At what age are children allowed to transition from rear-facing to forward-facing car seats in Virginia?

In Virginia, children are required to remain in rear-facing car seats until they are at least 2 years old. This guideline is based on safety research indicating that rear-facing seats provide better protection for infants and toddlers in the event of a crash, as they support the head, neck, and spine more effectively than forward-facing seats. The recommendation emphasizes that parents should keep children in a rear-facing position for as long as possible, usually until they outgrow the limits of the car seat. Transitioning to a forward-facing seat before reaching 2 years of age would contradict current safety standards aimed at ensuring the best protection for young passengers.