The changes in traffic laws in the United States, regulations and penalties established by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), are constantly changing, especially in the last year. Aimed at reducing speeding on the roads, as well as distractions while driving, authorities in each state have reinforced and tightened measures and penalties for offending drivers. This has been done through the implementation of automated cameras or increasing the amounts of fines for speeding, and even adding prison sentences.
The DMV has also made announcements related to the Blue Envelope program. Virginia House Bill 2116 now allows for the designation of non-apparent disabilities on driver’s licenses and identification cards. This will help officers and drivers in the event of a stop, as it will facilitate better communication. Another of the changes that have been announced recently is the mandatory use of seat belts in the rear seats of the vehicle.
Road safety
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the entity responsible for regulating driving laws and regulations. Aspects such as penalties, driver’s license exam requirements, and legislation to include technology on the roads like automated cameras and digital licenses fall under this entity’s jurisdiction. According to data, two of the main causes responsible for traffic accidents are distractions while driving and speeding. That is why in the past year, various states have strengthened the financial penalties for speeding tickets, including jail sentences for offenders. On the other hand, there has also been a push for the implementation of surveillance cameras to support officers and to detect offenders.
Blue Envelope program
Have you ever heard of the Blue Envelope Program? It is one of the changes announced by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Virginia. With the passage of Virginia House Bill 2116, the program has been updated to now allow the designation of non-apparent disabilities on driver’s licenses and identification cards. This represents a significant aid to the program, as it facilitates communication between officers and drivers who have some type of disability, especially in the event of a stop.
According to the official website of the Leesburg Police Department in Virginia, “The Blue Envelope Program is a voluntary program designed to improve interactions between law enforcement officers and individuals with conditions or disabilities that may lead to communication issues”. These blue envelopes can be stored in the vehicle of the driver with a disability, and must contain information related to the specific disability they suffer from, in order to provide assistance to the agents.
What other changes are expected on the roads?
On July 1st of this year 2025, a new law was implemented on the roads of Virginia, which does not exclusively affect drivers with any type of disability, but rather all drivers. Starting in July, all passengers in the vehicle are required to wear a seatbelt, including those in the back seats. Failing to do so would constitute a traffic safety offense. This new measure is expected to cross the borders of Virginia and reach other states, given that the use of seatbelts has been shown to reduce mortality in traffic accidents. Virtually all states have some type of regulation related to seatbelt use, except for New Hampshire, where those over 18 are not required to wear one.
Take a look at the new consequences for speeding and reckless driving in Maryland here!