A new Virginia law that took effect July 1, 2025, now requires every person in your vehicle to wear a seatbelt, no matter where they sit. The Christopher King Seat Belt Law closed the loophole that allowed adult back-seat passengers in Blacksburg, the New River Valley and throughout Southwest Virginia to ride unbuckled. Drivers now face fines for each unbuckled adult passenger, though officers can only cite you for seatbelt violations if they stop you for another reason first.
What the new law requires
Virginia Code Section 46.2-1094 now covers all seating positions, including middle back seats that passengers previously considered optional. Drivers can receive a $25 fine for each unbuckled passenger aged 18 or older, while violations involving passengers under 18 fall under child restraint laws.
While the legal requirement is new, safety professionals have recommended buckling up in every seat for decades because seatbelts reduce the risk of serious injury and death in crashes regardless of where you sit.
How enforcement actually works
Seatbelt violations remain a secondary offense in 2026 under Virginia Code Section 46.2-1094(F). Law enforcement throughout Southwest Virginia cannot stop your vehicle solely for a seatbelt violation. Officers must have another legal reason to pull you over, such as speeding, a broken taillight or expired tags, before they can cite you for unbuckled passengers. Courts cannot use any evidence obtained during a stop made solely for a seatbelt violation.
Who the law exempts
Not everyone must buckle up under the new law. The following groups do not face seatbelt requirements:
- Passengers in taxicabs, though the law remains unclear about rideshare vehicles
- Civil servants performing official duties
- Individuals with medical conditions preventing seatbelt use with proper documentation
The ambiguity around rideshare vehicles creates confusion for drivers and passengers across the state.
Why seatbelt use matters beyond the law
Seatbelts prevent ejection from vehicles during crashes and spread crash forces across stronger parts of your body. If you suffer injuries in a car accident in Southwest Virginia, your seatbelt use can affect your ability to recover damages because insurance companies often claim that not wearing a seatbelt caused your injuries. A personal injury attorney familiar with Virginia law can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
