What Every Teen Driver and Parent in Virginia Should Know

As a parent or teen driver in Virginia, it’s important to understand how the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) point system applies to drivers under the age of 18. Young drivers face stricter consequences for traffic violations than adults because the Commonwealth places a strong emphasis on early driver safety and accountability.

At Peters Law Firm, our mission is to help people pursue happiness by protecting their freedom—including guiding families and young drivers through complex DMV and juvenile court issues. Our defense attorneys regularly represent minors in Juvenile Courts throughout Virginia for traffic-related offenses.

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What Happens When a Teen Gets a Traffic Violation in Virginia?

When a driver under 18 is convicted of a traffic violation that carries demerit points, Virginia law imposes enhanced penalties.

First Demerit-Point Conviction

For a first conviction involving demerit points—including seat belt or child restraint violations—the teen must complete a DMV-approved driver improvement clinic. If the clinic is not completed within 90 days, the teen’s permit or driver’s license will be suspended until completion.

Second Demerit-Point Conviction

A second conviction for a demerit-point offense committed while under 18 results in an automatic 90-day suspension of the teen’s driving privilege.

Third Demerit-Point Conviction

After a third such conviction, the DMV will revoke the teen’s driving privilege for one year or until the driver turns 18, whichever period is longer.

These penalties are significantly more severe than those applied to adult drivers and can have long-term consequences for a young person’s education, employment, and independence.

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Driver Improvement Clinics and Safe Driving Points

Teen drivers may earn up to five safe driving points by voluntarily completing a DMV-approved driver improvement clinic. However, safe points are not awarded if the clinic was required by the DMV or ordered by a court.

Driver improvement clinics—whether in person or online—are designed to reinforce safe driving habits and educate young drivers about Virginia traffic laws.

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Why Traffic Charges for Minors Matter

Traffic violations for minors can carry consequences beyond fines or points, including:

• Juvenile court proceedings

• License suspension or revocation

• Increased insurance costs

• Long-term impact on driving record and future opportunities

Because Virginia treats under-18 drivers differently, even a single ticket can quickly escalate into a serious legal issue.

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How Peters Law Firm Helps Minors and Families

The defense attorneys at Peters Law Firm represent minors in Juvenile Courts across Virginia and assist families facing traffic-related charges involving teens. We focus on:

• Defending minors in juvenile court proceedings

• Protecting driving privileges whenever possible

• Helping families understand the legal and practical consequences of traffic convictions

Our goal is always to safeguard a young person’s future while upholding our mission to help people pursue happiness by protecting their freedom.

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Talk to a Virginia Juvenile Defense Attorney

If your child has received a traffic ticket or is facing suspension or revocation of driving privileges, early legal guidance matters. Understanding the DMV’s rules for under-18 drivers can make a critical difference in the outcome.

Contact Peters Law Firm today to discuss your child’s case and learn how we can help protect their rights and future. 804-572-8265.