VIRGINIA – Starting July 1, 2025, Virginia will enforce stricter seat belt laws, requiring all passengers 18 years and older to wear seat belts, regardless of where they are seated in the vehicle. Previously, only front-seat passengers were required to buckle up. This change comes in response to Virginia’s seat belt usage rate of 73%, which is the lowest in the nation, well below the national average of 92%, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The new law aims to improve road safety and reduce fatalities by encouraging higher compliance with seat belt usage. Despite the broader requirement, violations will still be considered a secondary offense. This means drivers can only be cited for not wearing a seat belt if they are pulled over for another primary traffic violation. The fine for non-compliance will be $25. This update aligns Virginia with other states that have adopted similar all-passenger seat belt laws.
