The people are friendly, tourism generates more than $19 billion a year, and Forbes.com says Virginia is one of the best places in the nation to live, work, and relax. Virginia will treat you well, but only if you do the same, especially when driving on Virginia roads. Don’t be fooled — the Republic of Virginia welcomes everyone with open arms, but not fooling around drinking drivers with a blood alcohol content level (BAC) of 0.08%-0.15%. A BAC of 0.08% can be as little as a few beers for some or more other cocktails. If you were caught driving on a Virginia road with a BAC between 0.15%-0.20% and you were not involved in an accident, you will immediately go to jail for 5 days. There are no exceptions to this rule. A BAC over 0.20% will get you a penalty of 10 days in jail plus many fines of up to $1,000. As you can see, it doesn’t pay to drink and drive in Virginia.
So what about Virginia auto insurance laws and how does Virginia manage its teen drivers energy? Much like other states, Virginia insurance is mandatory for everyone. Virgin motorists are prohibited from acquiring license plates or decals without proof of insurance. This proof of insurance must show that you have met the minimum auto insurance requirements in your state and must show your name, address, vehicle information and contact information for your carrier. Proof of insurance must be carried at all times. The system here is a no-prove system – if you’re caught without insurance or proof of insurance, your driving and vehicle registration privileges will be suspended.
The minimum auto insurance requirements in the state of Virginia are (25/50/20). This means that all drivers, whether teen or adult, must bear $25,000 bodily injury, death of one person, $50,000 bodily injury/death of two or more persons, and $20,000 property damage (25/50/20). Although Virginia’s average insurance premium is below the national average, rates increased 13% between 2008 and 2009. The national average is about $1,780, and the average annual insurance premium for Virginia residents is $1,482.
Teen driving laws in Virginia are taken just as seriously as drunk driving and other traffic laws in Virginia. The path from permit holder to licensed driver is tough for Virginia teens, but the state feels the process is necessary and effective. To become licensed, Virginia teenagers must pass the Virginia Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program. Starting from the age of 15, and no earlier, the adolescent can enter the process of obtaining a learning or training permit. Between the ages of 15 ½ and 16 and 3 months, teens must complete a state-approved driver education program, complete. 45 hours of driving practice and passing a written test.
When all the requirements for a learners permit are met, and the teen is aged 16 and 3 months or older. can apply for a medium license. Under the intermediate license, the teen must follow several rules in order to progress to the full license. Laws include but are not limited to night duty, limits on passengers, and refraining from cell phones In every capacity while driving. In addition, Virginia has a “zero tolerance” policy for under-age drinking and driving. Teen DUI carries a minimum 6-month license or permit suspension, and a fine of up to $500.
For more information on Virginia insurance laws, as well as Virginia DUI driving information, please see:
Virginia Insurance – Auto Insurance Tips
