and how they could impact families statewide.
New Rules: Parents Face Penalties for Teens Behind the Wheel
In January, Virginia lawmakers passed strict new legislation to crack down on underage and unlicensed drivers. Under the law, vehicle owners will face a Class 1 misdemeanor if they let an unlicensed minor operate their car. Letting a minor with only a learner’s permit drive while knowing they plan to break the law is also illegal.
Delegate W. Chad Green explained, “It’s another tool for law enforcement to hold parents responsible. Maybe this change will make adults say, ‘we’re not going to let this happen,’ and lives could be saved.”
A conviction could mean up to a year in jail and a hefty fine—especially if a crash occurs, whether fatal or not.
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A Mom’s Mission for Safer Teen Driving
Tammy McGee, whose son tragically died in a 2019 crash involving an underage driver, has been a driving force behind these new laws. She launched the Gweedo Memorial Foundation to honor her son, Joseph Conner Williams Guido (“Gweedo”), and champions teen driving education.
McGee has helped push through previous bills, including one for safer school parking and another that requires parental involvement in driver education. She even created a website for anonymously reporting unsafe driving and bullying.
She told the Virginia Mercury, “Some families can’t afford private instructors, so kids miss out on real behind-the-wheel education. That makes unlicensed driving more likely.” She hopes the new law will mean every student gets proper in-car training—and parents get peace of mind.
What’s a Class 1 Misdemeanor?
Violating the new law, which takes effect July 1, is serious. A Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia is the highest level, carrying up to 12 months in jail and/or a $2,500 fine. This is the same category as assault, DUI, or shoplifting. If you allow an unlicensed or misusing minor to drive your car, you could face the same fate.
Two More Laws Go Into Effect July 1
The new driving law is just one of several updates in Virginia:
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Threats against public spaces: Making or spreading threats (including shooting, bombing, or damaging buildings) will now be charged as a Class 5 felony—unless the offender is under 18, in which case it’s a Class 1 misdemeanor.
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Mail theft: Hiding, stealing, or even knowingly receiving someone else’s mail is now a Class 6 felony.
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Teens and Adults—Buckle Up!
The state is also getting stricter on seat belt use. Starting next month, everyone in the car—front and back—must buckle up, or risk a $25 fine. Police will enforce this statewide starting July 1.
And in Florida, new training requirements are rolling out for teens ages 15 to 17, who must now complete a state-approved driver’s ed course to earn a learner’s permit.