Two new traffic safety laws have taken effect in Virginia in July 2010. These are laws that you need to be aware of if you are traveling on the state’s roads and highways.
Virginia lawmakers voted to expand the Commonwealth’s Move Over law during the 2010 legislative session. This new law requires motorists to move over or proceed cautiously (if they can’t change lanes safely) when there is a tow truck or highway maintenance vehicle flashing amber lights. Previously, motorists only had to do so when there were vehicles displaying red or blue lights.
This new law is designed to protect tow truck drivers and highway workers. It follows a tragic Newport News accident that claimed the life of Andy Starmer, a tow truck driver who was hit and killed while he was assisting a stranded motorist.
There is a second law that has taken effect, which impacts teenagers. According to the new law, 16- and 17-year-old passengers will be required to wear seatbelts while riding in the back seat of vehicles. They will be subject to primary enforcement for not buckling up. Before this law, only fifteen-year-old and younger passengers had to wear seatbelts in the back seat.
Lawmakers are hoping that these new laws will serve as additional protection for many on the roads in Virginia.
