Virginia's driving restrictions are not meant to penalize teen drivers, but to help them stay safe while they gain valuable driving experience. Studies have found that these restrictions work to reduce the number of car crashes among young drivers.
Curfew Restrictions
If you are under age 18, Virginia law prohibits you from driving midnight to 4 a.m. except when driving:
- to or from a place of business where you are employed;
- to or from an activity that is supervised by an adult and is sponsored by a school or by a civic, religious, or public organization;
- with a licensed spouse age 18 or older, parent or other adult acting in loco parentis who is occupying the front passenger seat,
- in case of an emergency, including responding to emergency calls as a volunteer firefighter or rescue squad personnel.
Restrictions on the Number of Passengers
If you are under age 18, you may carry only one passenger under age 21, unless accompanied by a licensed parent, or other adult acting in place of a parent, in the front passenger seat. However, after you have held your license for one year, you may carry up to three passengers under age 21 in the following situations:
- Travel to and from a school-sponsored activity;
- A licensed driver 21 or older is in the front passenger seat; or
- In case of an emergency.
Learner's permit holders may not carry more than one passenger under age 18.
(Passenger restrictions do not apply to family members)
Violations of either the curfew or passenger restrictions can result in the suspension of your driver's license.
Cellular Telephone/Wireless Telecommunications Device Restrictions
Virginia's cellular telephone law prohibits the use of cell phones while driving, regardless of whether such device is or is not hand-held.
You can only use a cell phone or any other telecommunications device for a driver emergency and the vehicle must be lawfully parked or stopped.