Educate yourself on Virginia law before your teen drives

Driving is difficult for anyone and for teens driving can be lethal.  Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 20.  This is why parental/guardian involvement is crucial during the first years of all teens driving.

 Cell Phone:

Drivers under the age of 18 may not operate a motor vehicle the highways in Virginia while using their cell phone or any other wireless telecommunications devise.  Texting is also prohibited. 

 Alcohol:

If a teen is convicted of illegally consuming alcohol the court will suspend their driving privilege for one year and will be fined a minimum mandatory fine of $500 or will be required to complete at least 50 hours of community service.

 Passenger limit:

Anyone driving that is under 18 years old, may only have one passenger under 18 during the first year of getting his/her license. 

 After the first year or until age 18, your teens may carry only three passengers under age 18.

(This does not apply to family members.)

 Curfew:

If your teen is under age 18, he/she may not operate a motor vehicle between the hours of 12am and 4am except:

• in case of an emergency
• when traveling to and from work or a school event
• with a parent or other adult acting in place of a parent in the vehicle