Commonwealth of Virginia Driving Laws

The people are friendly, tourism generates more than $19 billion per year, and Forbes.com says Virginia is one of the nation’s best places to live, work, and relax. Virginia will definitely treat you well, but only if you do the same — especially when driving on Virginia roads. Don’t fret — the Commonwealth of Virginia welcomes all with open arms, but it does not fool around when it comes to keeping its roads approachable and safe for all. For starters, it doesn’t matter of you’re operating a car or scooter, if you get caught driving under the influence in Virginia, you will lose your license automatically – even if it’s your first offense. In addition to carrying an automatic one year license suspension, Virginia DUI convictions carry a $250 fine.

The penalties listed above are for drunk drivers with a blood alcohol content level (BAC) of 0.08%-0.15%. A BAC of 0.08% may be as little as a few beers for some or several cocktails for others. If you get caught driving on any Virginia road with a BAC between 0.15%-0.20% and you were not involved in an accident, you will automatically go to jail for 5 days. There are no exceptions to this rule. A BAC over 0.20% will cost you 10 days in jail plus possible fines up to $1,000. So as you can see, it doesn’t pay to drink and drive in Virginia.

So, what about Virginia auto insurance laws and how does Virginia manage its energetic teen driver population? Much like other states, Virginia auto insurance is mandatory for all. Virginia motorists are prohibited from purchasing license plates or decals without proof of insurance. This proof of insurance must show that you have met the state’s minimum auto liability insurance requirements and it must show your name, address, vehicle information, and contact information for your carrier. Proof of insurance must be carried at all times. It’s best not to test the system here – if you get caught driving without insurance or without proof of insurance, your driving and vehicle registration privileges will be suspended.

The minimum auto liability insurance requirements in the state of Virginia are (25/50/20). This means that all driver’s – whether you are a teen or adult, must carry $25,000 bodily injury/death of one person, $50,000 bodily injury/death of two or more persons, and $20,000 for property damage (25/50/20). Although Virginia’s average auto insurance premium is below the national average, the rates increased by 13% between 2008 and 2009. The national average is around $1,780, and the average annual auto insurance premium for Virginia residents is $1,482.

Teen driving laws in Virginia are taken just as seriously as drunk driving and other traffic laws. The road from permit holder to licensed driver is tough for Virginia teens, but the commonwealth feels that the process is necessary and effective. In order to become licensed, Virginia teens must pass though Virginia’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program. Beginning at age 15 ½, and no sooner, teens can begin the process by obtaining a learner or instruction permit. Between the ages of 15 ½ and 16 and 3 months, the teen must complete a state approved driver education program, complete 45 hours of practice driving, and pass a written test.

Once all requirements of the learner permit have been met, and the teen is age 16 and 3 months or older, he can apply for an intermediate license. Under the intermediate license, the teen must follow a number of laws in order to advance to full licensing. The laws include but are not limited to supervised nighttime driving, limits on passengers, and refraining from using a cell phone in any capacity while driving. In addition, Virginia has a “zero tolerance” policy for underage drinking and driving. Teen DUI carries a minimum 6-month license or permit suspension, and a fine up to $500.

For more information about Virginia driving laws, auto insurance, and Virginia DUI information, please visit:

Virginia Auto Insurance – Auto Insurance Tips

http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/citizen/drivers/vadm/vadm3-1.asp – Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

http://www.scc.virginia.gov/division/boi/webpages/inspagedocs/autoguide06.pdf – Virginia Auto Insurance Consumer’s Guide