Hundreds of New Laws Go Into Effect Today

Hundreds of new laws go into effect in Virginia today.

They range from alcohol consumption (you can now bring your own wine to participating restaurants) to the school-year calendar (a school district may begin classes before Labor Day if it is surrounded by other districts that already have a waiver from the state to begin school early).

Another notable law: Teens found drinking and driving will face harsher penalties, including loss of their license for a year and either a $500 minimum fine or 50 hours of community service. Previously, the punishment was loss of license for six months and a maximum fine of $500.

Several series of special license plates were authorized by this year’s General Assembly, including “In God We Trust” and the tea party-themed “Don’t Tread On Me” plates. One man's fight to get enough signatures for a Reston license plate will continue to next year.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch has a list of some of the new law highlights here.