We are just a few days away from July, meaning new laws are looming to take effect in Virginia. There are lots of new laws that were passed during the state’s General Assembly session this year, with starting dates of the first of July. These range from laws covering traffic and driving safety to laws dealing with housing and consumer protection. Furthermore, some laws are entirely brand new while others expand upon existing laws. Here is what you need to know about some of the new traffic laws coming in just a few days.

Adults Must Be Buckled In

This law comes from HB 2475. This is one of the laws expanding an existing law. Specifically, it expands the requirements of adults in a vehicle who must have their seat belts fastened and be buckled in. Previously, only the driver technically needed to have their seat belt buckled as adults. Now, all adult passengers, including people riding in the back seat, must be fully buckled in the car if it is a moving vehicle.

Penalties for Unlicensed Drivers

Per SB 750 and HB 1549, unlicensed drivers who are caught operating a vehicle without a license already would be penalized. However, according to these new laws, any person who willingly allows an unlicensed person, especially an unlicensed minor, are subject to misdemeanor charges. The Class 1 misdemeanor charge would come if the unlicensed driver were to be involved in a traffic collision that results in death or injury.

Stop for Vulnerable Road Users

It is not a new law that drivers must yield to pedestrians. However, under SB 1416, not stopping for pedestrians is considered a traffic infraction. If an incident occurs in which a driver hits a pedestrian and it results in any sort of serious injury or death, then the driver could be charged for a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Compliance Could Drop Charges

HB 1643 states that judges could potentially drop charges for certain traffic violations. However, this can only be down if the driver charged with the violation shows proof of complying with the law. Furthermore, they will have to pay court costs as well, should this happen. Judges can only hold this power for more minor traffic violations, such as driving without a license.

New License Plate Updates

Two new changes are made to license plates in the state. The first comes from HB 2721. This updates specialty plates that support the Washington Commanders. It changes the name to this new name. The team was previously known as the Washington Redskins, but changed their name to the Commanders due to the term’s offensive history.

The second law comes from HB 1722. This law authorizes the creation of a new license plate that is meant to spread awareness of lupus disease. Funds from the plate’s use will support the Social Butterflies Foundation, an organization that provides support to those with lupus.