Every legislative session, Virginia’s state government enacts new laws. According to the state constitution, unless the law is scheduled to go into effect on a certain date or the law is an “emergency law” that is passed by both houses of the General Assembly by a 2/3 majority, the new laws take effect on following July 1st.
Several new laws regarding driving take effect in Virginia tomorrow.
Laws Affecting Speed
Starting July 1st, some reckless-driving offenders may be required to have a speed-limiting device installed in their vehicle. According to the Life Safer Intelligent Speed Assistance website, court orders may require Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) installation for drivers “convicted of reckless driving by speed under Virginia law”, “traveling 20mph or more above the posted speed limit”, or were cited for speeds exceeding 85 miles per hour.
More details concerning this update are detailed under the Virginia Code Section 46.2-506.
Cell Phone Usage
Virginia already has in place a law prohibiting drivers from holding cell phones. Code of Virginia Section 46.2-818.2 states “it is unlawful for any person, while driving a moving motor vehicle on the highways in the Commonwealth, to hold a handheld personal communications device.” A conviction for a violation of this statue specifies a $125 civil penalty (fine) for a first offense, a $250 fine for a second offense, and a mandatory fine of $250 for holding the cell phone while driving in a work zone.
Livestreaming While Driving
Virginia Code Section 46.2-818.3 effective July 1, 2026 makes it unlawful to initiate, participate in, view, or interact with any live stream or manipulate a cell phone or recording device to maintain a live stream while driving a moving motor vehicle on a public roadway unless the use is for reporting on an emergency or crime. A conviction for violating this statue carries a fine of up to $500.
“Flock” Camera Systems
There are also some updates to the laws for automatic plate recognition systems (e.g., “Flock” cameras) going into effect on July 1st. Effective July 1, 2026, contracts between public law-enforcement agencies (i.e., Virginia police departments) and camera contractors (vendors) establish a framework requiring that the vendor maintains the data from the cameras in a certain manner, including that the data stream is the property of the police department. The law will require that system data is purged in 21 days (down from the previous 30 days) and states that the system data and audit trail is not subject to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
AI-powered Traffic Violation Cameras
Effective July 1, police departments can also employ AI cameras to enforce certain traffic violations. These violations include failing to stop at stop signs or failing to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. The law also requires the Virginia State Police to conduct a review of speed safety cameras and submit a report by December 1, 2026.
How New Virginia Laws Can Affect Your Injury Claim
Today’s technological advancements are already paving tomorrow’s legal landscape – from harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to placing further limitations on cell phone usage in your vehicle. Growing use of advanced camera/detection systems may mean more evidence for your injury case.
If you or a loved one have been injured due to another driver’s negligence, talk to a personal injury attorney with the power to win and the experience to prove it.
Call Slaughter & Lupton Law at 757-999-1111 today.
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