AAA Celebrates Traffic Safety Wins in 2026 Virginia General Assembly Session

RICHMOND, VA (June 10, 2026) — The AAA Clubs of Virginia applaud the General Assembly and Governor for passing several significant traffic safety measures that will improve roadway safety and protect drivers, pedestrians, and all who travel the Commonwealth’s roads. Several of the new laws take effect in just over two weeks.

“For 124 years, AAA has championed ‘Safe Roads for All,’ and this legislative session delivered meaningful progress toward that mission,” said AAA Mid-Atlantic government and public affairs manager Morgan Dean. “We thank Virginia lawmakers for advancing commonsense policies that will save lives on our roads. “

Key Legislative Wins for Traffic Safety

1. Strengthening Impaired Driving Prevention — HB 561 (Hope)

AAA supported HB 561, which expands the use of the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP) and ignition interlock devices (IID). The new law allows judges to require immediate participation in VASAP and IID use as a condition of receiving a restricted license, closing a gap that previously allowed impaired drivers to return to the road without safeguards.

Research shows over 75% of people continue driving on suspended licenses, often while impaired—a risk this legislation directly addresses. By reinforcing the use of interlocks and counseling, Virginia is taking a major step toward preventing repeat offenses and reducing alcohol‑related crashes.

“AAA has partnered with MADD to reduce impaired driving fatalities by 20% by 2030,” says Dean. “Meaningful changes to existing laws and the expansion of proven technology like ignition interlock devices can help keep impaired drivers off the roads.”

2. Expanding Automated Enforcement & Improving Transparency — HB 994, SB 84, HB 1220

The General Assembly advanced several bills that together strengthen automated enforcement programs across Virginia:

·SB 84 authorizes the expansion of automated enforcement at pedestrian crosswalks, stop signs near schools, work zones, and high‑risk intersections. With 126 pedestrians killed and 1,719 injured in Virginia in 2024, automated enforcement provides an unbiased, continuous deterrent to dangerous driving behaviors like speeding and failure to stop — particularly near schools along with neighborhoods and in work zones where risks are highest.

• HB 994 and HB 1220 establish critical transparency and accountability measures, including:
• Reinvesting excess funds into traffic safety, speed management, pedestrian and bicycle improvements, public transit, and other safety projects.
• Requiring annual reporting to the Virginia State Police.
• Ensuring enforcement data is publicly accessible, including violations, revenue, and spending.

“These important protections go a long way in helping ensure that automated enforcement is used for traffic safety and as policing for profit,” says Dean.

3. Improving Safety for New Teen and Young Adult Drivers — HB 1224 (Delaney) & SB 396 (Diggs)

With more young people delaying licensing until age 18, gaps in driver education have widened. The new companion bills require individuals aged 18 to 21 to:

• Complete a DMV- or DOE‑approved driver education course, and
• Hold a learner’s permit for 90 days before testing for a permanent license.

These changes ensure new drivers up to the age of 21 receive the training necessary to safely navigate Virginia’s roadways.

4. Combatting Distracted Driving From Live Streaming — HB 320 (Cole)

Despite existing hands‑free laws, distracted driving continues to threaten roadway safety. HB 320 addresses an emerging hazard by prohibiting drivers from initiating, participating in, or interacting with live‑streaming content while behind the wheel.

This modern update helps curb a growing trend of technology driven inattention behind the wheel and reinforces Virginia’s commitment to distraction‑free driving.

AAA Applauds Bipartisan Commitment to Road Safety

Together, these bills represent major advances toward safer roads across Virginia.

“These legislative wins reflect a strong, bipartisan recognition that protecting Virginians on the road requires continuous improvement and thoughtful modernization,” Dean said. “We are proud to support these measures and remain committed to working with lawmakers, agencies, and communities to build safer roads for all.”

Making the roads safer is a priority for all.AAA encourages drivers to be up to date on these changes to Virginia’s traffic safety laws.

HB 561, HB 994, SB 84, HB 1220, and HB 320 take effect July 1, 2026; the new licensing requirements for drivers ages 18 to 21 under HB 1224 and SB 396 take effect January 1, 2027.