Connect with us

News from the South - Virginia News Feed

Virginia cracks down on illegal street takeovers and reckless driving

Published

on

virginiamercury.com – Nathaniel Cline – 2025-02-20 04:25:00

Virginia cracks down on illegal street takeovers and reckless driving

by Nathaniel Cline, Virginia Mercury
February 20, 2025

Reckless drivers tearing up Virginia’s highways and public spaces may soon face tougher penalties, as legislation targeting exhibition driving heads to the governor’s desk.

Lawmakers moved swiftly this week, approving legislation that aims to curb street racing, burnouts, and illegal road takeovers — dangerous stunts that have turned deadly in recent years.

Between 2023 and 2024, Virginia circuit courts convicted four defendants for racing that resulted in fatalities, according to legislative records. One average, they served three and a half years in jail.

The problem extends beyond deadly crashes. Data from Virginia’s General District Court Case Management System, shows that 126 people were convicted of Class 1 misdemeanor racing over the past two years. While most avoided jail, 42.1% served an average of 20 days behind bars.

Illegal racing and reckless driving incidents have cropped up across the state, from Northern Virginia to Hampton Roads, Richmond and Virginia Beach. One particularly alarming case shared with lawmakers involved a Fairfax County police officer being surrounded by masked participants in a street takeover at 3 a.m. — an event where drivers and spectators block roads for dangerous stunts. Some struck the officer’s cruiser in the chaos.

“It’s not just an annoyance, it’s something that’s very, very dangerous and, quite honestly, potentially deadly,” said Del. David Bulova, D-Fairfax, who sponsored House Bill 2036.

Bulova’s bill broadens Virginia’s reckless driving laws to include exhibition driving—defined as aggressive driving near groups of two or more people. It specifically targets burnouts, doughnuts, drifting, street racing, and illegal takeovers on state highways, as well as driveways and parking lots of churches, schools, recreation centers, and businesses open to the public.

Senate Majority Leader Sen. Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, said on the Senate floor Wednesday that the proposal will also clarify and enhance some penalties for certain types of driving, “which you might think could be reckless driving, but don’t always constitute reckless driving.”

Drivers caught participating in illegal street takeovers and reckless stunt driving could soon face harsher penalties, including up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine — either or both — under the proposal now headed to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s desk. The measure also calls for a six-month license suspension and vehicle impoundment for offenders behind the wheel.

Passengers aren’t off the hook either. Those caught riding on a car’s hood or roof during such events would face a $500 fine.

The bill expands Virginia’s definition of reckless driving to include injuries and deaths caused by exhibition driving. Under existing state law, street racing that results in injury is a felony punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison. If a death occurs, offenders already face an additional mandatory year behind bars — but the proposal removes that minimum requirement.

A fiscal impact statement from the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission warns that the proposal could increase demand for bed space and resources at correctional facilities across the commonwealth.

Shortly after discussing the bill in committee, two House lawmakers said they unexpectedly encountered a street takeover not far from the state Capitol in Richmond.

On the night of Feb. 3, at the intersection of North 18th Street and East Broad Street, Dels. Laura Jane Cohen, D-Fairfax, and Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, D-Alexandria, found themselves stopped as a group of motorcyclists — unmasked and without helmets — performed stunts and wheelies in the middle of the road.

Cohen, who was driving behind Bennett-Parker, described the incident as “minor” but still “dangerous,” noting the risk posed to cyclists and other drivers stuck at the blocked intersection.

“I already was supportive of the legislation, but it certainly gave a renewed perspective,” Cohen said before the bill’s passage.

Some lawmakers raised concerns over the bill’s wording, particularly the use of terms like “close proximity” and “spectators” in defining exhibition driving. Before it reached the full Senate, Bulova amended the language to remove references to spectators.

Bulova acknowledged that holding onlookers accountable would have strengthened the bill but said a clear-cut solution proved elusive because he and others could not find a solution without inadvertently capturing individuals who happened to be in near vicinity of such events.

With final approval now in Youngkin’s hands, Virginia is one step closer to tightening its grip on reckless driving and illegal street stunts.

GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.

SUBSCRIBE

Virginia Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Virginia Mercury maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Samantha Willis for questions: info@virginiamercury.com.

The post Virginia cracks down on illegal street takeovers and reckless driving appeared first on virginiamercury.com

News from the South - Virginia News Feed

Some employers take action against employees for social media comments on Charlie Kirk's death

Published

on

www.youtube.com – 13News Now – 2025-09-13 22:37:43

SUMMARY: Following Charlie Kirk’s death, some Virginia employers have taken action against employees who made controversial social media comments. In healthcare and education sectors, individuals were placed on leave or terminated for remarks deemed unprofessional or supportive of violence. Riverside Walter Reed Hospital fired an anesthesiologist, and Newport News and Accomack County schools disciplined staff members. Experts highlight the blurred line between personal expression and professional conduct due to social media’s reach. William and Mary law professor Margaret Hugh emphasized that employment laws and at-will policies allow employers broad authority to act. She urges unity and respect amid heightened tensions.

Some Virginia employers are taking action against employees for social media comments made regarding Charlie Kirk’s death. A legal expert weighed in on where the line is drawn.

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/wvectv/?sub_confirmation=1
Download the 13News Now app: https://bit.ly/13NewsNowApp
Watch 13News Now+ for free on streaming: https://www.13newsnow.com/13NewsNowPlus
Check out our website: https://www.13newsnow.com/
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/13newsnow/
Follow us on X/Twitter: https://x.com/13newsnow
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/13newsnow/

Source

Continue Reading

News from the South - Virginia News Feed

Area of interest forms in the Atlantic

Published

on

www.youtube.com – 13News Now – 2025-09-11 19:22:59

SUMMARY: On September 11, 2025, Chief Meteorologist Tim Pandages reported on Hurricane Hub Live about tropical developments in the Atlantic and eastern Pacific. In the Atlantic, a low-chance area of interest near the Cabo Verde Islands may become Tropical Storm Gabrielle but requires favorable conditions. Recent tropical waves have struggled due to stable atmospheric conditions. Models show possible development east of the Leeward Islands with a likely recurving path away from Bermuda. In the eastern Pacific, Tropical Depression 13E has formed, expected to become Hurricane Mario, the season’s 8th hurricane. The Atlantic has had only one hurricane so far, Major Hurricane Aaron. Activity is expected to increase into October.

The newly formed area of interest could become Invest 92-L off the coast of Africa. Find out about that and more during tonight’s episode of Hurricane Hub LIVE! Livestream from Thursday, September 11, 2025.

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/wvectv/?sub_confirmation=1
Download the 13News Now app: https://bit.ly/13NewsNowApp
Watch 13News Now+ for free on streaming: https://www.13newsnow.com/13NewsNowPlus
Check out our website: https://www.13newsnow.com/
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/13newsnow/
Follow us on X/Twitter: https://x.com/13newsnow
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/13newsnow/

Source

Continue Reading

News from the South - Virginia News Feed

Cat cafes, chromotherapy and pumpkin delivery: Here’s what’s new in RVA this September

Published

on

www.youtube.com – 12 On Your Side – 2025-09-11 19:05:58

SUMMARY: This September in RVA, Patch to Porch RVA delivers handpicked pumpkins from local farms, offering design, setup, and cleanup services for homes and events in Richmond, Henrico, and Chesterfield. Shore Pump introduces Beam Light Sauna, featuring infrared sauna and chromotherapy, promoting detox, skin renewal, and wellness with customizable sessions and memberships. The Fan now hosts River City’s first cat café, The Perfect Bean, combining a coffee bar with an adoptable cat lounge upstairs. Sourced locally, their drinks include seasonal, cat-themed specials. Cats come from Purring Hearts VA rescue, offering adoption opportunities, fostering community engagement and animal welfare.

What’s New in RVA is dedicated to informing you about the latest happenings in the Richmond area.

Source

Continue Reading

Trending