There is a new driving law in Virginia that could put car owners in jail for allowing an unlicensed minor to drive their vehicle. According to this new law, you could face a year in jail or up to $2,500 in fines even if you were not behind the wheel.
The new Virginia driving law aims at reducing accidents caused by teen drivers and to improve overall road safety across the state. It introduces strict penalties for any adult who knowingly allows a minor with a learner’s permit to drive.
What the New Law Establishes
In July 1, 2025, the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation making it a Class 1 misdemeanor for a vehicle owner to knowingly allow an unlicensed minor to drive their vehicle.
Starting July 1, car owners risk prosecution even if they are not behind the wheel and can be fined up to $2,500 in fines or up to 12 months in jail. Additionally, even allowing a minor with a learner’s permit to drive under supervision is punishable if the minor intends to break laws such as speed limits and curfews.
According to one of the sponsors of the bill, Delegate W. Chad Green, the new law holds parents responsible and it aims to prevent unauthorized teen driving, which is one of the major causes of tragic accidents.
The Personal Tragedy Behind the Law
It is unfortunate that this new Virginia driving law was born out of a tragedy that led to the death of Joseph “Gweedo” Guido, a 15-year-old who died in a crash with an unlicensed 16-year-old teen driver in 2019. To prevent other parents from losing their children in teenage-caused accidents, Tammy McGee, mother to Joseph Guido, founded the Gweedo Memorial Foundation.
As the name suggests, the foundation is in honor of Joseph Guido, and through it, Tammy McGee has strongly advocated for teen safety in Virginia. McGee helped pass a number of bills, including increased parental involvement in teen driver education in 2021 and stricter school parking lot safety in 2021.
McGee also has a website that enables people to report illegal activities, unsafe driving, and bullying.
Why Virginia Enacted This Law
Besides the death of Joseph Guido, statistics show that unlicensed teenage drivers are involved in dangerous behaviors such as distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs and speeding, which usually lead to fatal accidents. Experts also claim that there is limited access to proper behind-the-wheel education, especially for families that can’t afford a private driving instructor.
Other Similar Laws in Virginia
In addition to the new Virginia law about legal accountability for teen drivers, all passengers, including those in back seats, must buckle up or face a $25 fine. This law, HB 2475, was approved by Virginia’s governor, Glenn Youngkin, on March 24, 2025. This law doesn’t only affect adults but also children. In fact, the fine could rise to $50 if a minor is not properly wearing a seat belt even when riding in the back seat. However, there is a special clause for children.
Conclusion
The new Virginia driving law is not only a traffic law but a statement for vehicle owners. Vehicle ownership is no longer passive, and that calls for more vigilance. If you allow an unlicensed minor to drive your vehicle, you must be responsible for the consequences.
Additionally, the new driving law reminds families that licenses and driving training matter.