Restrictions
Special Restrictions
If you have a mental or physical condition that may impair your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, even temporarily, you must provide DMV with a medical statement from your doctor. Some of these conditions include loss of consciousness, seizures, vision changes, impairment of judgement or loss of motor functions. DMV will evaluate the medical information to determine if a driver’s license may be issued or restricted.
Cellular Telephone/Wireless Device Restrictions
Virginia Law prohibits drivers under age 18 who hold a learner's permit or driver's license from using cell phones or wireless communications devices including text-messaging while driving, regardless of hand-held or hands-free, except in a driver emergency and the vehicle is lawfully parked or stopped. Text-messaging or reading of text messages while driving is also prohibited.
Curfew Restrictions
Virginia’s curfew laws prohibit drivers under age 18 who hold a learner’s permit or driver’s license from driving midnight to 4 AM. If you hold a driver’s license you may drive during these hours:
- in case of an emergency;
- when traveling to and from work or a school-sponsored event;
- when accompanied by a parent or other adult acting in place of a parent;
- when responding to an emergency call as a volunteer firefighter or rescue squad member.
Passenger Restrictions
If you are under age 18, you may carry only one passenger under age 18 during the first year that you hold your driver’s license. After you have held your license for one year or until you reach age 18, you may carry only three passengers under age 18. Learner’s permit holders may not carry more than one passenger under age 18. Passenger restrictions do not apply to family members. Violation of either the passenger or curfew restrictions can result in the suspension of your driver’s license.
While you are a minor and if you are unmarried or unemancipated, your father, mother, custodial parent, legal guardian or the judge of the juvenile and domestic relations court in your locality may ask DMV to cancel your permit or license. If cancelled, you cannot reapply for six months.
If you are under age 18 and have ten or more unapproved absences from school on consecutive school days, a court may suspend your driving privileges for any period of time, or until you reach age 18.
