It’s that time of year again. Most new laws in Virginia become effective as of July 1st each year.
There are many new laws that take effect each year and some of them really don’t seem to have a broad impact. The news media seems to do a pretty good job of talking about the laws that are most controversial, such as the requirement for an ultrasound prior to getting an abortion. However, there are always laws that might have a personal impact that you may not have heard about such as changes to the adoption procedures. If you are in doubt about whether or not something has changed, it is always a good idea to check.
Most of you are probably aware that as of July 1st there is a new law regarding the use of an ignition interlock system you must use on your car if you are convicted of even your first DUI. This type of system requires you to blow into the ‘machine’ and the vehicle’s ignition system will not work if the system detects alcohol.
You may not be aware of some changes in the rules about the property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, or the fact that two-wheeled motorcycles can now drive next to each other in a lane of traffic.
The Virginia Division of Legislative Services has prepared an easy-to-read summary of the new laws for 2012 in the pdf document “In Due Course” that can be found here. There is also a page devoted to new laws in 2012 on my website here.
If you have any questions about this or any other legal subject, please feel free to give us a call at 757-234-4650 or visit our website at http://www.BeaversLaw.com.
Tags: Laws, legal, new laws 2012, Virginia