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Bill > HB1549
VA HB1549
VA HB1549Vehicle operation; authorizing operation of motor vehicle by unlicensed minor, penalty.
summary
Introduced
09/24/2024
09/24/2024
In Committee
02/13/2025
02/13/2025
Crossed Over
02/03/2025
02/03/2025
Passed
03/07/2025
03/07/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
03/24/2025
03/24/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Vehicle operation; unlicensed minor; penalty. Prohibits any person from knowingly authorizing the operation of a motor vehicle by a minor who he knows has no operator's license or learner's permit or who has a learner's permit but who he knows would operate such motor vehicle in violation of certain limitations on operating a motor vehicle with a learner's permit. The bill makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person who violates such provisions if such violation results in a motor vehicle accident that causes death or injury to any person if such violation does not otherwise constitute a felony. Existing law prohibits any person from knowingly authorizing the operation of a motor vehicle by any person who the authorizing person knows (i) has had his operator's license or permit suspended or revoked or (ii) has no operator's license or permit and has been previously convicted of driving without a license.
AI Summary
This bill amends Virginia law to create additional penalties for adults who knowingly authorize minors to operate motor vehicles without proper licensing or in violation of learner's permit restrictions. Specifically, the bill makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor (a criminal offense with potential jail time and fines) for a person to allow an unlicensed minor or a minor with a learner's permit to drive if that driving results in a motor vehicle accident causing injury or death, provided the violation does not already constitute a more serious felony offense. The bill adds language to an existing statute about vehicle impoundment and driving violations, expanding the current provisions to include stricter penalties for adults who enable unlicensed or improperly licensed minors to drive. This change is designed to enhance public safety by discouraging adults from letting inexperienced or unqualified minors operate motor vehicles, potentially reducing accidents caused by unlicensed or improperly supervised young drivers.
Committee Categories
Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (9)
Chad Green (R)*,
J.D. Diggs (R),
Hyland Fowler (R),
Tom Garrett (R),
Ian Lovejoy (R),
David Owen (R),
Wendell Walker (R),
Wren Williams (R),
Scott Wyatt (R),
Last Action
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0366) (on 03/24/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB1549 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB1549/text/CHAP0366 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB1549/text/HB1549ER |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1549) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1069713.PDF |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1549) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1050416.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB1549/text/HB1549H1 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB1549/text/HB1549H2 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB1549/text/HB1549HC1 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1549) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1023023.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB1549/text/HB1549 |
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