SB 959 Virginia Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Vehicle owners; proof of financial responsibility in the future.

Summary
Department of Motor Vehicles; proof of financial responsibility in the future. Clarifies when a vehicle owner is required to furnish proof of financial responsibility or proof of financial responsibility in the future. The bill specifies the forms required when providing proof of financial responsibility in the future. This bill is identical to HB 2205.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
House of Delegates Passage
Feb 2025
Signed into Law
Mar 2025
Introduced Jan 6, 2025 Signed Mar 19, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Enrolled Chaptered · 5 edits
MODERATE
This bill amends Virginia motor vehicle laws to update definitions and strengthen financial responsibility requirements for drivers. The changes include clarifying vehicle classifications, updating proof of insurance procedures, and establishing a payment plan for noncompliance fees. These updates ensure the DMV can better regulate vehicle registration and driver licensing while providing options for individuals facing suspension due to uninsured vehicles.
Scope change
The bill applies to all motor vehicles registered in Virginia and drivers subject to licensing requirements under the Code of Virginia.
DEFINITION

Updated vehicle definitions to clarify classifications for electric vehicles, mopeds, and other motorized devices to align with current technology and federal standards.

REQUIREMENT

Added a noncompliance fee payment plan allowing individuals with suspended licenses to pay fees over up to three years instead of requiring full payment immediately.

Updated proof of financial responsibility requirements to allow nonresidents to file certificates from insurance companies licensed in their home state, provided coverage meets Virginia minimums.

ENFORCEMENT

Modified suspension procedures to include administrative hearing opportunities before license suspension takes effect, with specific timelines for requesting hearings.

TECHNICAL

Changed document formatting from 'Enrolled' to 'Chaptered' status with updated chapter number and approval date.

Floor votes · Senate Jan 20, 2025 · House of Delegates Feb 11, 2025

How they voted

400
Passed
Total votes 40
Jan 20, 2025
D Democratic21
21 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican19
19 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
24
Key actions
9
Committee
4
Mar 19, 2025
Signed into law
Approved by Governor-Chapter 177 (Effective 07/01/25)
executive
Feb 16, 2025
Upper · Passed
Signed by President
upper
Feb 13, 2025
Upper · Passed
Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB959ER)
upper
Feb 13, 2025
Lower · Passed
Signed by Speaker
lower
Feb 11, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed House (94-Y 0-N)
lower
Feb 6, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported from Transportation (20-Y 0-N)
lower
Feb 4, 2025
Committee
Referred to Committee on Transportation
lower
Jan 22, 2025
Upper · Passed
Read third time and passed Senate (40-Y 0-N)
upper
Jan 20, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed by for the day
upper
Jan 16, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported from Transportation (13-Y 0-N)
upper
Jan 6, 2025
Committee
Referred to Committee on Transportation
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Glen Sturtevant
Glen Sturtevant
RRepublican
VA
12