Buckle up – Stricter Seat Belt Laws to be Enforced beginning July 1, 2025
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Virginia ranked last in seat belt usage rates in the US, with only 73.2% of occupants reportedly wearing seat belts in 2023. This statistic may be linked to Virginia’s historically lenient seat belt laws – a dynamic that could shift dramatically with the introduction of the state’s newly strengthened seat belt regulations scheduled to begin being enforced on July 1, 2025.
According to VA Code § 46.2-1094, occupants of the front seat of motor vehicles and anyone else under the age of 18 must be buckled up. This law has been in effect since 1988, with minor amendments noted in 1993, 1997, 2010, and 2020. However, the newly passed House Bill 2475, also known as the “Christopher King Seat Belt Law”, requires all vehicle occupants, regardless of age or seating position, to be buckled up.
Contributory Negligence
Virginia is one of the few states that still applies contributory negligence principles to personal injury matters. If you are found to be in any way at fault, however minor, you are barred from pursuing damages.
Although there are some exceptions, such as the common carrier exception, contributory negligence laws typically universally apply to personal injury claims.
What Does this Mean for My Personal Injury Case?
Virginia still adheres to some of the strictest contributory negligence laws in the nation. It is certainly important to consider the implications that this new law might have on a potential contributory negligence counterargument.
Fortunately, the usage of a seat belt, or lack thereof, cannot be admitted as evidence against you in a personal injury case. VA Code § 46.2-1094 specifies that the failure to wear a seat belt shall not constitute negligence, cannot be considered in mitigation of damages of whatever nature, cannot be admissible in evidence, and cannot be the subject of comment by counsel in any action for the recovery of damages.
Why this Law is Still Important to Consider
Although this new law will not prohibit you from pursuing your personal injury claim, it is incredibly important to adhere to it and to wear a seat belt.
According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, over 1/3 of fatalities from motor vehicle accidents in 2022 involved unrestrained occupants. Numerous studies show that wearing a seat belt protects against serious injury and significantly lowers the risk of death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belts have saved an estimated 374,376 lives since 1975. Buckle up and stay safe!
Contact PLDR Law for a Free Consultation on Your Personal Injury Claim Today
Navigating a personal injury claim can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to go through it alone. Our experienced team of personal injury attorneys and dedicated support staff is here to guide you every step of the way. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your case, call us today at 434-846-2768 or email us at
***Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship. It is not intended to convey or constitute legal advice or counsel. ***
