Top More Rules of the Road

The Driver's Manual gives you all the basic information you need to begin driving in Virginia. But it's not a definitive source, because laws are constantly being added and updated. It doesn't replace the Code of Virginia or any other state or federal laws that apply to motor vehicles. It is your duty to know the rules of the road, so here are a few more that might be different from other states.

Emergency Vehicles

When emergency vehicles such as ambulances or fire trucks approach, pull over to the curb and give them the right of way. If the emergency vehicle is stopped, change lanes when passing it, or proceed with caution.

Fines

If you fail to pay your court fines, whether or not they are motor vehicle related, your license can be suspended.

Seatbelts and Children

Child safety seats can be tough to install correctly, so it's a good idea to visit one of the many locations across the state that offer safety seat inspections.

Some notable requirements of the state's current child restraint law include:

• Children younger than 8 years old must be properly secured in an approved child safety seat or booster seat.

• From birth to 12 months, infants must sit in the back seat, facing the rear of the vehicle.

• From 1 to 7 (up until the 8th birthday), children face forward in an approved safety seat or booster seat.

• From 8-15 (up until the 16th birthday), your child still must wear a seat belt.

Experts strongly recommend that child restraints and safety seats be placed in the back seat of your vehicle, and furthermore, in the middle of that backseat, if appropriate seat belts and/or LATCH systems are present. Again, check with a safety seat inspector for the best installation options for your vehicle.

Some possible exceptions to the back-seat requirement:

• Cars made before 1968.

• Vehicles with no back seat. If your car does not have a back seat, you should install a child restraint in the front passenger seat only if there are no passenger air bags, or those air bags have been deactivated.

• Physician's exemption. If medically indicated for health and safety reasons, you may exempt your child, but make sure to keep a letter from your doctor in the vehicle should you ever be questioned.

There is a $50 fine for failing to obey these child restraint device laws.

And a few more requirements:

• Never hold your child in your lap.

• It is illegal to transport someone younger than 16 in a pickup truck's bed, even if it has a shell.

Top Other Miscellaneous Road Rules

Failure to Pay Taxes

If you don't pay your local vehicle license fee or property tax, you cannot renew your registration.

Insurance

You must have insurance on your vehicle from the day you register it until the day you turn in your license plates. This includes vehicles that are broken down and don't work. Any lapse in coverage could lead to fines or other penalties.

If your insurance policy is canceled or terminated for any reason, you must reinsure your vehicle, pay the $500 uninsured motorist fee, or turn in your license plates to the DMV.

Drinking and Driving

Never use drugs or drink alcohol while you drive. Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There are stiff penalties for DUI offenses in Virginia.

Although you do not need a driver's license to operate a moped in Virginia, the state's DUI laws apply to operating mopeds on public highways.

Headlights

Headlights must be used between sunset and sunrise. Also turn them on whenever you use your wipers during inclement weather. Use low beams on city and town roads. Use high beams when you are on the highway and not within 200 feet of the vehicle ahead of you. Also, dim your high beams when vehicles approaching from the other direction are within 500 feet of you.

Above all, use common sense when you are driving. Avoid distractions, keep your eyes on the road, and drive safely, and you will greatly reduce your chances of being involved in a crash.

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