Several new traffic laws, some affecting the military, took effect in Virginia on July 1.

Here’s a run-down:

An ignition interlock device is now required for all DUI convictions. Previously, the requirement for an ignition interlock was imposed as a result of two or more DUI convictions or the first DUI conviction if the offender’s blood-alcohol content was 0.15 percent or above. While 0.08 percent BAC is legally drunk, a driver may be convicted of DUI while driving with a BAC of less than 0.08 percent.

If a driver’s license applicant fails the behind-the-wheel examination administered by DMV, the applicant must wait two days before taking another behind-the-wheel test. Also, before taking a behind-the-wheel test administered by DMV, an applicant must first hold a learner’s permit for 60 days, instead of the previous requirement of 30 days.

Before taking the behind-the-wheel exam, applicants must either show documents proving they’ve completed a state-approved driver education class, or certify that they have practiced the driving maneuvers they will be expected to complete during the behind-the-wheel test.

Federal legislation allows the behind-the-wheel exam, or roads skills test, to be waived for qualified military personnel applying for a Virginia commercial driver’s license (CDL). Under the Troops to Trucks program, these applicants are required to pass only one DMV-issued test — the written knowledge exam, and are not be required to take the behind-the-wheel exam.

A previous law allowed active duty members of the U.S. military who were deployed outside of Virginia and planned to return to apply for an extension on their driver’s license validity for three years, or for 90 days after the driver returned to the U.S., whichever occurred first. A new law extends the validity period to 180 days after the driver returns to the U.S.

Another previous law allowed members of the military to obtain 90-day extensions on the expiration of their license plate registrations or vehicle registrations while they were deployed outside the U.S. A new law offers this extension to the member’s spouse or dependents, when they return after accompanying the member while he or she is deployed outside the U.S. The service member, spouse or dependent has 90 days from the date of return to the U.S. to renew or register.

An exemption was extended for vehicles registered with clean special fuel license plates to continue to use certain High Occupancy Vehicle lanes regardless of the number of passengers. During HOV-restricted periods, HOV-2 lanes require a minimum of two people per passenger vehicle and HOV-3 lanes require a minimum of three. However, vehicles bearing clean special fuel license plates may travel on certain HOV lanes regardless of the number of travelers in the vehicle.

By: NOVA Fortnightly Staff

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