Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles rolls out inaugural cannabis‑impaired driving campaign

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced its first cannabis‑impaired driving prevention effort, titled “Relaxxxxx, Don’t Drive High.” The campaign will run statewide from August 10 to September 7 2026 and will appear on television, radio, digital platforms, social‑media feeds and billboards.

The DMV warns that cannabis use can impair motor skills, lane tracking and reaction time. In 2025 the state recorded 233 drug‑related driver fatalities, including 117 deaths linked specifically to cannabis. DMV Commissioner Saundra M. Jack said, “Impaired driving is illegal and dangerous, no matter the substance.” The message was developed with creative partner Two Tango Collaborative after focus‑group testing. While adults 21 and older may legally possess limited amounts of marijuana, driving after use remains illegal, and recreational sales are not expected to begin until July 2027.