Bill > SB1416

This bill amends Virginia's traffic laws to strengthen protections for pedestrians, particularly vulnerable road users, when crossing highways. Specifically, the bill maintains existing requirements for drivers to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, intersections, and other marked crossing areas, but adds a critical new penalty provision. Under the new language, a driver who fails to stop for a pedestrian and causes serious bodily injury or death to a "vulnerable road user" (which likely includes pedestrians, cyclists, and others using the roadway without a motor vehicle) will now face a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is more serious than a standard traffic infraction. Previously, such violations were only considered traffic infractions. The bill keeps existing provisions about drivers yielding to pedestrians at intersections and crosswalks, and maintains local jurisdictions' ability to install specific signage requiring vehicle stops for pedestrian crossings. The enhanced penalties aim to increase driver awareness and accountability, potentially reducing accidents and injuries involving pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.

Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB1416