New laws take effect Thursday

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) - Hundreds of new laws went into effect July 1 across the Commonwealth. Below is a breakdown of several key laws passed by the General Assembly.

Move Over Law
Full text of HB 1159

During the 2010 session, Virginia lawmakers voted to expand the Commonwealth's Move Over law to include protection for tow truck drivers and highway workers who display amber colored flashing lights.

The previous law only applied to motorists approaching emergency vehicles displaying red or blue flashing lights -- generally used by police, fire and rescue personnel.

It's now mandatory for motorists to change lanes away from a tow truck or highway maintenance vehicle displaying amber lights. The offense is punishable as a traffic violation.

Delegate Glenn Oder sponsored the bill, which enacts the change.

Seat Belts
Full text of the SB 219

It's now mandatory for all 16 and 17 year old passengers to wear seat belts in the back seat of a vehicle.

Primary enforcement allows a police officer to pull over and ticket motorists for failure to comply with the law. A secondary enforcement law only allows police to ticket motorists for the infraction if they first witness another offense for which they may stop the motorist.

This bill was sponsored by Senator Janet Howell.

According to the DMV, 562 unbelted back seat passengers ages 16 to 18 were injured from 2006 through 2008 in Virginia, and 22 were killed. The average annual cost including health care for the three-year period is estimated to be 20 million dollars.

Violators will face a $25 fine.

Concealed Handguns
Full text of SB 334

You're now allowed to carry a concealed handgun, with a permit, onto the premises of a restaurant or club. However, if you do, you can not consume alcoholic beverages while on the premises. A person who consumes alcohol in violation of the provisions of the bill is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Boating Safety 
Full text of HB 1627

All PWC (jet ski) operators 35 years of age or younger will be required to complete a NASBLA approved boating safety course. Boating courses are offered across the Commonwealth and online. To find a course in your area and for more information about boating education and regulations in Virginia, Click Here.

Speed Limits
Full text of HB 856

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) may increase the speed limit on interstates and some other limited access roads from 65mph to 70mph.

Animal Cruelty
Full text of HB 281 and HB 1145

Anyone convicted of animal cruelty will now be facing stricter punishment. Animal cruelty will now be a class 2 misdemeanor which carries a penalty of 6 months months in prison and $1,000 fine.

House Bill 1145 now requires that veterinarians report suspected cases of animal cruelty.

Flags
Full text of HB 956

Property or unit owners' associations can't stop a property owner from displaying the American flag, however the association can form "reasonable restrictions" on the size and placement of the flag.

Wine and Liquor Tastings
Full text of HB 952

ABC stores will now be able to offer wine and liquor tastings at their stores.

Driving Without a Valid Driver's License
Full text of HB 2021

According to the DMV, starting July 1, if a person is caught driving without a license and has previously been convicted of this offense, he or she could lose their vehicle for three days. However, if the offender gets a valid driver's license during the three-day vehicle impoundment period, the vehicle will be released to the driver.

Golf Carts
Full text of HB 378

The General Assembly additionally passed a law allowing golf carts to cross highways in certain circumstances. Golf cart owners in towns with a population of 2,000 or less may cross a highway at an intersection that is marked as a golf cart crossing with signs. The roadway's speed limit must be 35 miles per hour or less, and the crossing has to be the only way the golf cart may travel from one part of the town to another.

School Bus Drinking and Driving

Bus drivers who possess or consume alcoholic beverages while operating a school bus that's transporting children, will now be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries a penalty of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. If convicted, the penalties for the new law are in addition to penalties associated with existing DUI laws.

Restricted Driving Privileges

This law adds driving to and from "a place of religious worship" and "court-ordered child support appointments" to the list of reasons why a court may issue a restricted driver's license.

Roads Solicitations in Newport News
Full text of the ordinance

Newport News City Council passed a new city ordinance prohibiting the distribution of handbills, etc., the solicitation of contributions, and the sale of merchandise or services on highways, public roadways and medians.

A violation of the ordinance will constitute a traffic