YORKTOWN, Va. — A new Virginia law set to take effect Monday will make it a Class 1 misdemeanor to knowingly permit an unlicensed individual—or a minor operating outside the limits of a learner’s permit—to drive if the result is a crash causing injury or death.
The legislation, passed earlier this year, was spearheaded by traffic safety advocate Tammy Gweedo McGee following the 2019 death of her son, Conner, who was killed by an underage, unlicensed driver. “Unlicensed driving took my son’s life. No parent should suffer this kind of preventable loss,” McGee said.
The law was carried by Senator Danny Diggs and Delegate Chad Green. It is designed to strengthen legal accountability in cases where unlicensed or unauthorized minors are allowed to operate motor vehicles and subsequently cause serious crashes.
Key Points
- New law makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to knowingly allow unlicensed or ineligible drivers to operate a vehicle if they cause injury or death.
- The law was inspired by the 2019 death of Conner McGee, who was killed by an unlicensed teen driver.
- A public event recognizing the law’s implementation will be held July 1 in Yorktown.
The statute applies specifically when an unauthorized driving incident leads to injury or fatality, unless the conduct meets the threshold for more serious felony charges under existing laws.
A public awareness event recognizing the law’s passage will be held Monday at 3:15 p.m. at the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office. Attendees will include Senator Diggs, Delegate Green, Sheriff Ron Montgomery, Major Ronald Maxey of the Virginia State Police, and Tammy McGee.
The law is McGee’s fourth successful legislative effort aimed at improving road safety standards in Virginia. Through her foundation and advocacy platform, she continues to push for stricter enforcement and education on unlicensed teen driving.
