Each year, more than 2,000 teens are killed in motor vehicle crashes across the United States, making it the leading cause of death for young people. In Virginia alone, around 80 crashes a year involve teen drivers, and approximately one-fifth of those are linked to unlicensed or underage drivers operating outside the limits of their permits.
These deaths are not just statistics; they’re preventable tragedies. Yet for too long, accountability for those who allow unlicensed teens to get behind the wheel has been vague or nonexistent. That gap in responsibility has left schools, families, and communities vulnerable.
Recent legislation in Virginia aims to close those gaps by creating clear expectations, consequences, and protections that make our roads safer for everyone. Here are the new driving laws to be aware of this year:
HB1549 and SB750: Penalty for Illegal Driving
This law makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to knowingly allow someone to drive who is unlicensed or violating learner’s permit rules, if it results in a crash causing injury or death.
Why it matters to you:
If you’re a parent, guardian, employer, teacher, or vehicle owner, this law holds you criminally accountable for knowingly allowing a teen or unlicensed person to drive illegally. It reinforces the responsibility of adults to protect others on the road and deters dangerous decisions that may lead to tragedy.
HB2213: Expanded Access to Behind-the-Wheel
This bill strongly encourages each school board in Virginia to provide behind-the-wheel training to students during school hours, after school, or on weekends. It also expands access to behind-the-wheel driver training in underserved school districts, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Why it matters to you:
If your teen attends a public high school in Virginia, they’re now more likely to have access to the hands-on driver training required to help them drive safely and confidently. Behind-the-wheel programs are expensive for schools to offer and can limit those in lower-income areas from getting proper education before driving. This law ensures that where you live doesn’t limit your child’s driving education or safety behind the wheel.
HB2096: Intelligent Speed Assistance Program
This legislation creates a statewide Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) Program offering speed-monitoring technology as an alternative to license suspension for certain high-speed or repeated traffic violations. Drivers can opt into the program by installing an ISA device in their vehicle to regulate speed and remain eligible to drive legally. Courts may also require ISA use for reckless driving over 100 mph.
Why it matters to you:
It gives high-risk drivers, especially young or repeat offenders, a chance to correct dangerous habits without losing driving privileges, which often impacts work, school, and family obligations. For families and communities, it offers a smart, proactive way to reduce speeding-related crashes and saves lives by focusing on behavior change rather than just punishment.
After losing her 16-year-old son Conner in a preventable crash, Tammy Gweedo McGee founded the Gweedo Memorial Foundation and launched IfYouSeeSomethingSaySomething.org, an anonymous platform that empowers teens to speak up about unsafe driving. Tammy has led four major traffic safety laws in Virginia and continues to champion education and accountability to protect young lives on the road through school assemblies and outreach events – all in honor of her son and with the goal of protecting lives, families, and futures. Her advocacy has earned her national and local recognition, including a national honor from the Governors Highway Safety Association.
