New Virginia Laws Effective July 1, 2024

New Virginia Laws Effective July 1, 2024

In 2024, Virginia passed several new laws that take effect on July 1, affecting various aspects of public safety and governance. David A.C. Long is here to help you understand how these changes may impact you.

Speed Limit Changes

Localities can now lower speed limits to 15 mph in residential and business districts, even on state highways, improving pedestrian safety.

Farm Use Vehicles

New regulations require farm vehicles to display permanent DMV-issued placards, eliminating unofficial placards.

Banning Auto Sears

Auto sears, which convert firearms into automatic weapons, are now illegal in Virginia.

Lucia’s Law

Gun owners are now prohibited from allowing children who pose a risk to access firearms, aiming to prevent tragedies like the 2021 killing of Lucia Bremer.

Ban on Legacy Admissions

Since July 2024, public universities have no longer granted preferential admission based on family connections to alums or donors, ensuring merit-based admissions.

Child Marriage Prohibition

Marriage is now restricted to individuals aged 18 and above, with no exceptions, closing loopholes that allowed minors to marry.

Discrimination and Hate Crimes

Virginia now explicitly protects individuals from discrimination in employment and public accommodation based on ethnicity and increases penalties for hate crimes targeting individuals based on their ethnic background.

Contact David A.C. Long

If you need legal guidance related to these new laws or are facing charges, reach out to David A.C. Long at (804) 298-7773 for expert legal advice and representation.