RICHMOND, Va. — With holiday traffic already building on roadways across the Commonwealth, Virginia State Police are stepping up enforcement as part of a statewide effort to prevent crashes, injuries, and fatalities during the Independence Day weekend. The July 4th travel period officially began early Thursday morning and runs through late Sunday night. This year’s holiday lands on a Friday, which officials say is contributing to heavier-than-usual traffic volumes. Drivers are urged to prepare for delays and take extra precautions, as the roads are expected to remain congested through Sunday evening.
As of July 3, preliminary data shows Virginia has reported 337 traffic fatalities in 2025. In response, troopers will be out in force through Operation C.A.R.E., a national campaign targeting dangerous behaviors like speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, and failure to use seat belts. This year’s enforcement also comes with an important legal update: all vehicle occupants in Virginia must now wear a seat belt, regardless of age or seating position.
Troopers will be monitoring compliance closely throughout the weekend. During last year’s July 4th enforcement period, Virginia State Police made 95 DUI arrests, cited over 4,000 speeders, and issued more than 2,400 citations for reckless driving and seat belt violations combined. They also responded to more than 1,000 crashes and assisted the same number of disabled motorists. Motorists are urged to avoid peak travel times, designate sober drivers, and allow extra time to reach their destinations safely.
