Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-938 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 17 / Section 46.2-938
Issuance of warrant upon failure to comply with summons; penalties; suspension of licenses for failure to appear
Status: in_force

Upon the failure of any person to comply with the terms of a summons or notice as provided in § 46.2-936 , such person shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and the court may order a warrant for his arrest. The warrant shall be returnable to the court having jurisdiction of the offense and shall be accompanied by a report by the arresting officer which shall clearly identify the person arrested, specifying the section of the Code of Virginia or ordinance violated, the location of the offense, a description of the motor vehicle and its registration or license number.

If the warrant is returned to the court with the notation "not found" or the person named in the warrant does not appear on the return date thereof, the court shall forward a certificate of the fact of nonservice or nonappearance, with a copy of the report specified in the foregoing provisions of this section, to the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles, who shall forthwith suspend the driver's license of such person. The order of suspension shall specify the reason for the suspension. Such suspension shall continue until such time as the court has notified the Commissioner that the defendant has appeared before the court under the terms of the summons or notice and the warrant.

1974, c. 372, § 46.1-178.1; 1975, c. 201; 1981, c. 382; 1984, c. 780; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-673 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 6 / Section 46.2-673
Return trips of exempted farm vehicles
Status: in_force

No person shall be required to obtain the registration certificate, license plates, or decals for or pay a registration fee for any farm vehicle exempted from registration under the provisions of this article when that vehicle is:

1. Making a return trip from any marketplace;

2. Transporting back to a farm ordinary and essential food, including procuring a meal for a farmer or his employees, and other products for home and farm use while engaged in activities allowed in this chapter; or

3. Transporting supplies to the farm.

The owner or lessee of a pickup or panel truck or sport utility vehicle claiming the exemption provided pursuant to this section shall be required to obtain a permanent farm use placard pursuant to § 46.2-684.2 .

Code 1950, § 46-45; 1950, p. 693; 1952, c. 498; 1956, cc. 292, 568; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-45; 1962, cc. 214, 535; 1964, c. 611; 1966, c. 654; 1968, c. 46; 1970, c. 192; 1972, c. 609; 1973, c. 495; 1978, c. 307; 1988, cc. 76, 568; 1989, c. 727; 2016, c. 142 ; 2022, cc. 51 , 52 ; 2023, cc. 85 , 86 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2907 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 29 / Section 46.2-2907
Nonresident; extensions of reciprocal privileges
Status: in_force

A nonresident age 18 years or older who has been duly licensed as a driver under a law regulating the licensure of drivers in his home state and who has in his immediate possession a valid driver's license and a valid escort vehicle driver certificate issued to him in his home state, where such state's escort vehicle driver certification program has been determined to be substantially similar to the Commonwealth's and to which the Commonwealth has extended reciprocity, shall be permitted without a Virginia license or a Virginia escort vehicle driver certificate to escort a permitted vehicle or vehicles on the highways of the Commonwealth. Such nonresident shall be exempt from the escort vehicle driver certification eligibility, training, and testing requirements of this chapter.

If such nonresident desires to also hold a Virginia escort vehicle driver certificate, in addition to the valid certificate issued to him by his home state, he must then meet all of the Virginia escort vehicle driver certification eligibility, training, and testing requirements of this chapter.

2013, cc. 312 , 477 ; 2015, c. 258 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.4:1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.4:1
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2002, c. 90 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-341.9:01 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 6.1 / Section 46.2-341.9:01
Specialized training required
Status: in_force

The Commissioner shall require that the course of instruction and other relevant materials related to driver training for commercial driver's licenses for Class A, Class B, and Class C commercial motor vehicles include training on the recognition, prevention, and reporting of human trafficking. The Commissioner shall identify industry-specific materials for use in the training required by this section.

2019, c. 352 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-803.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-803.1
Commercial motor vehicles limited to use of certain lanes of certain interstate highways
Status: in_force

Except where the posted speed limit is less than 65 miles per hour, no person shall drive any commercial motor vehicle, as defined in § 46.2-341.4 , on the left-most lane of any interstate highway having more than two lanes in each direction.

Furthermore, within the Eighth Planning District and on Interstate Route 81, no person shall drive any commercial motor vehicle, as defined in § 46.2-341.4 , on the left-most lane of any interstate highway having more than two lanes in each direction, regardless of the posted speed limit. Every commercial motor vehicle shall keep to the right-most lane when operating at a speed of 15 miles per hour or more below the posted speed limit on an interstate highway with no more than two lanes in each direction.

The provisions of this section shall not apply to (i) buses or school buses or (ii) other commercial vehicles when (a) preparing to exit a highway via a left exit or (b) being used to perform maintenance or construction work on an interstate highway.

1997, c. 733 ; 1998, c. 555 ; 2000, cc. 60 , 306 , 407 ; 2004, c. 809 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-491 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 19 / Section 46.2-491
Persons included within scope of article
Status: in_force

This article shall apply to (i) every resident of the Commonwealth, regardless of whether he possesses a driver's license issued by the Department and (ii) every nonresident to whom the Department has issued a driver's license.

1974, c. 453, § 46.1-514.5; 1989, c. 727; 1995, c. 672 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1028.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 3 / Section 46.2-1028.1
Illuminated identification systems on certain emergency vehicles
Status: in_force

Any firefighting vehicle, ambulance, rescue or life-saving vehicle, or vehicle used by police, firefighting, or rescue personnel as a command center at the scene of incidents may be equipped with and use an illuminated identification system of a type approved by the Superintendent to enable aircraft more easily to read number decals and other identifying markings on the roofs of such vehicle. Any such illuminated identification system may be used when the vehicle is in motion or stationary.

2015, c. 333 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1573.19 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 7.3 / Section 46.2-1573.19
Discontinuation of distributors
Status: in_force

If the contract between a distributor and a manufacturer or importer is terminated or otherwise discontinued, all franchises granted to trailer dealers in the Commonwealth by that distributor shall continue in full force and shall not be affected by the discontinuance, except that the manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, representative, or other person who undertakes to distribute trailers of the same line-make or the same trailers of a renamed line-make shall be substituted for the discontinued distributor under the existing trailer dealer franchises, and those franchises shall be modified accordingly.

1996, cc. 1043 , 1052 , § 46.2-1992.71; 2015, c. 615 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-943 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 17 / Section 46.2-943
Court or jury may consider defendant's prior traffic record before sentencing
Status: in_force

The term "traffic offense" when used in this section shall mean any moving traffic violation described or enumerated in subdivisions A 1 and 2 of § 46.2-382 , whether such violation was committed within or outside the Commonwealth according to the records of the Department of Motor Vehicles.

The term "prior traffic record" when used in this section shall mean the record of prior suspensions and revocations of a driver's license, and the record of prior convictions of traffic offenses described in the foregoing provisions of this section.

When any person is found guilty of a traffic offense, the court or jury trying the case may consider the prior traffic record of the defendant before imposing sentence as provided by law. After the prior traffic record of the defendant has been introduced, the defendant shall be afforded an opportunity to present evidence limited to showing the nature of his prior convictions, suspensions, and revocations.

1975, c. 577, §§ 46.1-347.1, 46.1-347.2; 1984, c. 780; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1041 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-1041
Restrictions as to solid rubber tires
Status: in_force

Every tire, other than a pneumatic tire, made of rubber on a motor vehicle moved on any highway shall have rubber on its entire traction surface at least one inch thick above the edge of the flange of the entire periphery. No motor vehicle equipped with such tires shall be operated on any highway in the Commonwealth unless a permit therefor is first secured from the Department of Transportation.

Code 1950, § 46-299; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-295; 1989, c. 727; 2013, cc. 585 , 646 ; 2019, c. 780 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-323 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-323
Application for driver's license; proof of completion of driver education program; penalty
Status: in_force

A. Every application for a driver's license, temporary driver's permit, learner's permit, or motorcycle learner's permit shall be made on a form prescribed by the Department and the applicant shall write his usual signature in ink in the space provided on the form. The form shall include notice to the applicant of the duty to register with the Department of State Police as provided in Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title 9.1, if the applicant has been convicted of an offense for which registration with the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry is required.

B. Every application shall state the full legal name, year, month, and date of birth, social security number, sex, and residence address of the applicant; whether or not the applicant has previously been licensed as a driver and, if so, when and by what state, and whether or not his license has ever been suspended or revoked and, if so, the date of and reason for such suspension or revocation. Applicants shall be permitted to choose between "male," "female," or "non-binary" when designating the applicant's sex on the driver's license application form. The Department, as a condition for the issuance of any driver's license, temporary driver's permit, learner's permit, or motorcycle learner's permit shall require the surrender of any driver's license or, in the case of a motorcycle learner's permit, a motorcycle license issued by another state and held by the applicant. The applicant shall also answer any questions on the application form or otherwise propounded by the Department incidental to the examination. The applicant may also be required to present proof of identity, residency, and social security number or non-work authorized status, if required to appear in person before the Department to apply.

The Commissioner shall require that each application include a certification statement to be signed by the applicant under penalty of perjury, certifying that the information presented on the application is true and correct.

If the applicant fails or refuses to sign the certification statement, the Department shall not issue the applicant a driver's license, temporary driver's permit, learner's permit or motorcycle learner's permit.

Any applicant who knowingly makes a false certification or supplies false or fictitious evidence shall be punished as provided in § 46.2-348 .

C. Every application for a driver's license shall include a photograph of the applicant supplied under arrangements made by the Department. The photograph shall be processed by the Department so that the photograph can be made part of the issued license.

D. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 46.2-334 , every applicant for a driver's license who is under 18 years of age shall furnish the Department with satisfactory proof of his successful completion of a driver education program approved by the State Department of Education.

E. Every application for a driver's license submitted by a person less than 18 years old and attending a public school in the Commonwealth shall be accompanied by a document, signed by the applicant's parent or legal guardian, authorizing the principal, or his designee, of the school attended by the applicant to notify the juvenile and domestic relations district court within whose jurisdiction the minor resides when the applicant has had 10 or more unexcused absences from school on consecutive school days.

F. The Department shall electronically transmit application information to the Department of State Police, in a format approved by the State Police, for comparison with information contained in the Virginia Criminal Information Network and National Crime Information Center Convicted Sexual Offender Registry Files, at the time of issuance of a driver's license, temporary driver's permit, learner's permit, or motorcycle learner's permit. Whenever it appears from the records of the State Police that a person has failed to comply with the duty to register, reregister, or verify his registration information pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title 9.1, the State Police shall promptly investigate and, if there is probable cause to believe a violation has occurred, obtain a warrant or assist in obtaining an indictment charging a violation of § 18.2-472.1 in the jurisdiction in which the person made application of licensure.

Code 1950, § 46-362; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-368; 1962, c. 368; 1968, c. 642; 1974, c. 605; 1982, c. 180; 1983, c. 608; 1984, cc. 778, 780; 1988, c. 105; 1989, cc. 705, 727; 1993, cc. 471, 501; 1994, c. 362 ; 1998, c. 322 ; 2002, cc. 535 , 867 ; 2003, c. 584 ; 2005, cc. 259 , 828 ; 2006, cc. 857 , 914 ; 2009, cc. 439 , 872 ; 2016, c. 488 ; 2020, cc. 544 , 829 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-403 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 12 / Section 46.2-403
Contents of notice of hearing
Status: in_force

A. The notice of a hearing when mailed to any person, as provided in § 46.2-402 shall contain:

1. A specific statement of the alleged offense or offenses or other grounds for suspension or revocation of the license, including the date, time and place thereof when applicable;

2. The date, time and place of the hearing;

3. The names and addresses of all known witnesses whose testimony is proposed to be taken at the hearing;

4. As to any record of conviction of any offense which is to be offered as evidence, the date of the conviction and the court in which the same was had.

B. If these requirements are complied with it shall be sufficient regardless of whether the licensee appeared and regardless of whether the notice was ever received.

Code 1950, § 46-421; 1952, c. 544; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-431; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-724 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 9 / Section 46.2-724
Operation for hire of certain vehicles registered as not-for-hire; penalty
Status: in_force

If a motor vehicle of over 10,000 pounds registered gross weight that is registered to be operated exclusively not-for-hire is operated for-hire, the licensee shall be guilty of a traffic infraction. This penalty shall be in addition to the penalty prescribed by § 46.2-704 .

Code 1950, § 46-168; 1950, p. 625; 1956, c. 477; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-160; 1978, c. 605; 1982, c. 672; 1989, c. 727; 1995, c. 46 ; 1997, cc. 774 , 816 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1233 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 12 / Article 3 / Section 46.2-1233
Localities may regulate towing fees
Status: in_force

The governing body of any locality may by ordinance set reasonable limits on fees charged for the removal of motor vehicles, trailers, and parts thereof left on private property in violation of § 46.2-1231 , and for the removal of trespassing vehicles under § 46.2-1215 , taking into consideration the fair market value of such removal.

Localities in Planning District 8 and Planning District 16 shall establish by ordinance (i) a hookup and initial towing fee of no less than $135 and no more than the maximum charges provided in § 46.2-1233.1 and (ii) for towing a vehicle between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. or on any Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, an additional fee of no less than $25 and no more than the maximum charges provided in § 46.2-1233.1 per instance; however, such ordinance shall also provide that in no event shall more than two such additional fees be charged for towing any vehicle.

Code 1950, § 46-541; 1952, c. 352; 1954, c. 435; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-551; 1978, cc. 202, 335; 1979, c. 132; 1983, c. 34; 1985, c. 375; 1989, cc. 17, 727; 1990, cc. 502, 571, 573; 2016, c. 476 ; 2018, cc. 411 , 412 ; 2019, cc. 117 , 460 ; 2020, c. 31 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-920.1:1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 15 / Section 46.2-920.1:1
Portable changeable message signs; certain vehicles
Status: in_force

Any vehicle authorized to be equipped with flashing, blinking, or alternating amber warning lights pursuant to subdivision A 1 or 2 of § 46.2-1025 may be equipped with a portable changeable message sign. Such portable changeable message sign may be used without prior authorization from the Department of Transportation, provided that (i) such use complies with all state and federal laws, regulations, and policies regarding the use and operation of portable changeable message signs; (ii) such sign is only activated when the vehicle is being used to perform the duties and functions that qualify such vehicle to be equipped with amber warning lights; and (iii) for those vehicles authorized to use such lights pursuant to subdivision A 1 of § 46.2-1025 , such sign is only activated when the vehicle is stationary.

2025, c. 526 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-867.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 7 / Section 46.2-867.1
Exhibition driving; impoundment of motor vehicle.
Status: in_force

A. The motor vehicle being driven by any person arrested for a violation of exhibition driving pursuant to subsection C or E of § 46.2-865 shall be impounded or immobilized by the arresting law-enforcement officer for a period of 20 days. The impoundment shall follow the procedures set out in subsections A, B, and C of § 46.2-301.1 , mutatis mutandis.

At the time of arrest, the arresting officer, acting on behalf of the Commonwealth, shall serve notice of the impoundment upon the arrested person. Such notice shall include information on the person's right to petition for review of the impoundment pursuant to this section. The arresting officer shall at the time of arrest provide the arrested person information on the location of the motor vehicle and how and when the vehicle will be released. A copy of the notice of impoundment shall be delivered to the magistrate and thereafter promptly forwarded to the clerk of the general district court of the jurisdiction where the arrest was made. Transmission of such notice may be by electronic means.

B. All reasonable costs of impoundment or immobilization, including removal and storage expenses, shall be paid by the offender prior to the release of the motor vehicle. However, where the arresting law-enforcement officer discovers that the vehicle was being rented or leased from a vehicle renting or leasing company, the officer shall not impound the vehicle or continue the impoundment but shall notify the rental or leasing company that the vehicle is available for pickup and shall notify the clerk of the general district court if he has previously been notified of the impoundment.

C. Notwithstanding any provisions of this section, a dismissal or acquittal of the charge of a violation of subsection C or E of § 46.2-865 for which the motor vehicle was impounded or immobilized shall result in an immediate rescission of the impoundment or immobilization provided in subsection A.

D. The penalties imposed by this section are in addition to any other penalty imposed by law.

2025, c. 648 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.69 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.69
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 984 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2167 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 21 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-2167
Reweighing of shipment
Status: in_force

The household goods carrier, upon request of the shipper or his representative made prior to the delivery, shall reweigh the shipment subject to the availability of scales at destination.

1. The household goods carrier shall inform the person requesting the reweigh, within a reasonable time prior to the gross reweighing, of the tariff charges therefor and the location of a certified scale in close proximity to the destination of the shipment that shall be used, and of the right of the shipper, or his representative, to observe the gross and tare reweighing.

2. The household goods carrier, without altering or deleting the initial weights, shall cause to be recorded on the bill of lading the gross, tare and net weights on reweigh, and shall give the shipper, or his representative, original or true copies of the weight tickets on reweigh in the same manner as prescribed in subdivision 2 of § 46.2-2165 for initial weighing.

3. The lower of the two net scale weights shall be used for determining the applicable charges.

4. The household goods carrier may publish in its tariff a reasonable charge for reweighing shipments, which charge shall be applicable when the reweigh develops a net scale weight in excess of the initial net scale weight or if the difference between the initial net scale weight and the reweight net scale weight is less than 100 pounds on a shipment weighing 5,000 pounds or less or two percent or less of the lower net scale weight on shipments in excess of 5,000 pounds.

2001, c. 596 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2910 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 29 / Section 46.2-2910
Certified escort vehicle drivers; duties and responsibilities
Status: in_force

A. Each certified escort vehicle driver shall have in his possession his escort vehicle driver certificate and proof of insurance while escorting a permitted vehicle. The driver's certificate, driver's license, and proof of insurance must be presented when requested by any Department of Motor Vehicles size and weight compliance agent, law-enforcement officer, or Department of Transportation official. Failure of the certified escort vehicle driver to have the certificate, driver's license, or proof of insurance in his possession while escorting a permitted vehicle or load may cause the movement of the permitted vehicle to be interrupted until properly credentialed escort services can be obtained.

B. The driver of an escort vehicle shall comply with all applicable traffic laws and with the requirements of this chapter when escorting a permitted vehicle or vehicles on all roads within the Commonwealth.

2013, cc. 312 , 477 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-221.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 2 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-221.1
Registration with Selective Service required for issuance of learner's permits, driver's licenses, commercial driver's licenses, and special identification cards to certain applicants
Status: in_force

A. Every male applicant for a learner's permit, driver's license, commercial driver's license, special identification card, or renewal of any such permit, license, or card who is less than twenty-six years old and is either a citizen of the United States or an immigrant shall, at the time of his application, be registered in compliance with the requirement of section 3 of the Military Selective Service Act, 50 U.S.C. § 3801 et seq. The application for a learner's permit, driver's license, commercial driver's license, special identification card, or renewal of any such permit, license, or card submitted by any such person shall indicate either (i) that he is already registered with the Selective Service or (ii) that he authorizes the Department to forward to the Selective Service System the personal information necessary for such registration. This personal information shall be forwarded by the Department to the Selective Service System in an electronic format. The Department shall include on its application forms notice to affected persons that their submission of the application grants their consent to be registered with the Selective Service System, if required to so register by federal law.

Data received by the Selective Service System under this subsection that pertains to any persons less than eighteen years old shall not be used to register that person with the Selective Service until that person is eighteen years old.

B. If the applicant for a learner's permit, driver's license, commercial driver's license, special identification card, or renewal of any such permit, license, or card is a male less than eighteen years old, his application shall be signed by his parent or by the guardian having custody of him. If he has no parent or guardian, then no learner's permit, driver's license, commercial driver's license, or special identification card shall be issued to him or renewed by the Department unless his application is signed by the judge of the juvenile and domestic relations district court of the city or county in which he resides. If the minor making the application is married or otherwise emancipated, in lieu of any parent's, guardian's or judge's signature, the minor may present proper evidence of the solemnization of the marriage or the order of emancipation and sign the application himself. By signing the application as required in this subsection, the parent, guardian, or judge, or emancipated minor shall be deemed to authorize the Department to register the applicant with the Selective Service System as provided in subsection A.

C. If any male applicant for a learner's permit, driver's license, commercial driver's license, special identification card, or renewal of any such permit, license, or card who is required by subsection A to be registered with the Selective Service System declines, refuses, or fails to do so, his application shall be denied.

2002, c. 118 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-649.1:1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 3 / Section 46.2-649.1:1
Registration of vehicles owned and used by volunteer fire departments or volunteer, commercial, or private emergency medical services agencies
Status: in_force

Upon application therefor, the Commissioner shall register and issue permanent license plates without year or month decals for display on any (i) firefighting truck, trailer, and semitrailer on which firefighting apparatus is permanently attached when any such vehicle is owned or under exclusive control of a volunteer fire department; (ii) emergency medical services vehicle or other vehicle owned or used exclusively by a volunteer fire department or volunteer emergency medical services agency if any such vehicle is used exclusively as an emergency medical services vehicle and is not rented, leased, or lent to any private individual, firm, or corporation, and no charge is made by the organization for the use of the vehicle; or (iii) emergency medical services vehicle owned or under exclusive control of a commercial or privately owned emergency medical services agency, as defined in § 32.1-111.1 , if any such vehicle is not rented, leased, or lent to any private individual, firm, or corporation that is not another emergency medical services agency. The equipment shall be painted a distinguishing color and conspicuously display in letters and figures not less than three inches in height the identity of the emergency medical services agency, volunteer fire department, or volunteer emergency medical services agency having control of its operation.

No fee shall be charged for any vehicle registration or license plate issuance under clause (i) or (ii). The fees charged for vehicle registration under clause (iii) shall be as provided in § 46.2-694 .

1999, c. 329 ; 2015, cc. 502 , 503 ; 2016, cc. 125 , 133 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-474 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 17 / Section 46.2-474
Policy must contain certain agreement; additional coverage
Status: in_force

Every policy of insurance subject to the provisions of this chapter:

1. Shall contain an agreement that the insurance is provided in accordance with the coverage defined in this chapter as respects bodily injury, death, property damage, and destruction and that it is subject to all the provisions of this chapter and of the laws of the Commonwealth relating to this kind of insurance; and

2. May grant any lawful coverage in excess of or in addition to the coverage herein specified and this excess or additional coverage shall not be subject to the provisions of this chapter but shall be subject to other applicable laws of the Commonwealth.

Code 1950, § 46-494; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-506; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2146 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 21 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-2146
Effect of unfair claims settlement practices on self-insured motor carriers
Status: in_force

The provisions of subdivisions 4, 6, 11 and 12 of subsection A of § 38.2-510 shall apply to each holder of a certificate of fitness or permit issued by and under the authority of the Department who, in lieu of filing an insurance policy, has deposited with the State Treasurer state, federal or municipal bonds or has filed an unconditional letter of credit issued by a bank. The failure of any such holder of a certificate or permit to comply with the provisions of § 38.2-510 shall be the cause for revocation or suspension of the certificate or permit.

2001, c. 596 ; 2011, cc. 881 , 889 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-769 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 12 / Section 46.2-769
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 1997, c. 283 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-208.3 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 2 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-208.3
Notice by Department
Status: in_force

The Department may send notice of a driver's license renewal pursuant to § 46.2-330 or a vehicle registration renewal in the form of a postcard to a customer at the address shown on the records of the Department. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 46.2-208 , the Department may put sufficient information on the face of the postcard to provide the recipient with adequate notice of renewal. Such information shall only be disclosed as permitted in this section.

2020, c. 701 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-676 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 6 / Section 46.2-676
Registration certificate, license plates, or decals for any golf carts and utility vehicles; fees
Status: in_force

No person shall be required to obtain the registration certificate, license plates, or decals for or pay any registration fee for any golf cart or utility vehicle that either (i) is not operated on or over any public highway in the Commonwealth or (ii) is operated on or over a public highway as authorized by Article 13.1 (§ 46.2-916.1 et seq.) of Chapter 8.

1973, c. 194, § 46.1-45.2; 1980, c. 37; 1986, c. 220; 1987, cc. 151, 342, 388; 1989, c. 727; 1995, c. 670 ; 1996, c. 920 ; 1997, cc. 485 , 783 , 904 ; 1999, c. 211 ; 2002, cc. 44 , 98 ; 2003, c. 105 ; 2004, c. 746 ; 2016, c. 142 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1219.2 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 12 / Article 3 / Section 46.2-1219.2
Parking of vehicles in commuter parking lots owned by the Virginia Department of Transportation
Status: in_force

A. It shall constitute a traffic infraction for any person to park any vehicle in any commuter parking lot owned by the Virginia Department of Transportation in any manner not in conformance with posted signs and pavement markings. In Planning District 8, such signs shall clearly indicate that before 10:00 a.m. Monday through Friday except holidays parking is only for commuters using mass transit or who are car pool or bicycle riders.

B. In the prosecution of an offense established under this section, prima facie evidence that the vehicle described in the summons issued pursuant to this section was parked in violation of this section, together with proof that the defendant was at the time of such violation the owner, lessee, or renter of the vehicle, shall constitute in evidence a rebuttable presumption that such owner, lessee, or renter of the vehicle was the person who committed the violation. Such presumption shall be rebutted if the owner, lessee, or renter of the vehicle (i) files an affidavit by regular mail with the clerk of the general district court that he was not the operator of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation or (ii) testifies in open court under oath that he was not the operator of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation. Such presumption shall also be rebutted if a certified copy of a police report, showing that the vehicle had been reported to the police as stolen prior to the time of the alleged violation of this section, is presented, prior to the return date established on the summons issued pursuant to this section, to the court adjudicating the alleged violation. A violation of this section may be charged on the uniform traffic summons form.

C. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 19.2-76 , whenever a summons for a violation of this section is served in any county, city, or town, it may be executed by mailing by first-class mail a copy thereof to the address of the owner of the vehicle as shown on the records of the Department of Motor Vehicles. If the summoned person fails to appear on the date of return set out in the summons mailed pursuant to this section, the summons shall be executed in the manner set out in § 19.2-76.3 .

Enforcement of the provisions of this section may be enforced by any law-enforcement officer as defined in § 9.1-101 .

2007, c. 263 ; 2016, c. 708 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-100.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 1 / Section 46.2-100.1
Certified mail; subsequent mail or notices may be sent by regular mail
Status: in_force

Whenever in this title the Commissioner or the Department is required to send any mail or notice by certified mail and such mail or notice is sent certified mail, return receipt requested, then any subsequent, identical mail or notice that is sent by the Commissioner or the Department may be sent by regular mail.

2011, c. 566 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1534 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-1534
Signs
Status: in_force

Each retail motor vehicle dealer's place of business shall be identified by a permanent sign visible from the front of the business office so that the public may quickly and easily identify the dealership. The sign shall contain the dealer's trade name in letters no less than six inches in height unless otherwise restricted by law or contract.

1988, c. 865, § 46.1-547.9; 1989, c. 727; 2015, c. 615 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-498 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 19 / Section 46.2-498
Driver improvement clinics; voluntary attendance
Status: in_force

A. Whenever the driving record of any person who is eighteen years old or older shows an accumulation of at least twelve demerit points based on convictions for traffic offenses committed within a period of twelve consecutive months, or at least eighteen demerit points based on convictions for traffic offenses committed within a period of twenty-four consecutive months, respectively, the Commissioner shall direct the person to attend a driver improvement clinic.

B. Except for those persons whose licenses are subject to the restrictions of § 46.2-334.01 , whenever the driving record of a person under the age of eighteen years shows an accumulation of (i) at least nine points based on convictions for traffic offenses committed within a period of twelve consecutive months or (ii) at least twelve points based on convictions for traffic offenses committed within a period of twenty-four consecutive months, the Commissioner shall direct the person to attend a driver improvement clinic and such person shall be subject to probation pursuant to § 46.2-499 .

C. Except as provided for in subsection D of this section and in §§ 46.2-334.01 and 46.2-505 , every person who attends a driver improvement clinic conducted by the Department or those businesses, organizations, governmental entities or individuals certified by the Department to provide driver improvement clinic instruction and who satisfactorily completes the clinic shall have five demerit points subtracted from his total accumulation of demerit points, except in those instances where a person has not accumulated five demerit points, in which case a reduction in demerit points and/or the award of safe driving points will be made. No person shall be allowed to accumulate more than five safe driving points.

Safe driving points shall be awarded or reductions in premium charges, as set forth in § 38.2-2217 , shall be received for the completion of a driver improvement clinic only once within a period of two years from the date a person satisfactorily completes the clinic. Persons shall be eligible to voluntarily attend a driver improvement clinic again for either safe driving points or a reduction in premium charges, whichever was not awarded or received previously, one year from the date of satisfactory completion of a driver improvement clinic in which safe driving points or a reduction in premium charges was received or awarded.

D. Any resident or nonresident person holding a valid license to drive a motor vehicle in Virginia, whether or not he has accumulated demerit points, may apply to any business, organization, governmental entity or individual certified by the Department to provide driver improvement clinic instruction for permission to attend a driver improvement clinic on a voluntary basis. Such businesses, organizations, governmental entities or individuals may, when seating space is available, schedule the person to attend a driver improvement clinic.

Persons who voluntarily attend and satisfactorily complete a driver improvement clinic shall be eligible (i) to have five demerit points subtracted from their total accumulation of demerit points, except in those instances where a person has not accumulated five demerit points, in which case a reduction in demerit points and/or the award of safe driving points will be made, or (ii) to receive a reduction in premium charges as set forth under § 38.2-2217 , either of which, but not both, shall be awarded or received no more than once in a two-year period, as set forth in subsection C of this section. Such persons shall inform the business, organization or individual providing instruction if they are attending to be awarded safe driving points or to receive a reduction in premium charges as set forth under § 38.2-2217 .

1974, c. 453, § 46.1-514.12; 1982, c. 671; 1984, c. 673; 1989, c. 727; 1995, cc. 226 , 672 ; 1996, cc. 307 , 1035 ; 1998, cc. 124 , 792 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-214 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 2 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-214
Charges for information supplied by Department
Status: in_force

The Commissioner may make a reasonable charge for furnishing information under this title, but no fee shall be charged to any official of the Commonwealth, including court and police officials; officials of counties, cities, or towns; local government group self-insurance pools; or court, police, or licensing officials of other states or of the federal government, provided that the information requested is for official use and such officials do not charge the Commonwealth a fee for the provision of the same or substantially similar information. The fees received by the Commissioner under this section shall be paid into the state treasury and shall be set aside as a special fund to be used to meet the expenses of the Department.

1976, c. 505, § 46.1-31.2; 1989, c. 727; 1991, c. 167; 2006, c. 846 ; 2007, cc. 156 , 447 ; 2016, c. 368 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1535 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-1535
Advertisements
Status: in_force

Unless the dealer is clearly identified by name, whenever any licensee places an advertisement, the abbreviations "VA DLR," denoting a Virginia licensed dealer, shall appear therein.

1988, c. 865, § 46.1-547.10; 1989, c. 727; 1991, c. 117; 2026, c. 173 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-654.2 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-654.2
Temporary registration of fleet vehicles; penalty
Status: in_force

A. For purposes of this section, "fleet logistics provider" means an entity that transports, services, titles, and registers non-owned fleet vehicles in the normal course of business.

B. The Department may issue a temporary registration to a fleet logistics provider if:

1. Application for temporary registration is made by the fleet logistics provider acting as duly authorized attorney-in-fact for the title owner;

2. The fleet logistics provider is registered to conduct business in Virginia;

3. The fleet logistics provider has or will have custody and control of the vehicle at the time the temporary registration becomes effective;

4. The fleet logistics provider or title owner has submitted to the appropriate authority the information necessary to title or register the vehicle in the Commonwealth or another state prior to the expiration of the temporary registration and the vehicle was not temporarily registered during the period immediately preceding the application for temporary registration;

5. The title owner prior to the temporary registration will remain the title owner when the vehicle is titled and registered in the Commonwealth or another state;

6. The vehicle is an insured motor vehicle as defined in § 46.2-705 ;

7. The fleet logistics provider has entered into an agreement with the Department to use the print-on-demand program described in this section; and

8. The fleet logistics provider has paid applicable fees for the temporary registration authorized by this section.

C. The Department shall develop and implement procedures and requirements necessary for delivery of temporary license plates to a fleet logistics provider using print-on-demand technology.

D. The following provisions apply to the use of print-on-demand technology by a fleet logistics provider:

1. A fleet logistics provider obtaining temporary registration pursuant to this section shall be required to purchase only print-on-demand temporary license plates.

2. Every fleet logistics provider that has applied for temporary license plates shall maintain a permanent record of all temporary license plates applied for and any other information pertaining to the receipt of temporary license plates that may be required by the Department.

3. No fleet logistics provider shall request a temporary license plate except on written application through the print-on-demand program.

4. No fleet logistics provider shall permit temporary license plates to be used on any vehicle other than that identified in the application for temporary registration.

5. It shall be unlawful for any fleet logistics provider to make a deliberate misrepresentation on a request for temporary license plates or to knowingly submit a request with false information.

6. Each temporary license plate issued pursuant to this section shall display on its face the name of the party using the print-on-demand system, the date of issuance and expiration, and the make and identification number of the vehicle for which it is issued.

7. The Commissioner may suspend the right of a fleet logistics provider to request temporary license plates if the Commissioner determines that the provisions of this chapter or the directions of the Department are not being complied with by such fleet logistics provider.

8. Every fleet logistics provider to whom temporary license plates have been issued shall destroy such plates on the thirtieth day after request or immediately on receipt of the permanent license plates from the Department or another jurisdiction, whichever occurs first.

9. Temporary license plates shall expire on receipt of the permanent license plates from the Department or another jurisdiction, or 30 days after issuance, whichever occurs first. No refund or credit of fees paid by a fleet logistics provider to the Department for temporary license plates shall be issued.

E. The Department is authorized to charge a reasonable fee for the temporary registration applied for under this section, and any fees collected by the Department pursuant to this section shall be transferred to a special fund in the state treasury used to meet the expenses of the Department.

F. Any person violating any of the provisions of subsection D of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any summons issued for any violation of this section relating to use or misuse of temporary license plates shall be served (i) upon the fleet logistics provider to whom the plates were issued or to the person expressly permitting the unlawful use or (ii) upon the operator of the motor vehicle if the plates are used contrary to the use authorized pursuant to this section.

2018, c. 355 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2126 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-2126
Certificate or permit holder not relieved of liability for negligence
Status: in_force

Nothing in this chapter shall relieve any holder of a certificate or permit by and under the authority of the Department from any liability resulting from his negligence, whether or not he has complied with the requirements of this chapter.

2001, c. 596 ; 2017, cc. 790 , 815 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-406 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 12 / Section 46.2-406
Appointment and authority of hearing officers
Status: in_force

The Commissioner may appoint one or more persons to conduct the hearings provided for in this title. The hearing officers are hereby authorized to administer oaths, take acknowledgments and affidavits, take testimony and depositions, and perform other duties which are incidental to conducting the hearings.

1958, c. 541, § 46.1-434; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-107 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 1 / Section 46.2-107
Lists of vehicles used for rent or hire, or by contract carriers
Status: in_force

Every person engaged in hiring or renting motor vehicles for the transportation of passengers or property and every contract carrier by motor vehicle of passengers or property who operates, or who should operate, under a permit issued by the State Corporation Commission or by the Interstate Commerce Commission, as provided by law, shall furnish to the Commissioner, whenever required to do so, a list and description of motor vehicles used in his business.

Code 1950, § 46-157; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-151; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1088.4 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-1088.4
Devices used to supply nitrous oxide to the engines of motor vehicles
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any motor vehicle on the highways of the Commonwealth if such vehicle is equipped with any device that supplies the vehicle's engine with nitrous oxide, unless the device has been disabled such that the supply of nitrous oxide is disconnected and not readily accessible to the source of delivery.

Violation of any provision of this section shall constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor.

2004, c. 282 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-644 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-644
Levy of execution
Status: in_force

A levy made by virtue of an execution, fieri facias, or other court order, on a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer for which a certificate of title has been issued by the Department, shall constitute a lien, subsequent to security interests previously recorded by the Department and subsequent to security interests in inventory held for sale and perfected as otherwise permitted by law, when the officer making the levy reports to the Department on forms provided by the Department, that the levy has been made and that the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer levied on has been seized by him. If the lien is thereafter satisfied or should the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer thus levied on and seized thereafter be released by the officer, he shall immediately report that fact to the Department. Any owner who, after the levy and seizure by an officer and before the officer reports the levy and seizure to the Department, shall fraudulently assign or transfer his title to or interest in a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer or cause its certificate of title to be assigned or transferred or cause a security interest to be shown on its certificate of title shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 46-77; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-77; 1966, c. 558; 1972, c. 408; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-686 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 7 / Section 46.2-686
Portion of certain fees to be paid into special fund
Status: in_force

Except as provided in subdivision A 13 of § 46.2-694 and § 46.2-703 , an amount equal to 19.6 percent of the fees collected, after refunds, from the registration of motor vehicles, trailers, and semitrailers pursuant to this chapter shall be transferred from the special fund established by the provisions of § 46.2-206 to a special fund in the state treasury to be used to meet the expenses of the Department.

1987, c. 696, § 46.1-157.2; 1989, c. 727; 2020, cc. 1230 , 1275 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1009 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-1009
Exemptions for certain electrically powered vehicles; standards and permits for such vehicles
Status: in_force

The provisions of §§ 46.2-1002 through 46.2-1008 shall not apply to vehicles which are powered solely by electricity, capable of speeds of no more than fifteen miles per hour. The Superintendent may establish standards for safety equipment to be used on such vehicles. Upon the establishment of such standards, permits to use such vehicles may be issued to persons owning vehicles meeting such standards by the officer in charge of the division of the Department of State Police having jurisdiction in the county, city, or town in which such person resides.

1973, c. 455, § 46.1-314.1; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1026 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 3 / Section 46.2-1026
Flashing high-intensity amber warning lights
Status: in_force

A. High-intensity flashing, blinking, or alternating amber warning lights visible for at least 500 feet, of types approved by the Superintendent, shall be used on any vehicle engaged in either escorting or towing over-dimensional materials, equipment, boats, or manufactured housing units by authority of a highway hauling permit issued pursuant to § 46.2-1139 . Such lights shall be mounted on the top of the escort and tow vehicles and on the upper rear end of the over-dimensional vehicles or loads for maximum visibility, front and rear. However, any vehicles operating under a permit issued pursuant to § 46.2-1139 shall be deemed to be in compliance with the requirements of this subsection if accompanied by escort vehicles.

The provisions of this subsection shall apply only to vehicles or loads that are either (i) more than 12 feet wide or (ii) more than 75 feet long.

B. Such amber warning lights may be used on any vehicle used by any public utility company for the purpose of repairing, installing, or maintaining electric or natural gas utility equipment or service.

Code 1950, § 46-273; 1954, c. 310; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-267; 1960, cc. 156, 391; 1962, c. 512; 1966, cc. 655, 664; 1968, c. 89; 1972, c. 7; 1974, c. 537; 1976, c. 6; 1977, c. 72; 1978, cc. 311, 357; 1980, c. 337; 1981, c. 338; 1984, cc. 440, 539; 1985, cc. 248, 269, 287, 462; 1986, cc. 124, 127, 229; 1987, cc. 347, 370; 1988, cc. 339, 351; 1989, c. 727; 2018, c. 263 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1180 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 22 / Section 46.2-1180
Board to adopt regulations; exemption of certain motor vehicles
Status: in_force

A. The Board is authorized to adopt such regulations for purposes of implementation, administration, and regulation as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this article. Such regulations shall include but not necessarily be limited to requirements for the following:

1. The collection of data and maintenance of records of emissions inspection test results and vehicle repairs under this article and the inspection results of the air pollution control systems or devices in accordance with § 46.2-1048 and regulations of the Board.

2. The calibration of emissions testing equipment by emissions inspection stations to ensure conformance with the standards adopted by the Board.

3. The establishment of appropriate referee stations.

4. The permitting of emissions inspection stations and fleet emissions inspection stations and the licensing of emissions inspectors, including the suspension or revocation of such permit or license.

5. The protection of consumer interests in accordance with regulations of the Board concerning, but not limited to: (i) the number of inspection facilities and inspection lanes relative to population density, (ii) the proximity of inspection facilities to motor vehicle owners, (iii) the time spent waiting for inspections, and (iv) the days and hours of operation of inspection facilities.

6. The prohibition of any manufacturer or distributor of emissions testing equipment from directly or indirectly owning or operating any emissions testing facility or having any direct or indirect financial interest in any such facility other than the leasing of or providing financing for equipment related to emissions testing.

7. The certification of motor vehicle emissions repair technicians and emissions repair facilities, including the suspension or revocation of such certification. The regulations shall apply to emissions repair technicians and emissions repair facilities that conduct emissions-related repairs for vehicles that have failed a motor vehicle emissions test according to regulations adopted by the Board.

The Director shall administer these regulations and seek compliance with conditions of any contractual arrangements which the Commonwealth may make for inspection services related to air pollution control and may include entering into an agreement with a program coordinator to implement provisions of this subsection.

B. Motor vehicles being titled for the first time may be registered for up to four years without being subject to an emissions inspection, and the four immediately preceding model years being held in a motor vehicle dealer's inventory for resale may be registered in the localities mentioned in subsection C of § 46.2-1178 for up to one year without being subject to an emissions inspection, provided that the dealer states in writing that the emissions equipment on the motor vehicle was operating in accordance with the manufacturer's or distributor's warranty at the time of resale.

C. No motor vehicle for which the Board has not adopted emissions inspection standards shall be subject to an emissions inspection.

D. The Director may enter into bilateral agreements with other states providing for assistance in enforcing each state's statutes and regulations relating to motor vehicle emissions and motor vehicle emissions programs as to vehicles registered in one state and operated in another. Subject to such bilateral agreement, owners of motor vehicles registered in other states and operated in Virginia shall be subject to the on-road testing provisions of § 46.2-1178.1 , and shall be notified of test results and assessment of civil charges for noncompliance with emissions standards adopted by the Board. Such notification shall also be provided to the appropriate motor vehicle agency in the state of registration.

1980, c. 469, § 46.1-326.6; 1982, c. 92; 1988, c. 806; 1989, c. 727; 1993, cc. 995, 998; 1993, Sp. Sess., c. 2; 1994, c. 838 ; 1995, cc. 836 , 851 ; 1997, c. 559 ; 2006, c. 729 ; 2012, cc. 216 , 824 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-621.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-621.1
Correcting errors in titling
Status: in_force

If the owner of a vehicle or his duly authorized attorney-in-fact make a sufficient showing by providing an affidavit stating that the vehicle identification information provided on the application for certificate of title, the certificate of origin, manufacturer's statement of origin, or title, as the case may be, forwarded to the Commissioner by any means generally allowed, was incorrect, the Commissioner may take all actions necessary to correct the error.

2005, c. 283 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-916.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 13.1 / Section 46.2-916.1
Golf cart and utility vehicle operations on public highways not otherwise designated for such operation
Status: in_force

No person shall operate a golf cart or utility vehicle on or over any public highway in the Commonwealth except as provided in this article.

2004, c. 746 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.59 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.59
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2005, c. 908 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-845 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 5 / Section 46.2-845
Limitation on U-turns
Status: in_force

The driver of a vehicle within cities, towns or business districts of counties shall not turn his vehicle so as to proceed in the opposite direction except at an intersection.

No vehicle shall be turned so as to proceed in the opposite direction on any curve, or on the approach to or near the crest of a grade, where the vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of any other vehicle approaching from any direction within 500 feet.

Code 1950, § 46-230; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-214; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-809 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-809
Regulation of truck traffic on primary and secondary highways
Status: in_force

The Commonwealth Transportation Board, or its designee, in response to a formal request by a local governing body, after such body has held public hearings, may, after due notice and a proper hearing, prohibit or restrict the use by through traffic of any part of a primary or secondary highway if a reasonable alternate route is provided. The Board, or its designee, shall act upon any such formal request within nine months of its receipt, unless good cause is shown. Such restriction may apply to any truck or truck and trailer or semitrailer combination, except a pickup or panel truck, as may be necessary to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the Commonwealth. Nothing in this section shall affect the validity of any city charter provision or city ordinance heretofore adopted.

The provisions of this section shall not apply in (i) cities, (ii) any town which maintains its own system of streets, and (iii) in any county which owns, operates, and maintains its own system of roads and streets.

1973, c. 67, § 46.1-171.2; 1989, c. 727; 2003, c. 300 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1139 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 18 / Section 46.2-1139
Permits for excessive size and weight generally; penalty
Status: in_force

A. The Commissioner and, unless otherwise indicated in this article, local authorities of cities and towns, in their respective jurisdictions, may, upon written application and good cause being shown, and pursuant to the requirements of subsection A1, issue a permit authorizing the applicant to operate on a highway a vehicle of a size or weight exceeding the maximum specified in this title. Any such permit may designate the route to be traversed and contain any other restrictions or conditions deemed necessary by the body granting the permit.

A1. Any city or town, as authorized under subsection A, or any county that has withdrawn its roads from the secondary system of state highways that opts to issue permits under this article shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Commissioner that:

1. Allows the Commissioner to issue permits on behalf of that locality; and

2. Provides that the locality shall satisfy the following requirements prior to issuing such permits:

a. The locality shall have applications for each permit type available online.

b. The locality shall have designated telephone and fax lines to address permit requests and inquiries.

c. The locality shall have at least one staff member whose primary function is to issue permits.

d. The locality shall have one or more engineers on staff or contracted to perform bridge inspections and provide analysis for overweight vehicles.

e. The locality shall maintain maps indicating up-to-date vertical and horizontal clearance locations and limitations.

f. The locality shall provide to the Department an emergency contact phone number and assign a staff person who is authorized to issue the permit or authorized to make a decision regarding the permit request at all times (24 hours a day, seven days a week).

g. The locality shall process a "standard permit" for a "standard vehicle" by the next business day after receiving the completed permit application. Each locality shall define "standard vehicle" and "standard permit" and provide the Department with those definitions. All other requests for permits shall be processed within 10 business days.

h. The locality shall retain for at least 36 months all permit data it collects.

i. The locality shall maintain an updated list of all maintenance and construction projects within that locality. The list shall provide starting and ending locations and dates for each project, and shall be updated as those dates change.

j. The locality shall maintain a list of restricted streets. This list shall indicate all times of travel restrictions, oversize restrictions, and weight restrictions for streets within the locality's jurisdiction.

If the locality satisfies the requirements in the memorandum of understanding, the locality may issue permits under this article.

B. Except for permits issued under § 46.2-1141 and permits issued for overweight vehicles transporting irreducible loads, no overweight permit issued by the Commissioner or any local authority under any provision of this article shall be valid for the operation of any vehicle on an interstate highway if the vehicle has:

1. A single axle weight in excess of 20,000 pounds; or

2. A tandem axle weight in excess of 34,000 pounds; or

3. A gross weight, based on axle spacing, greater than that permitted in § 46.2-1127 ; or

4. A gross weight, regardless of axle spacing, in excess of 80,000 pounds.

C. The Commissioner may issue permits to operate or tow one or more travel trailers as defined in § 46.2-1500 or motor homes when any of such vehicles exceed the maximum width specified by law, provided the movement of the vehicle is prior to its retail sale and it complies with the provisions of § 46.2-1105 . A copy of each such permit shall be carried in the vehicle for which it is issued.

D. 1. Every permit issued under this article for the operation of oversize or overweight vehicles shall be carried in the vehicle to which it refers and may be inspected by any officer or size and weight compliance agent. Violation of any term of any permit issued under this article shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor. Violation of terms and conditions of any permit issued under this article shall not invalidate the weight allowed on such permit unless (i) the permit vehicle is operating off the route listed on the permit, (ii) the vehicle has fewer axles than required by the permit, (iii) the vehicle has less axle spacing than required by the permit when measured longitudinally from the center of the axle to center axle with any fraction of a foot rounded to the next highest foot, or (iv) the vehicle is transporting multiple items not allowed by the permit.

2. Any multi-trip permit authorizing the applicant to operate on a highway a vehicle of a size or weight exceeding the maximum specified in this title may be transferred to another vehicle no more than two times in a 12-month period, provided that the vehicle to which the permit is transferred is subject to all the limitations set forth in the permit as originally issued. The applicant shall pay the Department an administrative fee of $10 for each transfer.

E. Any permit issued by the Commissioner or local authorities pursuant to state law may be restricted so as to prevent travel on any federal-aid highway if the continuation of travel on such highway would result in a loss of federal-aid funds. Before any such permit is restricted by the Commissioner, or local authority, written notice shall be given to the permittee.

F. When application is made for permits issued by the Commissioner as well as local authorities, any fees imposed therefor by the Commissioner as well as all affected local authorities may be paid by the applicant, at the applicant's option, to the Commissioner, who shall promptly transmit the local portion of the total fee to the appropriate locality or localities.

G. Engineering analysis, performed by the Department of Transportation or local authority, shall be conducted of a proposed routing before the Commissioner or local authority issues any permit under this section when such analysis is required to promote safety and preserve the capacity and structural integrity of highways and bridges. The Commissioner or local authority shall not issue a permit when the Department of Transportation or local authority determines that the roadway and bridges to be traversed cannot sustain a vehicle's size and weight.

Code 1950, § 46-339; 1956, c. 476; 1958, c. 541, §§ 46.1-343, 46.1-343.2; 1959, Ex. Sess., c. 91; 1960, c. 223; 1962, cc. 35, 162; 1966, c. 502; 1968, c. 203; 1972, c. 521; 1974, cc. 145, 252, 556; 1975, c. 599; 1976, c. 744; 1977, c. 632; 1979, c. 263; 1980, c. 328; 1981, c. 187; 1982, c. 256; 1983, cc. 170, 515; 1985, c. 7; 1987, cc. 321, 406, 420, 721; 1988, c. 82; 1989, c. 727; 1993, c. 68; 1996, cc. 36 , 87 ; 1997, c. 70 ; 2001, c. 151 ; 2003, c. 314 ; 2009, c. 456 ; 2011, cc. 62 , 73 ; 2012, c. 443 ; 2013, c. 118 ; 2015, c. 615 ; 2017, c. 554 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.110 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.110
Special license plates; supporters of the Virginia Sheriffs' Institute; fees
Status: in_force

A. On receipt of an application and payment of the fee prescribed by this section, the Commissioner shall issue special license plates to supporters of the Virginia Sheriffs' Institute.

B. The annual fee for plates issued pursuant to this section shall be $25 in addition to the prescribed fee for state license plates. For each such $25 fee collected in excess of 1,000 registrations pursuant to this section, $15 shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to a special nonreverting fund known as the Virginia Sheriffs' Institute Fund, established within the Department of Accounts. These funds shall be paid annually to the Virginia Sheriffs' Institute and used exclusively to memorialize and honor Virginia law-enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

2004, c. 700 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-442 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 15 / Section 46.2-442
Default of foreign insurance carrier
Status: in_force

If any insurance carrier not authorized to do business in the Commonwealth which is qualified to furnish proof of financial responsibility defaults in any of its undertakings or agreements, the Commissioner shall not thereafter accept any certificate of that carrier so long as the default continues and shall revoke licenses previously granted on the basis of its policies unless the default is immediately repaired.

Code 1950, § 46-462; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-474; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.82 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.82
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2005, c. 908 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-341.20:6 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 6.1 / Section 46.2-341.20:6
Prohibition on requiring use of handheld mobile telephone or texting; motor carrier penalty
Status: in_force

No motor carrier shall allow or require its drivers to use a handheld mobile telephone or to text while driving a commercial motor vehicle. Motor carriers violating this section are subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $11,000. Civil penalties collected under this section shall be deposited into the Highway Maintenance and Operating Fund established pursuant to § 33.2-1530 . Pursuant to 49 C.F.R. § 386.81, the determination of the actual civil penalties assessed is based on consideration of information available at the time the claim is made concerning the nature and gravity of the violation and, with respect to the violator, the degree of culpability, history of prior offenses, ability to pay, effect on ability to continue to do business, and such other matters as justice and public safety may require. "Driving," "mobile telephone," "texting," and "use a handheld mobile telephone" have the same meanings as assigned to them in § 46.2-341.20:5 .

2014, cc. 77 , 803 ; 2020, cc. 1230 , 1275 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.90 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.90
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2006, c. 437 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-820 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-820
Right-of-way at uncontrolled intersections, generally
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in this article, when two vehicles approach or enter an uncontrolled intersection at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.

Code 1950, § 46-238; 1952, c. 666; 1956, c. 533; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-221; 1985, c. 218; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1046 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-1046
Traction engines and tractors
Status: in_force

The Commissioner of Highways and local authorities in their respective jurisdictions may, in their discretion, issue special permits authorizing the operation on a highway of traction engines or tractors having movable tracks with transverse corrugations upon the periphery of such movable tracks.

Code 1950, § 46-301; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-297; 1989, c. 727; 2013, cc. 585 , 646 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1064 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 8 / Section 46.2-1064
Modification of front-end suspension by use of lift blocks
Status: in_force

No motor vehicle whose front-end suspension has been modified by the use of lift blocks shall be driven on any highway in the Commonwealth.

1985, c. 11, § 46.1-282.2; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.2:2 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.2:2
Special license plates for Virginians for the Arts; fees
Status: in_force

A. On receipt of an application and payment of the fee prescribed by this section, the Commissioner shall issue special license plates bearing the following legend: VIRGINIANS FOR THE ARTS.

B. The annual fee for plates issued pursuant to this section shall be $25 in addition to the prescribed fee for state license plates. For each such $25 fee collected in excess of 1,000 registrations pursuant to this section, $15 shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the special nonreverting fund known as the Virginia Commission for the Arts Fund established within the Department of Accounts, for use by the Virginia Commission for the Arts.

1996, cc. 922 , 1026 ; 1997, c. 878 ; 2022, c. 437 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-861.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 7 / Section 46.2-861.1
Drivers to yield right-of-way or reduce speed when approaching stationary vehicles displaying certain warning lights on highways; penalties
Status: in_force

A. The driver of any motor vehicle, upon approaching a stationary vehicle that is displaying a flashing, blinking, or alternating blue, red, or amber light or lights as provided in § 46.2-1022 , 46.2-1023 , or 46.2-1024 or subsection B of § 46.2-1026 shall (i) on a highway having at least four lanes, at least two of which are intended for traffic proceeding as the approaching vehicle, proceed with caution and, if reasonable, with due regard for safety and traffic conditions, yield the right-of-way by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the stationary vehicle or (ii) if changing lanes would be unreasonable or unsafe, proceed with due caution and maintain a safe speed for highway conditions. A violation of any provision of this subsection is reckless driving.

B. The driver of any motor vehicle, upon approaching a stationary vehicle that (i) is displaying a flashing, blinking, or alternating amber light or lights as provided in subdivision A 1 or 2 of § 46.2-1025 , (ii) has activated the vehicular hazard warning signal flashers, (iii) is displaying caution signs, or (iv) is marked with properly lit flares or torches shall (a) on a highway having at least four lanes, at least two of which are intended for traffic proceeding as the approaching vehicle, proceed with caution and, if reasonable, with due regard for safety and traffic conditions, yield the right-of-way by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the stationary vehicle or (b) if changing lanes would be unreasonable or unsafe, proceed with due caution and maintain a safe speed for highway conditions. A violation of any provision of this subsection shall be punishable as a traffic infraction.

C. If the violation resulted in damage to property of another person, the court may, in addition, order the suspension of the driver's privilege to operate a motor vehicle for not more than one year. If the violation resulted in injury or death to another person, the court may, in addition to any other penalty imposed, order the suspension of the driver's privilege to operate a motor vehicle for not more than two years.

D. The provisions of this section shall not apply in highway work zones as defined in § 46.2-878.1 .

2019, c. 850 ; 2023, cc. 616 , 617 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1087 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-1087
Forfeiture of vehicles equipped with smoke projectors, etc
Status: in_force

Any motor vehicle found to be equipped with any device, appliance, equipment, or instrument, as mentioned in § 46.2-1086 , or equipped for the installation or attachment of any "smoke screen" or gas or flame emitting device, appliance, equipment, or instrument, as so mentioned, shall be forfeited to the Commonwealth, and upon being condemned as forfeited in proceedings under Chapter 22.1 (§ 19.2-386.1 et seq.) of Title 19.2, the proceeds of sale shall be disposed of according to law. No such forfeiture, however, shall take place unless the owner or operator knows that such vehicle is so equipped.

Code 1950, § 46-310; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-306; 1989, c. 727; 2012, cc. 283 , 756 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1231.2 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 12 / Article 3 / Section 46.2-1231.2
Attorney fees and costs; towing and recovery operators
Status: in_force

In any civil action brought by a towing and recovery operator to recover allowable costs pursuant to § 46.2-1212.1 or 46.2-1217 or to enforce a lien pursuant to § 46.2-644.03 related to towing and recovery services rendered as a result of a request made by any local or state law-enforcement officer or other government official acting in his official capacity, the towing and recovery operator may include reasonable attorney fees and costs for pursuing such civil action as a part of the damages. Such reasonable attorney fees and costs may be awarded if the court finds that the towing and recovery operator is entitled to any monetary award for the underlying claim.

2023, c. 198 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-742.6 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-742.6
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2008, c. 114 , cl. 1.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1516 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-1516
Supplemental sales locations
Status: in_force

The Board may issue a license for a licensed motor vehicle dealer to display for sale or sell vehicles at locations other than his established place of business, subject to compliance with local ordinances and requirements. A license issued pursuant to this section shall not be required for a licensed motor vehicle dealer to display for sale or sell vehicles at wholesale auction; placing vehicles for sale at a wholesale auction shall not be considered a consignment.

A permanent supplemental license may be issued for premises less than 500 yards from the dealer's established place of business, provided a sign is displayed as required for the established place of business. A supplemental license shall not be required for premises otherwise contiguous to the established place of business except for a public thoroughfare.

A temporary supplemental license may be issued for a period not to exceed seven days, or 14 days for trailers and motorcycles, provided that the application is made 15 days prior to the sale. The Board shall not issue a temporary supplemental license (i) for the same jurisdiction for a consecutive seven-day period or (ii) for motorcycles for a consecutive 14-day period. The Board shall not issue more than eight supplemental licenses per year to any licensed motor vehicle dealer.

A temporary supplemental license for the sale of new motor vehicles may be issued only for locations within the dealer's area of responsibility, as defined in his franchise or sales agreement, unless proof is provided that all dealers in the same line-make in whose areas of responsibility, as defined in their franchise or sales agreements, where the temporary supplemental license is sought do not oppose the issuance of the temporary license.

A temporary supplemental license for sale of used motor vehicles may be issued only for the county, city, or town in which the dealer is licensed pursuant to § 46.2-1510 , or for a contiguous county, city, or town. Temporary licenses may be issued without regard to the foregoing geographic restrictions where the dealer operating under a temporary license provides notice by certified mail, at least 30 days before any proposed sale under a temporary license, to all other dealers licensed in the jurisdiction in which the sale will occur of the intent to conduct a sale and permits any locally licensed dealer who wishes to do so to participate in the sale on the same terms as the dealer operating under the temporary license. Any locally licensed dealer who chooses to participate in the sale must obtain a temporary supplemental license for the sale pursuant to this section. The dealer operating under a temporary license shall provide to the Board a copy of the notice required under this section and a list of the dealers to whom the notice was distributed. A temporary supplemental license for sale of used motor vehicles that are late model vehicles as defined by § 46.2-1600 at a new motor vehicle show that is sponsored by a statewide or local trade association of franchised dealers and held within the geographic area of the dealer members of such association may be issued without regard to the foregoing geographic restrictions or notification and approval provisions, provided that the applicant is lawfully participating in such new motor vehicle show.

A temporary supplemental license may be issued for the sale of boat trailers at a boat show. Any such license shall be valid for no more than 14 days. Application for such a license shall be made and such license obtained prior to the opening of the show. Temporary supplemental licenses for sale of boat trailers at boat shows may be issued for any boat show located anywhere in the Commonwealth without notification of or approval by other boat trailer dealers.

1988, c. 865, § 46.1-525.07; 1989, c. 727; 1990, c. 940; 1993, c. 69; 1995, cc. 767 , 816 ; 2012, c. 13 ; 2013, c. 247 ; 2015, c. 615 ; 2019, c. 153 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-690 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 7 / Section 46.2-690
Refund for certain for-hire vehicles
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the owner of any motor vehicle which is required to be licensed under § 46.2-697 as a for-hire vehicle, may apply for a refund of that portion of the license fee paid in excess of the fee required if it were licensed not for-hire, subject to the conditions and limitations set forth in this section.

If the motor vehicle, while licensed as a for-hire vehicle, is used exclusively in seasonal operation for the transportation of agricultural, horticultural, or forest products and seed and fertilizer therefor to and from the land of the producer, for compensation, the owner may surrender the for-hire license plates issued at any times prior to the expiration of an accumulated total of not more than ninety days. A refund may be obtained for seventy-five percent of that portion of the fee paid in excess of the license fee required for private carrier license plates. The Commissioner shall refund this surcharge on application on forms prescribed by him and submitted to the Department within thirty days of the registration expiration date of the license plates.

1958, c. 541, § 46.1-154.1; 1974, c. 170; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1056 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 6 / Section 46.2-1056
When safety glass required
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person to drive on any highway a motor vehicle registered in the Commonwealth and manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1935, and designed or used for the purpose of carrying persons for compensation or hire or as a public conveyance to transport school children and others, unless such vehicle is equipped with safety glass wherever glass is used in doors, windows, and windshields.

It shall be unlawful to drive on any highway any motor vehicle registered in the Commonwealth, manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1936, unless the vehicle is equipped with safety glass approved by the Superintendent, or meets the standards and specifications of the American National Standards Institute, Incorporated, or the regulations of the federal Department of Transportation whenever glass is used in doors, windows, and windshields.

The term "safety glass" as used in this section shall mean any product composed of glass so manufactured, fabricated or treated as substantially to prevent shattering and flying of the glass when struck or broken. The Commissioner shall maintain a list of types of glass approved by the Superintendent as conforming to the specifications and requirements for safety glass as set forth in this section and shall not issue a license for or relicense any motor vehicle subject to the provisions herein stated unless such motor vehicle is equipped as herein provided with the approved type of glass.

No glazing material other than safety glass shall be used in any motor vehicle registered in the Commonwealth, except that the Superintendent may permit safety glazing materials other than glass to be used in lieu of safety glass in portions of motor vehicles, trailers, and semitrailers designated by him, provided any such material bears a trade name or identifying mark, and has been submitted to and approved by the Superintendent.

If any person drives any vehicle in violation of this section while under a certificate issued by the State Corporation Commission, in addition to the penalty provided in § 46.2-113 , the certificate of such person may, in the discretion of the State Corporation Commission, be suspended until this section is satisfactorily complied with.

Replacement safety glass installed in any part of a vehicle other than the windshield need not bear a trademark or name, provided (i) the glass consists of two or more sheets of glass separated by a glazing material, (ii) the glass is cut from a piece of approved safety glass, and (iii) the edge of the glass can be observed.

Code 1950, § 46-297; 1950, p. 698; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-293; 1960, c. 125; 1968, c. 172; 1970, c. 18; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-333.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-333.1
Surcharges on certain fees of Department; disposition of proceeds
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this chapter, there are hereby imposed, in addition to other fees imposed by this chapter, the following surcharges in the following amounts:

1. For the issuance of any driver's license other than a commercial driver's license, or a driver privilege card issued under § 46.2-328.3 , $1.60 per year of validity of the license, except no such fee shall be imposed on homeless youth, as described in subdivision A 7 of § 22.1-3 ;

2. For the issuance of any commercial driver's license, $1 per year of validity of the license;

3. For the reissuance or replacement of any driver's license, $5; and

4. For the reinstatement of any driver's license, $15.

All surcharges collected by the Department under this section shall be paid into the state treasury and shall be set aside as a special fund to be used to support the operation and activities of the Department's customer service centers.

2003, c. 1042 , cl. 9 ; 2017, c. 122 ; 2020, cc. 1227 , 1246 ; 2025, c. 181 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1148.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 18 / Section 46.2-1148.1
Overweight permit for hauling forest products
Status: in_force

A. For purposes of this section, "forest products" means raw logs to market, rough-sawn green lumber, and wood residuals, including wood chips, wood pellets, sawdust, mulch, and tree bark.

B. In addition to other permits provided for in this article, the Commissioner, upon written application by the owner or operator of any vehicle hauling forest products transported from the place where they are first produced, cut, harvested, or felled to the location where they are first processed, shall issue permits for overweight operation of such vehicles as provided in this section. Such permits shall allow the vehicles to have a single-axle weight of no more than 24,000 pounds, a tandem-axle weight of no more than 40,000 pounds, and a tri-axle grouping weight of no more than 50,000 pounds. Additionally, any five-axle combination having a minimum of 48 feet between the first and last axle may have a gross weight of no more than 90,000 pounds, any four-axle combination may have a gross weight of no more than 70,000 pounds, any three-axle combination may have a gross weight of no more than 60,000 pounds, and any two-axle combination may have a gross weight of no more than 40,000 pounds.

C. No permit issued under this section shall designate the route to be traversed or contain restrictions or conditions not applicable to other vehicles in their general use of the highways. However, no such permit shall authorize violation of the length limitations in § 46.2-1149.2 or any weight limitation applicable to bridges or culverts, as promulgated and posted in accordance with § 46.2-1130 . Nothing contained in this section shall authorize any extension of weight limits provided in § 46.2-1127 for operation on interstate highways.

D. The fee for a permit issued under this section shall be as provided in § 46.2-1140.1 . Only the Commissioner may issue a permit under this section.

E. Each vehicle when loaded according to the provisions of a permit issued under this section shall be operated at a reduced speed as provided in § 46.2-872 .

2015, cc. 40 , 72 ; 2018, c. 12 ; 2020, cc. 268 , 409 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-312 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 46.2-312
Persons using bioptic telescopic lenses
Status: in_force

A. Persons using bioptic telescopic lenses shall be eligible for driver's licenses if they:

1. Demonstrate a visual acuity of at least 20/200 in one or both eyes and a field of seventy degrees horizontal vision without or with corrective carrier lenses or a comparable measurement that demonstrates a visual field within this range, or if these persons have vision in one eye only, they demonstrate a field of at least forty degrees temporal and thirty degrees nasal horizontal vision or a comparable measurement that demonstrates a visual field within this range;

2. Demonstrate a visual acuity of at least 20/70 in one or both eyes with the bioptic telescopic lenses and without the use of field expanders;

3. Meet all other criteria for licensure;

4. Accompany the license application with a report of examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist on a form prescribed by the Department for evaluation by the Medical Advisory Board.

B. Persons using bioptic telescopic lenses shall be eligible for learner's permits issued under § 46.2-335 provided they first meet the requirements of subsection A of this section, except for that part of the examination requiring the applicant to drive a motor vehicle.

C. Persons using bioptic telescopic lenses shall be subject to the following restrictions:

1. They shall not be eligible for any of the driver's license endorsements provided for in § 46.2-328 ;

2. Their driver's licenses shall permit the operation of motor vehicles only during the period beginning one-half hour after sunrise and ending one-half hour before sunset.

D. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision C 2 of this section, persons using bioptic telescopic lenses may be licensed to drive motor vehicles between one-half hour before sunset and one-half hour after sunrise if they:

1. Demonstrate a visual acuity of at least 20/40 in one or both eyes with the bioptic telescopic lenses and without the use of field expanders;

2. Have been licensed under subsection C of this section for at least one year; and

3. Pass a skills test taken at night.

1986, c. 115, § 46.1-357.3; 1989, cc. 147, 727; 2010, c. 18 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1603.2 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 16 / Section 46.2-1603.2
Owner may declare vehicle nonrepairable; insurance company required to obtain a nonrepairable certificate; applicability of certain other laws to nonrepairable certificates; titling and registration of nonrepairable vehicle prohibited
Status: in_force

A. The owner of any vehicle titled in the Commonwealth may declare such vehicle to be a nonrepairable vehicle by applying to the Department for a nonrepairable certificate. The application shall be accompanied by the vehicle's title certificate or salvage certificate.

B. Every insurance company or its authorized agent shall apply to the Department and obtain a nonrepairable certificate for each vehicle acquired by the insurance company as a result of the claims process if such vehicle is titled in the Commonwealth and is (i) a late model nonrepairable vehicle or (ii) a stolen vehicle that has been recovered and determined to be a nonrepairable vehicle. Except as provided in § 46.2-1602.3, the application shall be accompanied by the vehicle's title certificate or salvage certificate. Application for the nonrepairable certificate shall be made within 15 days after payment has been made to the owner, lienholder, or both.

C. Every insurance company or its authorized agent shall notify the Department of each late model vehicle titled in the Commonwealth upon which a claim has been paid if such vehicle is a nonrepairable vehicle that is retained by its owner.

D. The Department, upon receipt of an application for a nonrepairable certificate for a vehicle titled in the Commonwealth, or upon receipt of notification from an insurance company or its authorized agent as provided in subsection C of this section that a vehicle registered in the Commonwealth has become a nonrepairable vehicle, shall cause the title of such vehicle to be cancelled and a nonrepairable certificate issued to the vehicle's owner.

There shall be no fee for the issuance of a nonrepairable certificate. All provisions of this Code applicable to a motor vehicle certificate of title shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to a nonrepairable certificate, except that no registration or license plates shall be issued for the vehicle described in a nonrepairable certificate. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no vehicle for which a nonrepairable certificate has been issued shall ever be titled or registered for use on the highways in the Commonwealth.

E. The Department, upon receipt of a title, salvage certificate, or other ownership document from a licensed salvage dealer or demolisher pursuant to subdivision A 1 of § 46.2-1603.1 , shall cause the title, salvage certificate, or other ownership document to such vehicle to be cancelled and a nonrepairable certificate issued to the vehicle's owner.

F. For purposes of this chapter, any vehicle for which a brand or indicator has been issued by another state as reported to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System or has been printed or stamped on the vehicle's out-of-state title or other document proving ownership issued by that state identifying such vehicle as "junk," "for destruction," "for parts only," "not to be repaired," or other similar designation shall be deemed to have been issued a nonrepairable certificate by that state.

1992, c. 148; 1993, c. 376; 1995, c. 390 ; 2015, cc. 33 , 177 ; 2017, c. 277 ; 2023, cc. 364 , 365 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1416 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 14.1 / Section 46.2-1416
Operation at airports
Status: in_force

No peer-to-peer vehicle sharing platform or shared vehicle owner shall conduct any peer-to-peer vehicle sharing on the property of any airport, unless such operation is authorized by the airport owner or operator and is in compliance with the rules and regulations of that airport. An airport may take action against a peer-to-peer vehicle sharing platform or shared vehicle owner that violates any regulation of an airport owner or operator, including suspension or revocation of the peer-to-peer vehicle sharing platform's authority to operate.

2020, c. 1266 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-817 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-817
Disregarding signal by law-enforcement officer to stop; eluding police; penalties
Status: in_force

A. Any person who, having received a visible or audible signal from any law-enforcement officer to bring his motor vehicle to a stop, drives such motor vehicle in a willful and wanton disregard of such signal or who attempts to escape or elude such law-enforcement officer whether on foot, in the vehicle, or by any other means, is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. It shall be an affirmative defense to a charge of a violation of this subsection if the defendant shows he reasonably believed he was being pursued by a person other than a law-enforcement officer.

B. Any person who, having received a visible or audible signal from any law-enforcement officer to bring his motor vehicle to a stop, drives such motor vehicle in a willful and wanton disregard of such signal so as to interfere with or endanger the operation of the law-enforcement vehicle or endanger a person is guilty of a Class 6 felony. It shall be an affirmative defense to a charge of a violation of this subsection if the defendant shows he reasonably believed he was being pursued by a person other than a law-enforcement officer.

C. If a law-enforcement officer pursues a person as a result of a violation of subsection B and the law-enforcement officer is killed as a direct and proximate result of the pursuit, the person who violated subsection B is guilty of a Class 4 felony.

D. When any person is convicted of an offense under this section, in addition to the other penalties provided in this section, the driver's license of such person shall be suspended by the court for a period of not less than thirty days nor more than one year. However, in any case where the speed of such person is determined to have exceeded the maximum allowed by twenty miles per hour, his driver's license shall be suspended by the court trying the case for a period of not less than ninety days. In case of conviction and suspension, the court or judge shall order the surrender of the license to the court, which shall dispose of it in accordance with the provisions of § 46.2-398 .

E. Violation of this section shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. If the acts or activities violating this section also violate another provision of law, a prosecution under this section shall not prohibit or bar any prosecution or proceeding under such other provision or the imposition of any penalties provided for thereby.

1964, c. 614, § 46.1-192.1; 1984, cc. 544, 780; 1988, c. 307; 1989, c. 727; 1993, c. 796; 1996, cc. 577 , 817 ; 1999, c. 720 ; 2000, c. 315 ; 2002, c. 505 ; 2008, cc. 773 , 811 ; 2010, c. 655 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1077.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-1077.1
Mobile infrared transmitters; demerit points not to be awarded
Status: in_force

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle on the highways of the Commonwealth when such vehicle is equipped with a mobile infrared transmitter or any other device or mechanism, passive or active, used to preempt or change the signal given by a traffic light so as to give the right-of-way to the vehicle equipped with such device. It shall be unlawful to use any such device or mechanism on any such motor vehicle on the highways. It shall be unlawful to sell any such device or mechanism in the Commonwealth, except for uses permitted under this section. In addition, the provisions of this section shall not apply to any law-enforcement, firefighting, or emergency medical services vehicle responding to an emergency call or operating in an emergency situation or any vehicle providing public transportation service in a corridor approved for public transportation priority by the Virginia Department of Transportation or the governing body of any county, city, or town having control of the highways within its boundaries.

This section shall not be construed to authorize the forfeiture to the Commonwealth of any such device or mechanism. Any such device or mechanism may be taken by the arresting officer if needed as evidence, and, when no longer needed, shall be returned to the person charged with a violation of this section, or at that person's request and his expense, mailed to an address specified by him. Any unclaimed devices may be destroyed on court order after six months have elapsed from the final date for filing an appeal.

Except as provided in subsection B, the presence of any such prohibited device or mechanism in or on a motor vehicle on the highways of the Commonwealth shall constitute prima facie evidence of the violation of this section. The Commonwealth need not prove that the device or mechanism in question was in an operative condition or being operated.

B. A person shall not be guilty of a violation of this section when the device or mechanism in question, at the time of the alleged offense, had no power source and was not readily accessible for use by the driver or any passenger in the vehicle.

C. No demerit points shall be awarded by the Commissioner for violations of this section.

2004, c. 268 ; 2015, cc. 502 , 503 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-623 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-623
Statements in application
Status: in_force

A. Every application for a certificate of title shall contain (i) a statement of the applicant's title and of all liens or encumbrances on the vehicle and the names and addresses of all persons having any interest in the vehicle and the nature of every interest in the vehicle; (ii) the Social Security number, if any, of the owner and, if the application is in the name of an employer for a business vehicle, the employer's identification number assigned by the United States Internal Revenue Service; and (iii) a brief description of the vehicle to be titled or registered, including the name of the maker, the vehicle identification or serial number and, when titling or registering a new vehicle, the date of sale by the manufacturer or dealer to the person first operating the vehicle.

B. The lessor of a qualifying vehicle, as defined in § 58.1-3523 , shall send a report to the Department for each such qualifying vehicle containing (i) the name and address of the lessee as it appears in the lease contract; (ii) the social security number of the lessee; and (iii) the registration number of the vehicle as described under Article 1 (§ 46.2-600 et seq.) of Chapter 6.

C. Such lessor shall send a monthly report to the Department, by the fifteenth day of the month or such later day as may be prescribed in the guidelines promulgated under § 58.1-3532, listing any changes, additions or deletions to the information provided under subsection B as of the last day of the preceding month.

D. The application for title or registration shall contain such additional information as may be required by the Department.

E. The Department may require that an applicant present proof reasonably acceptable to the Department of the accuracy of information provided on the application, including proof of identity, and may refuse to issue a certificate of title until such proof has been provided.

F. The application for registration shall include any additional information required to determine if the vehicle is a qualifying vehicle, as defined in § 58.1-3523 . Any vehicle held in a trust shall be evaluated in the same manner as a vehicle owned by a natural person.

Code 1950, § 46-50; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-52; 1972, c. 230; 1989, c. 727; 1998, Sp. Sess. I, c. 2 ; 2005, c. 305 ; 2006, c. 896 ; 2008, c. 171 ; 2012, c. 650 ; 2022, c. 237 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1602.3 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 16 / Section 46.2-1602.3
Exception; vehicles sold for recycling parts, dismantling, demolishing, or utilizing for scrap
Status: in_force

A. Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, an insurance company, or authorized agent of an insurance company, may obtain a nonrepairable certificate for a vehicle titled in the Commonwealth and acquired by the insurance company through the claims process without first obtaining a certificate of title or a salvage certificate, provided that the insurance company or authorized agent of the insurance company electronically files the following with the Department in a manner prescribed by the Commissioner;

1. The insurance company's information, including name, address, federal identification number, and insurance company code number;

2. The claim number and claim payment date;

3. The vehicle information, including year, make, model, and vehicle identification number; and

4. A certification that:

a. The insurance company (i) has acquired the vehicle through the claims process; (ii) is unable to obtain the assigned title or salvage certificate for the vehicle from the insured; and (iii) has determined the vehicle to be a nonrepairable vehicle;

b. Any lien recorded on this title at the time the insurance company acquired the vehicle has been satisfied as a result of the claims process and released by the lien holder; and

c. The insurance company, or authorized agent of the insurance company, is selling the vehicle, either directly or through a salvage pool, to a demolisher, salvage dealer, or scrap metal processor solely for the purpose of recycling parts, dismantling, demolishing, or utilizing for scrap.

B. Upon receipt of the information required in subsection A, the Department shall update its records in accordance with subsection D of § 46.2-1603.2 and electronically deliver to the insurance company, or the authorized agent of the insurance company who filed the information in subsection A, if any, a nonrepairable certificate for the vehicle.

C. The insurance company, or authorized agent of the insurance company, shall provide the purchaser of the vehicle with the nonrepairable certificate and a bill of sale for each vehicle processed through subsection A. Delivery of such nonrepairable certificate and bill of sale to the purchaser may be through electronic means.

D. Each purchaser of a vehicle for which a nonrepairable certificate has been issued pursuant to subsection A shall comply with the notification requirements of subsection B of § 46.2-1608.2 and all applicable recordkeeping requirements of this chapter.

2023, cc. 364 , 365 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-397 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 12 / Section 46.2-397
Suspension of license for certain violations while transporting explosives, inflammable gas or liquid
Status: in_force

When the driver of any motor vehicle is convicted of any violation of §§ 46.2-816 , 46.2-820 through 46.2-823 , 46.2-825 , 46.2-826 or §§ 46.2-852 through 46.2-864 , or of any of the applicable speed limits prescribed in §§ 46.2-870 through 46.2-878 and the violation was committed while driving a motor vehicle, tractor truck, trailer, or semitrailer, transporting explosives or any inflammable gas or liquid, in addition to any penalty imposed, the court may suspend the driver's license of the convicted person for a period of ninety days from the date of conviction.

Code 1950, § 46-197.2; 1954, c. 377; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-424; 1984, c. 780; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1702 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 17 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-1702
Certification of driver education courses by Commissioner
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Commissioner shall have the authority to approve as a driver education course satisfying the requirements of § 46.2-334 any course that is offered by any driver training school licensed under the provisions of this chapter if he finds that the course is of comparable content and quality to that offered in the Commonwealth's public schools. In making such finding, the Commissioner shall not require that the instructors of any driver training school meet the certification requirements of teachers in the Commonwealth's public schools. However, the Commissioner shall deny an instructor application or revoke an instructor's license to provide a driver education course satisfying the requirements of § 46.2-334 if such instructor has been convicted of a felony in violation of § 18.2-48 , 18.2-61 , 18.2-63 , 18.2-64.1 , 18.2-67.1 , 18.2-67.2 , 18.2-67.3 , 18.2-67.5 , 18.2-355 , 18.2-361 , 18.2-366 , 18.2-370 , 18.2-370.1 , 18.2-371.1 , or 18.2-374.1 or has been convicted of any offense that requires registration on the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry pursuant to § 9.1-902 .

Any comprehensive community college within the Virginia Community College System shall have the authority to offer the courses required by the Virginia Board of Education to become a certified driver education instructor in Virginia on a not-for-credit basis so long as the courses include the same content and curriculum required by the Department of Education, enabling individuals who complete those courses to then teach driver's education in Virginia driver education training schools upon official certification by the Department of Motor Vehicles. The Virginia Department of Education shall provide the curriculum, content, and other information regarding the courses required to become certified driver education instructors in Virginia to any comprehensive community college within the Virginia Community College System. The content of each course must be accurate and rigorous and must meet the requirements for the Department of Education's Curriculum and Administrative Guide for Driver's Education, which includes the Board of Education's standards of learning.

Except for schools in the Commonwealth's public school system and providers of correspondence courses approved by the Board of Education pursuant to subsection F of § 22.1-205 , only those driver training schools that are licensed as computer-based driver education providers shall be authorized to administer computer-based driver education courses, including the parent/student driver education component of the driver education curriculum as established in § 22.1-205 . The content and quality of such computer-based driver education courses shall be comparable to that of courses offered in the Commonwealth's public schools. The Commissioner may establish minimum standards for testing students who have enrolled in computer-based driver education courses. Such standards may include (i) requirements for the test site; (ii) verification that the person taking the test is the person enrolled in the course; (iii) verification of the identity of the student using photo identification approved by the Commissioner; and (iv) maintenance of a log containing the name and title of the licensed instructor monitoring the test, the test date, the name of the student taking the test, and the student's time-in and time-out of the test site. Computer-based driver education providers shall not issue a certificate of completion to a student prior to receiving proof of completion of the additional minimum 90-minute parent/student driver education component pursuant to § 22.1-205 .

Any driver training school licensed under the provisions of this chapter shall be authorized to provide the 90-minute parent/student driver education component of the driver education curriculum pursuant to § 22.1-205 . Only public schools and those driver training schools that are licensed as computer-based driver education providers shall be authorized to administer the parent/student driver education component of the driver education curriculum through a virtual, computer-based program. Completion of such education component shall satisfy the requirement for the additional 90-minute parent/student driver education component so long as there is participation of the student's parent or guardian and the content provided is comparable to that which is offered in the Commonwealth's public schools and emphasizes (a) parental responsibilities regarding juvenile driver behavior, (b) juvenile driving restrictions pursuant to this Code, (c) the dangers of driving while intoxicated and underage consumption of alcohol, and (d) the dangers of distracted driving.

The Commissioner shall have authority to approve any driver education course offered by any Class A licensee if he finds the course meets the requirements for such courses as set forth in this chapter and as otherwise established by the Department. Class A licensees shall not be permitted to administer behind-the-wheel examinations unless authorized pursuant to § 46.2-326.1 . Driver education courses offered by any Class B licensee shall be based on the driver education curriculum currently approved by the Department of Education and the Department.

In addition to programs authorized pursuant to this chapter, the Commissioner may authorize driver training schools to administer programs pursuant to § 46.2-324.1 and subsection B of § 46.2-325 .

The Commissioner may accept, in lieu of requirements established by the Department of Education for instructor qualification, (1) 20 years' service with the Virginia Department of State Police by a law-enforcement officer who retired or resigned while in good standing from such Department or (2) (i) 20 years' service as a traffic enforcement officer with patrol experience with any local police department by a law-enforcement officer who has been certified by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services pursuant to § 15.2-1706 , (ii) who retired or resigned while in good standing from such department, and (iii) who has been certified to teach driver training by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.

1990, c. 466; 1991, c. 214; 2004, c. 587 ; 2014, cc. 666 , 685 , 753 ; 2016, c. 437 ; 2017, c. 144 ; 2018, cc. 521 , 619 ; 2019, cc. 78 , 155 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 136 ; 2022, c. 708 ; 2025, c. 79 ; 2026, cc. 537 , 538 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-391.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 12 / Section 46.2-391.1
Suspension of registration certificates and plates upon suspension or revocation of driver's license
Status: in_force

Whenever the Commissioner, under the authority of law of the Commonwealth, suspends or revokes the driver's license of any person upon receiving record of that person's conviction, the Commissioner shall also suspend all of the registration certificates and license plates issued for any motor vehicles registered solely in the name of such person and shall not issue any registration certificate or license plate for any other vehicle that such person seeks to register solely in his name. The Commissioner shall not suspend such registration certificates or license plates in the event that such person has previously given or gives and thereafter maintains proof of his financial responsibility in the future, in the manner specified in this chapter, with respect to each and every motor vehicle owned and registered by such person. In this event it shall be lawful for said vehicle or vehicles to be operated during this period of suspension by any duly licensed driver when so authorized by the owner.

1992, c. 109; 1994, cc. 841 , 945 ; 2020, cc. 964 , 965 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-328.2 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-328.2
Department to issue documents; veteran indicator
Status: in_force

A. For the purposes of this section, "veteran" means (i) a Virginia resident who has served in the active military, naval, or air service and whose final discharge or release therefrom was under honorable conditions or (ii) a Virginia resident who has served honorably for greater than 180 days in the Virginia National Guard or the United States Armed Forces Reserves.

B. In cooperation with the Department of Veterans Services and the Department of Military Affairs, the Department shall issue driver's licenses, permits, and identification cards displaying an indicator that the holder is a veteran to applicants who request such indicator and provide proof of such veteran status.

C. The Department shall charge the same fee for any document issued pursuant to this section as is charged for the same document issued without the veteran indicator. No additional fee shall be charged for the veteran indicator.

D. Any veteran's indicator placed on documentation issued pursuant to this section shall not be used for determination of any federal benefit.

2018, c. 440 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-214.4 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 2 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-214.4
Discount for online transactions
Status: in_force

The Department may offer a $1 discount for the following transactions if conducted using the Internet: (i) a driver's license renewal pursuant to § 46.2-330 , (ii) a driver's license duplicate or reissue pursuant to § 46.2-343 , (iii) an identification card renewal pursuant to § 46.2-345 , (iv) an identification card duplicate or reissue pursuant to § 46.2-345 , or (v) a certificate of title replacement pursuant to § 46.2-607 .

2016, c. 368 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2142 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 21 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-2142
Bonds or insurance to be kept in force; amounts
Status: in_force

Each motor carrier shall keep in force at all times insurance, a bond or bonds, in an amount required by this article.

2001, c. 596 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2901 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 29 / Section 46.2-2901
Certificate required
Status: in_force

No person shall escort any vehicle that is being moved by authority of a valid highway hauling permit requiring a certified escort vehicle driver and issued pursuant to § 46.2-1139 unless such person holds a valid driver's license and a valid escort vehicle driver certificate issued by the Commonwealth or another state that has a reciprocal agreement with the Commonwealth recognizing escort vehicle driver certificates issued by that state.

An escort vehicle driver certificate shall be deemed invalid if the certificate holder's driver's license has expired or has been suspended, revoked, or canceled.

2013, cc. 312 , 477 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-384 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 11 / Section 46.2-384
Law-enforcement officers arresting drivers for certain offenses to request abstracts or transcripts of drivers' conviction records
Status: in_force

Every law-enforcement officer who has arrested any person for (i) driving while under the influence of intoxicants or drugs in violation of § 18.2-51.4 or § 18.2-266 or a parallel local ordinance, or § 46.2-341.24 , (ii) reckless driving in violation of §§ 46.2-852 through 46.2-865 or a parallel local ordinance, (iii) failure to stop at the scene of an accident in violation of §§ 46.2-894 through 46.2-899 or a parallel local ordinance or (iv) driving without a license or while his license has been suspended or revoked in violation of § 18.2-51.4 or § 18.2-272 , or §§ 46.2-300 through 46.2-302 or a parallel local ordinance or while he is disqualified in violation of § 46.2-341.21 of the Commercial Vehicle Driver's License Act (§ 46.2-341.1 et seq.), shall request from the Department an abstract or transcript of the person's driver's conviction record on file at the Department. The Department shall furnish the abstract or transcript to the attorney for the Commonwealth of the jurisdiction in which the case will be heard, to be held available for the court in which the person is to be tried for the violation or charge. However, the failure of the attorney for the Commonwealth to receive the abstract or transcript in any case shall not constitute grounds for the granting of a continuance of such case. In any such prosecution wherein a necessary element of the offense charged is that the defendant was previously convicted of the same or similar offense, a copy, certified as provided in § 46.2-215 , of (1) the abstract of the relevant prior conviction, certified as provided in § 46.2-386 , or (2) that portion of the transcript relating to the relevant prior conviction, shall be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein with respect to the prior offense.

1968, c. 335, § 46.1-413.1; 1976, c. 148; 1984, c. 780; 1988, c. 413; 1989, cc. 705, 727; 1992, c. 838; 1997, c. 691 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2073 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 20 / Article 5 / Section 46.2-2073
Exemption from permit filing fees
Status: in_force

The original permit filing fee collected pursuant to this chapter shall not be applicable to non-profit/tax-exempt passenger carriers.

2001, c. 596 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-490.2 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 19 / Section 46.2-490.2
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 622 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-692.2 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 7 / Section 46.2-692.2
Fee for exchange of license plates
Status: in_force

The fee for the exchange of license plates shall be the greater of the total of any statutory fees required for the requested license plates, as calculated under the provisions of subsection B of § 46.2-694 , or $10.

As used in this section, an "exchange of license plates" means a transaction that occurs within the registration period of a vehicle in which the vehicle owner voluntarily returns the license plates assigned to the vehicle and requests for the same vehicle new license plates with a different design or alphanumeric combination or both.

A request for new license plates made as part of the vehicle registration renewal process shall not be considered an exchange of license plates for purposes of this section.

The provisions of this section shall apply to a replacement request made under the provisions of § 46.2-607 for license plates that are not duplicates or otherwise equivalent to the lost, mutilated, or illegible plates required to be replaced under that section. Such a request shall be considered both a replacement for purposes of §§ 46.2-607 and 46.2-692 and an exchange for purposes of this section.

2011, cc. 57 , 70 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2099.17 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 20 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-2099.17
Regulation of brokers
Status: in_force

The Department shall regulate TNC brokers and brokers and make and enforce reasonable requirements respecting their licenses, financial responsibility, accounts, records, reports, operations, and practices.

2001, c. 596 ; 2017, c. 635 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-446 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 15 / Section 46.2-446
Notice to Commissioner prerequisite to cancellation of bond; cancellation not to affect rights arising prior thereto
Status: in_force

No bond shall be cancelled unless twenty days' prior written notice of cancellation is given the Commissioner, but cancellation of the bond shall not prevent recovery thereon with respect to any right or cause of action arising prior to the date of cancellation.

Code 1950, § 46-467; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-478; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-204 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 2 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-204
Medical Advisory Board
Status: in_force

For the purpose of enabling the Department of Motor Vehicles to comply with its responsibilities under this title, there is hereby created a Medical Advisory Board for the Department. The Board shall consist of seven licensed physicians currently practicing medicine in Virginia appointed by the Governor. Appointments to the Board shall be for four-year terms and vacancies shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired portion of a term. The Governor shall designate the chairman of the Board.

The Commissioner may refer to the Board for an advisory opinion the case of any person applying for a driver's license or renewal thereof, or of any person whose license has been suspended or revoked, or of any person being examined under the provisions of § 46.2-322 , when he has cause to believe that such person suffers from an impairment that will prevent his exercising reasonable and ordinary control over a motor vehicle while driving it on the highways. The Medical Advisory Board shall provide guidance and recommendations to the Department regarding any case of a person examined under the provisions of § 46.2-322 who appeals the outcome of the examination pursuant to § 46.2-321 if the basis for such appeal is related to the medical evidence in the case. However, appeals related to the examinee's (i) failure to follow procedures, (ii) failure to pass knowledge or behind-the-wheel tests, or (iii) evaluation by a driver rehabilitation specialist are not required to be referred to the Board. The Board shall submit to the Department its recommendations for consideration prior to the scheduled appeal proceedings. In addition, the Board shall assist the Commissioner through the development of medical and health standards for use in the issuance of driver's licenses by the Department to avoid the issuance of licenses to persons suffering from any impairment that will prevent their exercising reasonable and ordinary control over a motor vehicle while driving it on the highways.

The Board shall meet at the pleasure of the Commissioner. Each member shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for his necessary expenses from funds appropriated to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

1968, c. 168, § 46.1-26.1; 1974, c. 453; 1980, c. 728; 1984, c. 780; 1989, c. 727; 2017, c. 120 ; 2024, c. 414 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2120 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-2120
Filing and application fees
Status: in_force

Every applicant for an original certificate of fitness issued under this chapter shall, upon the filing of an application, deposit with the Department, as a filing fee, a sum in the amount of $50. The Department shall collect a fee of $3 for the issuance of a duplicate certificate of fitness.

2001, c. 596 ; 2011, cc. 881 , 889 ; 2017, cc. 790 , 815 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-746.6:1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-746.6:1
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2000, cc. 75 , 766 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1406 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 14 / Section 46.2-1406
Overtime compensation and minimum wage laws
Status: in_force

The participation of an employee in any kind of ridesharing arrangement shall not result in the application of Title 40.1.

1981, c. 218, § 46.1-562; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-717 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 9 / Section 46.2-717
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 1997, c. 486 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-710 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 8 / Section 46.2-710
Disposition of funds collected
Status: in_force

From every noncompliance fee collected by the Commissioner under the provisions of this article, the Commissioner shall retain $100 to be placed in a special fund in the state treasury to be used to meet the expenses of the Department. All other funds collected by the Commissioner under the provisions of this article shall be paid into the state treasury and held in a special fund to be known as the Uninsured Motorists Fund to be disbursed as provided by law. The Commissioner may expend moneys from such funds, for the administration of this article, in accordance with the general appropriation act.

1958, c. 407, § 46.1-167.6; 1989, c. 727; 2019, cc. 149 , 193 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2079 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 20 / Article 6 / Section 46.2-2079
Certificates for passenger carriers operating over Interstate Highway System
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 46.2-2078 , upon a showing of public convenience and necessity, the Department may, if it finds from the evidence that the public interest will be promoted thereby, issue to any carrier of passengers by motor vehicle a certificate or certificates authorizing operations in the Commonwealth upon highways that are part of the Interstate Highway System. The foregoing shall be applicable only to issuance of certificates for operations over such System. Except as otherwise indicated, all other applicable provisions of this chapter shall apply to such carriers and to such certificates.

2001, c. 596 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1414 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 14.1 / Section 46.2-1414
Consumer protections; disclosures
Status: in_force

Each vehicle sharing platform agreement shall disclose to the shared vehicle owner and the shared vehicle driver:

1. Any right of the peer-to-peer vehicle sharing platform to seek indemnification from the shared vehicle owner or the shared vehicle driver for economic loss sustained by the peer-to-peer vehicle sharing platform resulting from a breach of terms and conditions of the vehicle sharing platform agreement;

2. That a motor vehicle liability insurance policy provided by the peer-to-peer vehicle sharing platform to the shared vehicle owner for the shared vehicle or to the shared vehicle driver does not provide a defense or indemnification for any claim asserted by the peer-to-peer vehicle sharing platform;

3. That the peer-to-peer vehicle sharing platform's insurance coverage on the shared vehicle owner and the shared vehicle driver is in effect only during each vehicle sharing period and that for any use of the shared vehicle by the shared vehicle driver after the vehicle sharing termination time, the shared vehicle driver and the shared vehicle owner may not have insurance coverage;

4. The daily rate, fees, taxes, and, if applicable, any insurance or protection package costs that are charged to the shared vehicle owner or the shared vehicle driver;

5. That the shared vehicle owner's motor vehicle liability insurance may not provide coverage for a shared vehicle;

6. An emergency telephone number to personnel capable of fielding roadside assistance and other customer service inquiries;

7. That any financial responsibility requirements imposed on the shared vehicle driver as a condition of maintaining a driver's license remain in effect during the use of a shared vehicle;

8. That the use of the shared vehicle through a peer-to-peer vehicle sharing platform without physical damage coverage may violate the terms of the contract with the lienholder; and

9. That there may not be physical damage coverage under the shared vehicle owner's policy. However, if the physical damage coverage is purchased from or provided by the peer-to-peer vehicle sharing platform, no such disclosure is required.

2020, c. 1266 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-689 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 7 / Section 46.2-689
Refund of certain registration fees
Status: in_force

Upon application on a form prescribed by the Commissioner, any person registering any vehicle whose fees are set under § 46.2-697 shall be refunded that portion of the registration fee for a gross weight in excess of that set forth § 46.2-1126 .

1984, c. 342, § 46.1-154.01; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1088 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-1088
Air conditioning units
Status: in_force

No motor vehicle operated on any highway shall be equipped with any air conditioning unit unless such device is of a type approved as to safety by the Superintendent. The Superintendent is authorized to promulgate regulations setting specifications relating to the design, construction, installation, maintenance, and use of such air conditioning units. No refrigerant used in such unit shall be explosive, flammable, or toxic, unless the refrigerant is included in the list published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a safe alternative motor vehicle air conditioning substitute for chloroflourocarbon-12, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 7671 k (c).

Code 1950, § 46-310.1; 1954, c. 217; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-307; 1989, c. 727; 2008, c. 443 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.58 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.58
Special license plates bearing the legend: FOX HUNTING
Status: in_force

On receipt of an application therefor, the Commissioner shall issue special license plates bearing the legend: FOX HUNTING.

2002, c. 864 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-374 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 11 / Section 46.2-374
Department to prepare and supply forms for reports
Status: in_force

The Department shall prepare and, on request, supply to police departments, medical examiners or other officials exercising like functions, sheriffs, and other suitable agencies forms for accident reports and other reports required to be made to the Department, appropriate with respect to the persons required to make the reports and the purpose to be served. The forms for accident reports shall include suitable spaces for the name or names of the insurance carrier of the automobile liability policy of each vehicle involved in the accidents as required to be reported by § 46.2-373 .

Code 1950, § 46-401; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-403; 1975, c. 553; 1986, c. 639; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-449 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 15 / Section 46.2-449
Cancellation of bond with individual sureties; certificates of cancellation
Status: in_force

When a bond with individual sureties filed with the Commissioner is no longer required under this chapter, the Commissioner shall, on request, cancel it as to liability for damage to property or injury to or death of any person or persons thereafter caused and when a bond has been cancelled by the Commissioner or otherwise he shall, on request, furnish a certificate of the cancellation signed by him or by someone designated by him and bearing the seal of the Department. The certificate, notwithstanding any other provision of law, may be recorded in the office of the clerk of the court in which the bond was admitted to record.

Code 1950, § 46-470; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-481; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2700 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 27 / Section 46.2-2700
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 1997, c. 117 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-745.5 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-745.5
Special license plates for persons awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal or the Defense Superior Service Medal
Status: in_force

On receipt of an application and written confirmation from one of the armed services that the applicant has been awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal or the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Commissioner shall issue special license plates to such persons.

For each set of plates issued under this section, the Commissioner shall charge, in addition to the prescribed cost of state license plates, a one-time fee of $10 at the time the plates are issued.

It shall be unlawful for any person who is not a person described in this section to willfully and falsely represent himself as having the qualifications to obtain the special license plates herein provided for.

The provisions of subdivisions B 1 and 2 of § 46.2-725 shall not apply to license plates issued under this section.

Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this section may also be issued special license plates under this section.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 145 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1700 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 17 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-1700
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Behind-the-wheel instructor" means an individual who meets the requirements for licensure under § 46.2-1708 and is employed by a training provider who provides behind-the-wheel training involving the actual operation of a commercial motor vehicle by an entry-level driver on a range or a public road.

"Behind-the-wheel training" means training provided by a licensed behind-the-wheel instructor when an entry-level driver has actual control of the power unit during a driving lesson conducted on a range or on a public road. "Behind-the-wheel training" does not include time an entry-level driver spends observing the operation of a commercial motor vehicle when he is not in control of the vehicle.

"Business records" means documents maintained by a driver training school, including all filed tax returns; Commission filings, if required by Title 13.1; beneficial ownership information filings, if required by 31 C.F.R. § 1010.380; vehicle registration and maintenance records; business licenses; insurance policies; and any documents required pursuant to § 46.2-1710 .

"Class A licensee" means a driver training school that provides entry-level driver training in the operation of commercial motor vehicles as defined in § 46.2-341.4 .

"Class B licensee" means a driver training school that provides training in the operation of any type of motor vehicle other than motorcycles and commercial motor vehicles as defined in § 46.2-341.4 .

"Computer-based driver education course" means the classroom portion of driver education offered by a computer-based driver education provider through the Internet or other electronic means approved by the Department whose content and quality is comparable to that of courses offered in the Commonwealth's public schools.

"Computer-based driver education provider" means a driver training school licensed by the Department in accordance with this chapter to conduct computer-based driver education courses.

"Driver training school" or "school" means a business enterprise conducted by an individual, association, partnership, or corporation, for the education and training of persons, either practically or theoretically or both, to operate or drive motor vehicles, and charging a consideration or tuition for such services. "Driver training school" or "school" does not mean any institution of higher education, school established pursuant to § 46.2-1314 , school maintained or classes conducted by employers for their own employees where no fee or tuition is charged, schools or classes owned and operated by or under the authority of bona fide religious institutions, or by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof, training programs for school bus operators established pursuant to § 22.1-181 , driver education programs established pursuant to § 22.1-205 , or schools accredited by accrediting associations approved by the Department of Education; however, if any such entity or program excluded from the definition of "driver training school" offers driver education and training through a contractual arrangement with another person for consideration, then that other person shall be considered a driver training school subject to the requirements of this chapter.

"Driver training school owner" means (i) any person with an ownership interest in a driver training school and (ii) any person who contributed money or property to establish a driver training school and (a) is the spouse or child of or (b) cohabitates or has cohabited within the previous 12 months with a person with an ownership interest in a driver training school.

"Entry-level driver" means the same as defined in § 46.2-341.4 .

"Entry-level driver training" means the same as defined in § 46.2-341.4 .

"FMCSA" means the same as defined in § 46.2-341.4 .

"Instructor" means any person, whether acting for himself as a driver training school owner or as an employee of a driver training school, who teaches, conducts classes, gives demonstrations, or supervises persons learning to operate or drive a motor vehicle.

"Key information" means the training provider name, address, phone number, type or types of training offered, training provider status, and any change in state licensure, certification, or accreditation status.

"Ownership interest in a driver training school" means (i) the right to receive 10 percent or more of the annual gross or net sales from such driver training school in a year; (ii) if such driver training school is a partnership, a control or financial interest as a general or limited partner; (iii) if such driver training school is a limited liability company, a control or financial interest as a member or manager; (iv) if such driver training school is an association, membership; or (v) if such driver training school is a closely held corporation, ownership of stock or serving as a director or officer.

"Range" means an area that is free of obstructions, enables the driver to maneuver safely and free from interference from other vehicles and hazards, and has adequate sight lines.

"Theory instruction" means knowledge instruction on the operation of a commercial motor vehicle and related matters provided by a licensed theory instructor through lectures, demonstrations, audio-visual presentations, computer-based instruction, driving simulation devices, online training, or similar means.

"Theory instructor" means an individual who meets the requirements for licensure under § 46.2-1708 and is employed by a training provider and who provides knowledge instruction on the operation of a commercial motor vehicle.

"Training provider" means the same as defined in § 46.2-341.4 .

1990, c. 466; 2004, c. 587 ; 2016, c. 437 ; 2019, c. 750 ; 2024, cc. 107 , 121 ; 2025, c. 79 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1149.8 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 18 / Section 46.2-1149.8
Excess width permits for vehicles transporting watercraft
Status: in_force

The Commissioner shall issue a permit authorizing the operation of vehicles hauling boats or other watercraft that exceed a total outside width of 102 inches but do not exceed a total outside width of 108 inches upon application by the owner of such vehicle. Such permit shall authorize the operation of such vehicle on all unrestricted state and local highways. The annual fee for a permit issued pursuant to this section and the allocation of such fee shall be the same as provided for overweight permits in § 46.2-1140.1 .

2016, cc. 115 , 533 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1307.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 13 / Section 46.2-1307.1
Designation of private roads as highways for law-enforcement purposes in certain counties
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 46.2-1307 , the governing body of Warren County may adopt ordinances designating the private roads within any residential development containing 50 or more lots as highways for law-enforcement purposes, and the governing body of Greene County, upon receipt of a petition therefore by a majority of property owners within a residential development containing 25 or more lots, may adopt ordinances designating the private roads within any such development as highways for law-enforcement purposes. Such ordinance may also provide for certification of road signs and speed limits by private licensed professional engineers using criteria developed by the Commissioner of Highways, and for law-enforcement purposes, such certification shall have the same effect as if certified by the Commissioner of Highways.

2006, c. 870 ; 2007, c. 187 ; 2014, c. 90 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1037 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 3 / Section 46.2-1037
Lights on parked vehicles
Status: in_force

Any vehicle parked or stopped on a highway, whether attended or unattended, between sunset and sunrise shall display at least one light projecting a white or amber light visible in clear weather from a distance of 500 feet to the front of such vehicle and projecting a red light visible under like conditions from a distance of 500 feet to the rear. No lights, however, need be displayed upon any such vehicle when legally parked.

Code 1950, § 46-282; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-276; 1959, Ex. Sess., c. 86; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-878.3 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 8 / Section 46.2-878.3
Prepayment of fines for violations of speed limits
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Traffic Infractions and Uniform Fine Schedule adopted by the Supreme Court for prepayment of fines shall, in all instances where prepayment of a fine is permitted, include a fine of $6 per mile-per-hour in excess of posted speed limits provided for in this article. However, such Traffic Infractions and Uniform Fine Schedule shall include a fine of $7 per mile-per-hour in excess of posted speed limits for a violation of §§ 46.2-873 and 46.2-878.1 and $8 per mile-per-hour in excess of posted speed limits for a violation of § 46.2-878.2 . Any person who drives a motor vehicle at a speed in excess of 80 miles per hour but below 86 miles per hour on any highway in the Commonwealth having a maximum speed limit of 65 miles per hour shall be subject to an additional fine of $100.

2003, c. 838 ; 2010, c. 874 ; 2011, c. 890 ; 2020, cc. 444 , 445 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1200.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 12 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-1200.1
Abandoning motor vehicles prohibited; penalty
Status: in_force

No person shall cause any motor vehicle to become an abandoned motor vehicle as defined in § 46.2-1200 . In any prosecution for a violation of this section, proof that the defendant was, at the time that the vehicle was found abandoned, the owner of the vehicle shall constitute in evidence a rebuttable presumption that the owner was the person who committed the violation. Such presumption, however, shall not arise if the owner of the vehicle provided notice to the Department, as provided in § 46.2-604 , that he had sold or otherwise transferred the ownership of the vehicle.

A summons for a violation of this section shall be executed by mailing a copy of the summons by first-class mail to the address of the owner of the vehicle as shown on the records of the Department of Motor Vehicles. If the person fails to appear on the date of return set out in the summons, a new summons shall be issued and delivered to the sheriff of the county, city, or town for service on the accused personally. If the person so served then fails to appear on the date of return set out in the summons, proceedings for contempt shall be instituted.

Any person convicted of a violation of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty of no more than $500.

All penalties collected under this section shall be paid into the state treasury to be credited to the Literary Fund as provided in § 46.2-114 .

1990, c. 725; 2020, cc. 964 , 965 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-391.4 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 12 / Section 46.2-391.4
When suspension to be rescinded
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of § 46.2-391.2 , a subsequent dismissal or acquittal of all the charges under § 18.2-36.1 , 18.2-51.4 , 18.2-266 , or 18.2-268.3 , or any similar ordinances, or § 46.2-341.24 or 46.2-341.26:3 for the same offense for which a person's driver's license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle was suspended under § 46.2-391.2 shall result in the immediate rescission of the suspension. In any such case, the clerk of the court shall forthwith (i) return the suspended license, if any, to the person unless the license has been otherwise suspended or revoked; (ii) deliver to the person a notice that the suspension under § 46.2-391.2 has been rescinded; and (iii) forward to the Commissioner a copy of the notice that the suspension under § 46.2-391.2 has been rescinded.

1994, cc. 359 , 363 ; 1997, c. 691 ; 2005, cc. 757 , 840 ; 2017, c. 623 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-350 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 8 / Section 46.2-350
Penalty for violation
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding § 46.2-113 , except as otherwise provided any violation of any provision of this chapter not declared to be a felony shall constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 46-385; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-387; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-742 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-742
Special license plates for persons awarded Purple Heart; fee
Status: in_force

On receipt of an application and written evidence that the applicant has been awarded the Purple Heart, the Commissioner shall issue to the applicant special license plates.

No fee shall be charged for license plates issued under this section to any one motor vehicle owned and used personally by any applicant. For each additional set of license plates issued to an applicant under this section, the Commissioner shall charge the prescribed fee for state license plates.

Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this section may also be issued special license plates under this section.

The provisions of subdivisions 1 and 2 of subsection B of § 46.2-725 shall not apply to license plates issued under this section.

The design of license plates issued under this section to persons who have been awarded multiple decorations shall reflect the number of such decorations.

1987, cc. 466, 472, § 46.1-105.15; 1989, c. 727; 1994, c. 914 ; 1995, c. 747 ; 1996, cc. 922 , 1026 ; 2004, c. 747 ; 2008, c. 614 ; 2011, c. 436 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-490.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 19 / Section 46.2-490.1
Section 46.2-391.1 not applicable
Status: in_force

The provisions of § 46.2-391.1 shall not apply to any person whose license or other privilege to operate a motor vehicle is suspended or revoked in accordance with the provisions of this article.

1992, c. 109.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-603 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-603
Issuance of certificate of title and registration card
Status: in_force

A. The Department, on receiving an application for a certificate of title for a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, shall issue to the owner a certificate of title and a registration card as separate documents.

B. Subject to all applicable federal laws, the Department may refrain from issuing a certificate of title in paper form and, instead, shall create only the electronic record of such title to be retained by the Department in its existing electronic title record system with a notation that no certificate of title has been printed on paper. The owner of a vehicle will be deemed to have obtained and the Department will be deemed to have issued a certificate of title when such title record has been created electronically as provided in this subsection. An owner or lienholder listed on a title record so created may at any time request and the Department shall provide a paper certificate of title for the vehicle. Except as provided in § 46.2-603.1 , all transfers of vehicle ownership shall require a paper certificate of title in accordance with, and subject to, all applicable federal laws.

C. The Department may issue an electronic registration card to an individual who holds a valid physical registration card that the Department is authorized to issue. If the Department issues an electronic registration card, the registration card shall be issued in addition to, and not instead of, the underlying physical registration card for which a person is eligible. No electronic registration card shall be issued unless the applicant holds the corresponding physical registration card. The possession or display of an electronic registration card shall not relieve a person from the requirements of any state law or regulation or local ordinance or regulation requiring the possession or display of the physical credential. Any provision of state law or regulation or local ordinance or regulation that may be satisfied by the display or possession of a physical registration card may be satisfied by displaying or possessing an electronic registration card issued pursuant to this section at the discretion of the person to whom it is presented and subject to the conditions of this section.

Code 1950, § 46-68; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-68; 1989, c. 727; 2005, c. 305 ; 2012, c. 650 ; 2022, c. 183 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.89 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.89
Special license plates bearing the legend FRIENDS OF TIBET; fees
Status: in_force

A. On receipt of an application and payment of the fee prescribed by this section, the Commissioner shall issue special license plates bearing the legend FRIENDS OF TIBET.

B. The annual fee for plates issued pursuant to this section shall be $25 in addition to the prescribed fee for state license plates. For each such $25 fee collected in excess of 1,000 registrations pursuant to this section, $15 shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to a special nonreverting fund known as the Conservancy for Tibetan Art and Culture Fund, established within the Department of Accounts. These funds shall be paid annually to the Conservancy for Tibetan Art and Culture and used to assist in its programs and activities in Virginia.

2003, c. 921 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1239.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 12 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-1239.1
Potomac River Bridge Towing Compact
Status: in_force

Article I. Parties and Titles.

The Parties to this Compact are the Commonwealth of Virginia, the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia. This agreement shall be known as the Potomac River Bridge Towing Compact.

Article II. (For expiration date, see 2022, cc. 6 and 635 ) Findings and Purpose.

The Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge, Rochambeau Memorial Bridge, George Mason Memorial Bridge, Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Bridge, Francis Scott Key Bridge, Chain Bridge, Harry W. Nice Bridge, Sandy Hook Bridge, Brunswick Bridge, Point of Rocks Bridge, and American Legion Memorial Bridge all pass through the territorial jurisdiction of two or more of the three Parties. Experience has shown that traffic back-ups often prevent state troopers or police officers of the appropriate jurisdiction from arriving at the scene of a disabled or abandoned vehicle to take corrective action. The purpose of this Compact is to facilitate the prompt and orderly removal of disabled and abandoned vehicles from the bridges by giving all three Parties jurisdiction to exercise appropriate authority anywhere on the bridges.

Article II. (For effective date, see 2022, cc. 6 and 635 ) Findings and Purpose.

The Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge, Rochambeau Memorial Bridge, George Mason Memorial Bridge, Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Bridge, Francis Scott Key Bridge, Chain Bridge, Harry W. Nice Bridge, Sandy Hook Bridge, Brunswick Bridge, Point of Rocks Bridge, Arland D. Williams, Jr. Memorial Bridge, and American Legion Memorial Bridge(the Potomac River bridges) all pass through the territorial jurisdiction of two or more of the three Parties. Experience has shown that traffic back-ups often prevent state troopers or police officers of the appropriate jurisdiction from arriving at the scene of a disabled or abandoned vehicle to take corrective action. The purpose of this Compact is to facilitate the prompt and orderly removal of disabled and abandoned vehicles from the Potomac River bridges, as they are currently named or may subsequently be renamed, by giving all three Parties jurisdiction to exercise appropriate authority anywhere on the bridges.

Article III. Authority to Direct Traffic and Authorize Removal of Vehicles.

The Parties hereby give one another all necessary power and authority to have their respective state troopers or local law-enforcement officers direct traffic and authorize the removal of disabled or abandoned vehicles, trailers, semitrailers or the parts or contents thereof, from any part of the Potomac River bridges, to the same extent and in the same manner that such troopers and local law-enforcement officers may exercise such authority in their own jurisdictions. However, no Party, acting through its troopers or local law-enforcement officers, shall have the authority to direct or authorize the towing or removal of any vehicle or other thing to a destination outside its own jurisdiction, unless the consent of an officer or trooper of the destination jurisdiction has been obtained.

Article IV. Disposition of Towed Vehicles.

All vehicles and their contents towed or removed from the Potomac River bridges pursuant to this Compact shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the place to which such vehicle and its contents are taken, and the handling and disposition of such vehicle and its contents shall be governed by the laws and procedures of that jurisdiction.

Article V. No Agency.

Each of the Parties shall act solely on its own authority within the jurisdiction granted. This Compact shall not be construed as creating any agency relationship between the Parties.

Article VI. Effective Date.

The provisions of this Compact shall take effect thirty days after the legislative bodies of the Parties having jurisdiction over one or several of the bridges identified in Article II have enacted Compacts substantially identical to this Compact.

Article VII. Termination.

The Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia or State of Maryland, or the Mayor of the District of Columbia may withdraw from this Compact at any time upon thirty days' written notice to the other Parties.

1991, c. 452; 2019, c. 403 , 2022, cc. 6 , 635 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-830.2 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 3 / Section 46.2-830.2
Pedestrians with disabilities; traffic signs
Status: in_force

A. Upon request of any person who is deaf, blind, or deaf-blind, any person with autism or an intellectual or developmental disability as defined in § 37.2-100 , or the agent of any such person, the Department of Transportation shall post and maintain signs informing drivers that a person with a disability may be present in or around the roadway.

B. The Department of Transportation shall establish regulations consistent with this section. Such regulations shall provide that any sign posted and maintained pursuant to this section shall be comparable in size and design to other signs typically used for traffic control.

2018, c. 432 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-746.24 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-746.24
Special license plates for supporters of women veterans
Status: in_force

On receipt of an application therefor, the Commissioner shall issue special license plates for supporters of women veterans bearing the legend: SUPPORT WOMEN VETERANS.

2023, cc. 240 , 241 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1315 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 13 / Section 46.2-1315
Powers of localities to regulate use of motorized skateboards or scooters, bicycles, or electric power-assisted bicycles for hire
Status: in_force

A. Any county, city, town, or political subdivision may (i) by ordinance regulate or (ii) by any governing body action or administrative action establish a demonstration project or pilot program regulating the operation of motorized skateboards or scooters, bicycles, or electric power-assisted bicycles for hire, provided that such regulation or other governing body or administrative action is consistent with this title. Such ordinance or other governing body or administrative action may require persons offering motorized skateboards or scooters, bicycles, or electric power-assisted bicycles for hire to be licensed, provided that on or after October 1, 2020, in the absence of any licensing ordinance, regulation, or other action, a person may offer motorized skateboards or scooters, bicycles, or electric power-assisted bicycles for hire.

B. The provisions of this section shall not be construed to limit the authority of any locality (i) as authorized by any other provision of law or (ii) to first enact, revise, or amend any ordinance or action created pursuant to subsection A prior to or subsequent to a person offering motorized skateboards or scooters, bicycles, or electric power-assisted bicycles for hire in the locality.

C. Any person who offers motorized skateboards or scooters, bicycles, or electric power-assisted bicycles for hire in any locality that has not enacted any licensing ordinance, regulation, or other action regulating such business on or after January 1, 2020, and prior to March 27, 2020, may continue to operate in such locality and shall be subject to any subsequent regulations.

2019, c. 780 ; 2020, c. 478 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-669 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 6 / Section 46.2-669
Tractors and similar vehicles owned by sawmill operators
Status: in_force

No person shall be required to obtain the registration certificate, license plates, or decals for or pay a registration fee for any tractor, trailer, log cart, or similar vehicle owned by a sawmill operator when the vehicle is operated or moved:

1. Along a highway from one sawmill or sawmill site to another;

2. To or from a repair shop for repairs; or

3. Across a highway from one contiguous tract of land to another.

Code 1950, § 46-45; 1950, p. 693; 1952, c. 498; 1956, cc. 292, 568; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-45; 1962, cc. 214, 535; 1964, c. 611; 1966, c. 654; 1968, c. 46; 1970, c. 192; 1972, c. 609; 1973, c. 495; 1978, c. 307; 1988, cc. 76, 568; 1989, c. 727; 2016, c. 142 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-774 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 7 / Section 46.2-774
(For contingent expiration, see Acts 2020, cc. 1230 and 1275) Distribution of revenues
Status: in_force

All revenues collected pursuant to this chapter shall be used first to pay for the direct cost of administration of this chapter by the Department, and then shall be deposited into the Commonwealth Transportation Fund established pursuant to § 33.2-1524 .

2020, cc. 1230 , 1275 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1130 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 17 / Section 46.2-1130
Crossing bridge or culvert by vehicle heavier than allowed; where weight signs to be erected
Status: in_force

No vehicle shall cross any bridge or culvert in the Commonwealth if the gross weight of such vehicle is greater than the amount posted for the bridge or culvert as its carrying capacity.

Signs stating the carrying capacity shall be erected and maintained near each end of the bridge or culvert on the approaches to such bridge or culvert. Whenever the weight capacity of any structure on the interstate or primary system is reduced below the weight limit permitted on the road of which it is a part, a sign indicating that there is a restricted structure shall be placed in advance of the last alternate route on the road upon which there is a restricted structure. Whenever the weight capacity of any structure is reduced below the weight limit permitted on the road of which it is a part, a sign indicating that there is a restricted structure, shall be placed in advance of the last alternate route on the road upon which there is a restricted structure.

Code 1950, § 46-335; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-340; 1974, c. 347; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-447 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 15 / Section 46.2-447
Bond to constitute lien on real estate of surety
Status: in_force

A bond with individual sureties shall constitute a lien in favor of the Commonwealth on the real estate of any individual surety. The lien shall exist in favor of any holder of any final judgment against the principal on account of damage to property or injury to or death of any person or persons resulting from the ownership, maintenance, use, or operation of his, or any other, motor vehicle, upon the recording of the bond in the office of the clerk of the court where deeds are admitted to record of the city or county where the real estate is located.

Code 1950, § 46-468; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-479; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-207 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 2 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-207
Uncollected checks and electronic payments tendered for license fees or taxes; penalty
Status: in_force

The penalty set forth in subsection C of § 2.2-614.1 , or ten percent of the amount of the check or electronic payment, whichever is greater, shall be in addition to any other penalties imposed by the Motor Vehicle Laws of Virginia, except in a case where there is a specific penalty set forth by statute for the nonpayment or late payment of fees or taxes, in which case subsection C of § 2.2-614.1 shall apply only in the amount it exceeds the specific penalty. All moneys collected by the Commissioner from the penalties imposed under this section and § 2.2-614.1 shall be paid into the state treasury and set aside as a special fund to be used to meet the expenses of the Department of Motor Vehicles.

1972, c. 67, § 46.1-35.1; 1974, c. 210; 1976, c. 20; 1982, c. 671; 1987, c. 696; 1989, c. 727; 2001, c. 800 ; 2002, c. 719 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-454 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 15 / Section 46.2-454
Moneys or securities to be deposited with State Treasurer subject to execution
Status: in_force

All moneys or securities delivered to the Commissioner pursuant to this chapter shall be placed by him in the custody of the State Treasurer and shall be subject to execution to satisfy any judgment within the limits on amounts required by this chapter for motor vehicle liability insurance policies. The State Treasurer shall certify the value of such moneys or securities to the Commissioner as soon as practicable after their delivery to him.

Code 1950, § 46-475; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-486; 1986, c. 16; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-376 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 11 / Section 46.2-376
Report required of person in charge of garage or repair shop
Status: in_force

The person in charge of any garage or repair shop to which is brought any motor vehicle (i) that shows evidence of having been involved in a serious motor vehicle accident or (ii) with evidence of bloodstains shall report to the nearest police station or to the State Police, within twenty-four hours after the motor vehicle is received, giving the engine number, registration number and the name and address of the owner or operator of the vehicle if known. Reports required by this section shall be made upon forms furnished by the Superintendent of State Police.

Code 1950, §§ 46-405, 46-406; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-406; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-630 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-630
Transfer and application for certificate of title forwarded to Department
Status: in_force

The transferee shall write his name and address in ink on the certificate of title and, except as provided in §§ 46.2-619 and 46.2-631 , shall within thirty days forward the certificate to the Department with an application for the registration of the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer and for a certificate of title.

Code 1950, § 46-85; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-89; 1988, c. 363; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-691 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 7 / Section 46.2-691
Credit to truck owner inducted into armed forces
Status: in_force

The owner of any truck who secured and paid for a license therefor but was prevented from operating the truck for the full license year by induction into the armed forces of the United States and who, after his discharge from the service, resumes his trucking operations, shall be entitled to a pro rata credit on any new license purchased by him, in the proportion that the part of the year for which he had paid the license and during which part the truck was not in operation bears to the full license year.

The application for a credit shall be made during the license year for which credit is sought and each application shall be accompanied by the registration card and license plate issued the owner for the year for which credit is sought and an affidavit that the owner has been or will be inducted into the armed forces.

All such affidavits shall set forth that the vehicle cannot be operated due to the owner's service in the armed forces.

The Commissioner, when the owner is entitled to a refund, shall issue to him a credit to be applied on the purchase of a new license, in the proportion that the part of the year for which the license fee was paid and during which the truck will not be operated bears to the full license year.

Code 1950, § 46-178; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-166; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2110 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-2110
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2001, c. 596 , cl. 2, effective July 1, 2002.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2160 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 21 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-2160
Bill of lading kept in vehicle; preserved in office
Status: in_force

With every motor vehicle transporting household goods there shall be carried with such property on the same vehicle a copy of the bill of lading of all such property, which shall indicate the consignor, consignee, origin, destination and weight of each shipment on the motor vehicle. The original or a copy of the bill of lading shall be preserved in the office of such carrier for a period of at least three years.

2001, c. 596 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1509 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-1509
Application for license or certificate of dealer registration
Status: in_force

Application for license or certificate of dealer registration under this chapter shall be made to the Board and contain such information as the Board shall require. Such information shall include whether the applicant will be seeking a license to sell cars, trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, or trailers and whether such vehicles will be new or used. The Board shall maintain a record of this information and place the appropriate endorsement on any license issued under this chapter. The application shall be accompanied by the fee as required by the Board.

The Board shall also require, in the application or otherwise, information relating to the matters set forth in § 46.2-1575 as grounds for refusing licenses, certificates of dealer registration, and to other pertinent matters requisite for the safeguarding of the public interest, including, if the applicant is a dealer in new motor vehicles with factory warranties, a copy of a current service agreement with the manufacturer or with the distributor, requiring the applicant to perform within a reasonable distance of his established place of business, the service, repair, and replacement work required of the manufacturer or distributor by such vehicle warranty. All of these matters shall be considered by the Board in determining the fitness of the applicant to engage in the business for which he seeks a license or certificate of dealer registration.

Code 1950, § 46-514; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-525; 1974, c. 189; 1976, c. 362; 1988, c. 865; 1989, c. 727; 1995, cc. 767 , 816 ; 2015, c. 615 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1313 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 13 / Section 46.2-1313
Incorporation of provisions of this title, Article 9 (§ 16.1-278 et seq.) of Chapter 11 of Title 16.1 and Article 2 (§ 18.2-266 et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 in ordinances
Status: in_force

Ordinances enacted by local authorities pursuant to this chapter may incorporate appropriate provisions of this title, of Article 9 (§ 16.1-278 et seq.) of Chapter 11 of Title 16.1, and of Article 2 (§ 18.2-266 et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 into such ordinances by reference. Nothing contained in this title shall require the readoption of ordinances heretofore validly adopted. Local authorities may adopt ordinances incorporating by reference the appropriate provisions of state law before the effective date of such state law; provided that such local ordinances do not become effective before the effective date of the state law. The provisions of this section are declaratory of existing law.

1958, c. 541, § 46.1-188; 1968, c. 243; 1972, c. 286; 1976, c. 396; 1989, c. 727; 1991, c. 224; 1993, c. 302; 1994, c. 264 ; 2000, c. 48 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1208 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 12 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-1208
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2009, c. 664 , cl. 2, effective October 1, 2009.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-341.26 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 6.1 / Section 46.2-341.26
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 1992, c. 830.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2012 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 20 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-2012
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2001, c. 596 , cl. 2, effective July 1, 2002.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-307 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-307
Nonresidents licensed under laws of home state or country; extension of reciprocal privileges
Status: in_force

A. A nonresident over the age of sixteen years and three months who has been duly licensed as a driver under a law requiring the licensing of drivers in his home state or country and who has in his immediate possession a driver's license issued to him in his home state or country shall be permitted, without a Virginia license, to drive a motor vehicle on the highways of the Commonwealth.

B. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, the Commissioner, with the consent of the Governor, may extend to nonresidents from foreign countries the same driver's licensing privileges which are granted by the foreign country, or political subdivision wherein such nonresidents are residents, to residents of this Commonwealth residing in such foreign country or political subdivision.

C. Driver's license privileges may be extended to nonresidents from foreign countries or political subdivisions who are over the age of sixteen years and three months, have been duly licensed as drivers under a law requiring the licensing of drivers in their home country or political subdivision, and have in their immediate possession a driver's license issued to them in their home country or political subdivision.

Code 1950, § 46-351; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-355; 1984, c. 780; 1989, cc. 705, 727; 1997, c. 486 ; 2002, c. 755 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-494 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 19 / Section 46.2-494
Safe driving point credit
Status: in_force

Every resident or nonresident person holding a valid Virginia driver's license whose driving record does not contain any suspension, revocation, conviction, or finding of not innocent in the case of a juvenile, of a traffic violation, during any calendar year shall be awarded one safe driving point. One safe driving point shall be awarded for each calendar year of safe driving, but no person shall be permitted to accumulate more than five safe driving points. The Commissioner shall apply these points to offset an equivalent number of demerit points, if any, to the chronologically earliest offense conviction, or finding of not innocent in the case of a juvenile, for which demerit points have been assigned and are valid. If subsequent to awarding a safe driving point to any person, the Department receives a conviction, or finding of not innocent in the case of a juvenile, for an offense which occurred during the period for which a safe driving point was awarded for and which requires the Department to assess demerit points, the safe driving point shall be invalidated.

1974, c. 453, § 46.1-514.8; 1978, c. 44; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-408 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 12 / Section 46.2-408
When Commissioner may suspend or revoke license for no more than five years
Status: in_force

On any reasonable ground appearing in the records of the Department, the Commissioner may, when he deems it necessary for the safety of the public on the highways in the Commonwealth and after notice as provided in § 46.2-403 and hearing as provided in §§ 46.2-404 , 46.2-405 , 46.2-406 and 46.2-407 suspend or revoke for no more than five years, and not reissue during the period of suspension or revocation, the driver's license of any person who is a violator of any of the provisions of this title punishable as felonies, misdemeanors, or traffic infractions and he may suspend or revoke for a like period, and not reissue during the period of suspension or revocation, any or all of his registration cards and license plates for any motor vehicle.

Code 1950, § 46-423; 1952, c. 544; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-436; 1974, c. 453; 1984, c. 780; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-644.2 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 2.1 / Section 46.2-644.2
Department's records; fees; exemption
Status: in_force

The Department shall maintain a record of any certificate of title it issued under this article. Fees to be paid to the Department for issuance of such certificates of title shall be the same as those imposed for the titling of motor vehicles pursuant to § 46.2-627 .

Any all-terrain vehicle or off-road motorcycle purchased and used by a nonprofit volunteer emergency medical services agency shall be exempt from fees imposed under this section.

2006, c. 896 ; 2015, cc. 502 , 503 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-746.23 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-746.23
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2006, c. 437 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-852 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 7 / Section 46.2-852
Reckless driving; general rule
Status: in_force

Irrespective of the maximum speeds permitted by law, any person who drives a vehicle on any highway recklessly or at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person shall be guilty of reckless driving.

Code 1950, § 46-208; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-189; 1983, c. 380; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-935 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 16 / Section 46.2-935
Regulation by ordinance in counties, cities, and towns
Status: in_force

The governing bodies of counties, cities, and towns may enact ordinances requiring pedestrians to obey signs and signals erected on highways therein for the direction and control of traffic, to obey the orders of law-enforcement officers engaged in directing traffic on such highways, and may provide penalties not exceeding those of a traffic infraction.

Code 1950, § 46-250; 1950, p. 942; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-241; 1968, c. 165; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-101 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 1 / Section 46.2-101
Applicability of title to vehicles on certain toll roads and parking facilities
Status: in_force

This title shall apply to any vehicle and any person operating or owning a vehicle operated on any toll facility controlled by the Department of Transportation or any political subdivision of the Commonwealth.

This title shall also apply to any vehicle and any person operating or owning a vehicle operated on or in parking lots, parking garages, or other parking facilities owned, controlled, or leased by the Commonwealth or any of its agencies, instrumentalities, or political subdivisions.

1958, c. 541, § 46.1-21; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.87 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.87
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 717 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-626.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-626.1
Motorcycle purchased by manufacturer for parts; documentation required for sale of parts
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this section, "certificate of origin," "line-make," "manufacturer," and "new motorcycle" have the meanings ascribed to them in § 46.2-1500 .

A licensed motorcycle manufacturer shall not be required to obtain a certificate of title for a new motorcycle of a different line-make purchased by the manufacturer for the purpose of obtaining parts used in the production of another new motorcycle or an autocycle, provided such manufacturer obtains a salvage dealer license in accordance with § 46.2-1601 . The manufacturer shall not be required to obtain a nonrepairable certificate for the purchased motorcycle, as required by § 46.2-1603.1 , but shall stamp the words "Va. Code § 46.2-626.1 : DISASSEMBLED FOR PARTS" in a minimum font size of 14 point across the face of the original manufacturer's certificate of origin. The certificate of origin shall be forwarded to the Department, which shall make a record of the disassembly of the motorcycle. The manufacturer shall retain a photocopy of the stamped certificate of origin for its records.

Any parts remaining from the purchased motorcycle and sold as parts by the manufacturer shall be accompanied by documentation of how such parts were obtained. Documentation accompanying the frame of the purchased motorcycle shall include a photocopy of the stamped manufacturer's certificate of origin and certification from the manufacturer that the original certificate of origin has been forwarded to the Department.

2013, cc. 244 , 367 ; 2014, cc. 53 , 256 ; 2015, c. 615 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-746.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-746.1
Special license plates for members of military assault forces
Status: in_force

On receipt of an application and written evidence that the applicant is or has been, while serving in the armed forces of the United States, a member of a military assault force, the Commissioner shall issue to the applicant special license plates. For the purposes of this section, a military assault force is a unit or element of the armed forces of the United States engaged in or charged with the invasion or capture of territory under the control of enemy forces.

The provisions of subdivisions 1 and 2 of subsection B of § 46.2-725 shall not apply to license plates issued under this section.

Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this section may also be issued special license plates under this section.

1991, c. 108; 1995, c. 747 ; 2023, c. 539 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-433 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 14 / Section 46.2-433
Notification of officers in nonresident's home state
Status: in_force

On conviction of a nonresident or in case any unsatisfied judgment results in suspension of a nonresident's driving privileges in the Commonwealth and the prohibition of driving within the Commonwealth of any motor vehicle, or on suspension of a nonresident's driving privileges in the Commonwealth pursuant to any other provision of this chapter, the Commissioner shall transmit a certified copy of the record of the conviction or the unsatisfied judgment, or any other action pursuant to this chapter resulting in suspension of a nonresident's driving privileges of any motor vehicle owned by such nonresident, to the motor vehicle commissioner or officer performing the functions of a commissioner in the state of the United States, or possession under the exclusive control of the United States, Mexico or its states, or Canada or its provinces in which the nonresident resides.

Code 1950, § 46-453; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-465; 1989, c. 727; 2005, c. 513 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1600 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 16 / Section 46.2-1600
Definitions
Status: in_force

The following words, terms, and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meaning ascribed to them in this section, except where the context indicates otherwise:

"Actual cash value," as applied to a vehicle, means the retail cash value of the vehicle prior to damage as determined, using recognized evaluation sources, either (i) by an insurance company responsible for paying a claim or (ii) if no insurance company is responsible therefor, by the Department.

"Auto recycler" means any person licensed by the Commonwealth to engage in business as a salvage dealer, rebuilder, demolisher, or scrap metal processor.

"Current salvage value," as applied to a vehicle, means (i) the salvage value of the vehicle, as determined by the insurer responsible for paying the claim, or (ii) if no insurance company is responsible therefor, 25 percent of the actual cash value.

"Demolisher" means any person whose business is to crush, flatten, bale, shred, log, or otherwise reduce a vehicle to a state where it can no longer be considered a vehicle.

"Diminished value compensation" means the amount of compensation that an insurance company pays to a third party vehicle owner, in addition to the cost of repairs, for the reduced value of a vehicle due to damage.

"Independent appraisal firm" means any business providing cost estimates for the repair of damaged motor vehicles for insurance purposes and having all required business licenses and zoning approvals. This term shall not include insurance companies that provide the same service, nor shall any such entity be a rebuilder or affiliated with a rebuilder.

"Late model vehicle" means the current-year model of a vehicle and the five preceding model years, or any vehicle whose actual cash value is determined to have been at least $10,000 prior to being damaged.

"Licensee" means any person who is licensed or is required to be licensed under this chapter.

"Major component" means any one of the following subassemblies of a motor vehicle: (i) front clip assembly, consisting of the fenders, grille, hood, bumper, and related parts; (ii) engine; (iii) transmission; (iv) rear clip assembly, consisting of the quarter panels, floor panels, trunk lid, bumper, and related parts; (v) frame; (vi) air bags; and (vii) any door that displays a vehicle identification number.

"Nonrepairable certificate" means a document of ownership issued by the Department for any nonrepairable vehicle upon surrender or cancellation of the vehicle's title and registration or salvage certificate.

"Nonrepairable vehicle" means any vehicle that has been determined by its insurer or owner to have no value except for use as parts and scrap metal or for which a nonrepairable certificate has been issued or applied for.

"Rebuilder" means any person who acquires and repairs, for use on the public highways, two or more salvage vehicles within a 12-month period.

"Rebuilt vehicle" means (i) any salvage vehicle that has been repaired for use on the public highways or (ii) any late model vehicle that has been repaired and the estimated cost of repair exceeded 75 percent of its actual cash value, excluding the cost to repair damage to the engine, transmission, or drive axle assembly.

"Repairable vehicle" means a late model vehicle that is not a rebuilt vehicle, but is repaired to its pre-loss condition by an insurance company and is not accepted by the owner of said vehicle immediately prior to its acquisition by said insurance company as part of the claims process.

"Salvage certificate" means a document of ownership issued by the Department for any salvage vehicle upon surrender or cancellation of the vehicle's title and registration.

"Salvage dealer" means any person who acquires any vehicle for the purpose of reselling any parts thereof or who acquires and sells any salvage vehicle as a unit except as permitted by subdivision B 2 of § 46.2-1602 .

"Salvage pool" means any person providing a storage service for salvage vehicles or nonrepairable vehicles who either displays the vehicles for resale or solicits bids for the sale of salvage vehicles or nonrepairable vehicles, but this definition shall not apply to an insurance company that stores and displays fewer than 100 salvage vehicles and nonrepairable vehicles in one location; however, any two or more insurance companies who display salvage and nonrepairable vehicles for resale, using the same facilities, shall be considered a salvage pool.

"Salvage vehicle" means (i) any late model vehicle that has been (a) acquired by an insurance company as a part of the claims process other than a stolen vehicle or (b) damaged as a result of collision, fire, flood, accident, trespass, or any other occurrence to such an extent that its estimated cost of repair, excluding charges for towing, storage, and temporary replacement/rental vehicle or payment for diminished value compensation, would exceed its actual cash value less its current salvage value; (ii) any recovered stolen vehicle acquired by an insurance company as a part of the claims process, whose estimated cost of repair exceeds 75 percent of its actual cash value; or (iii) any other vehicle that is determined to be a salvage vehicle by its owner or an insurance company by applying for a salvage certificate for the vehicle, provided that such vehicle is not a nonrepairable vehicle.

"Scrap metal processor" means any person who acquires one or more whole vehicles to process into scrap for remelting purposes who, from a fixed location, utilizes machinery and equipment for processing and manufacturing ferrous and nonferrous metallic scrap into prepared grades, and whose principal product is metallic scrap.

"Vehicle" shall have the meaning ascribed to it in § 46.2-100 . A vehicle that has been demolished or declared to be nonrepairable pursuant to this chapter shall no longer be considered a vehicle. For the purposes of this chapter, a major component shall not be considered a vehicle.

"Vehicle removal operator" means any person who acquires a vehicle for the purpose of reselling it to a demolisher, scrap metal processor, or salvage dealer.

1979, c. 401, § 46.1-550.6; 1988, cc. 842, 865; 1989, c. 727; 1992, c. 148; 1993, c. 376; 2000, cc. 123 , 235 , 257 ; 2003, c. 304 ; 2009, c. 664 ; 2012, cc. 64 , 280 ; 2015, cc. 33 , 177 ; 2017, cc. 277 , 342 , 362 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1549.2 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 5 / Section 46.2-1549.2
Special license plate combination
Status: in_force

A. The Commissioner may issue, upon request of a licensed dealer and when the Commissioner determines that such issuance is feasible, a license plate that is a combination of (i) one series of special license plate authorized pursuant to Article 10 (§ 46.2-725 et seq.) of Chapter 6 and currently issued by the Department and (ii) one type of dealer's license plate authorized pursuant to this article. Such license plate shall be subject to all provisions of this article.

B. The fee for any combination license plate issued pursuant to this section shall be the sum of the fee for the applicable special license plate and the fee for the applicable dealer's license plate. Such fee shall be disbursed in the manner required for special license plates and for dealer's license plates, as if two such plates had been issued separately.

C. The Commissioner may issue multiple combination license plates to a single licensed dealer in a manner the Commissioner determines is feasible.

2020, c. 60 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1417 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 14.1 / Section 46.2-1417
Responsibility for equipment
Status: in_force

The peer-to-peer vehicle sharing platform shall have sole responsibility for any equipment, such as a global positioning system (GPS), that is installed or placed in or on a shared vehicle to monitor or facilitate peer-to-peer vehicle sharing and shall agree to indemnify and hold harmless the shared vehicle owner for any damage to or theft of such system or equipment during a vehicle sharing period not caused by the shared vehicle owner. The peer-to-peer vehicle sharing platform has the right to seek indemnity from the shared vehicle driver for any loss or damage to such system or equipment that occurs during the vehicle sharing period.

2020, c. 1266 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-633 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-633
Transfer of title by operation of law
Status: in_force

A. Except as otherwise provided in § 46.2-615 in the event of the transfer by operation of law of the title or interest of an owner in and to a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer registered under the provisions of this chapter to anyone as legatee or distributee or as surviving joint owner or by an order in bankruptcy or insolvency, execution sale, sales as provided for in § 46.2-644.03 , repossession on default in the performing of the terms of a lease or executory sales contract or of any written agreement ratified or incorporated in a decree or order of a court of record, or otherwise than by the voluntary act of the person whose title or interest is so transferred, the transferee or his legal representative shall apply to the Department for a certificate of title, giving the name and address of the person entitled to it, and accompany his application with the registration card and certificate of title previously issued for the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, if available, together with whatever instruments or documents of authority, or certified copies of them, are required by law to evidence or effect a transfer of title or interest in or to chattels in the case. The Department shall cancel the registration of the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer and issue a new certificate of title to the person entitled to it.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, if a title is presented from a state other than the Commonwealth, the Department shall, upon presentation of the title and a form prescribed by the Commissioner attesting to the lawful repossession of the vehicle and the intent to offer the vehicle for sale in the Commonwealth, issue a new certificate of title to the person entitled to it and request the state in which the vehicle is titled to cancel the title. Nothing in this subsection, however, shall be construed to require the presentation of a title from a state other than the Commonwealth if the vehicle is not required to be titled by the laws of that other state.

Code 1950, § 46-89; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-93; 1964, c. 142; 1968, cc. 187, 605; 1970, c. 287; 1989, c. 727; 2005, cc. 766 , 849 ; 2008, Sp. Sess. II, c. 7 ; 2009, c. 664 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-378 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 11 / Section 46.2-378
Extent to which reports may be used as evidence
Status: in_force

No report submitted pursuant to this article shall be used as evidence in any trial, civil or criminal, arising out of an accident, except that the Department shall furnish, on demand of any person who has or claims to have made such a report, or upon demand of any court, a certificate showing that a specified accident report has or has not been made to the Department, solely to prove compliance or noncompliance with the requirement that the report be made to the Department.

Code 1950, § 46-408; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-408; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1065 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 8 / Section 46.2-1065
Steering gear; installation, sale, etc., of repair kit or preventive maintenance kit for use on part of steering gear prohibited
Status: in_force

Every motor vehicle driven on a highway shall be equipped with steering gear adequate to ensure the safe control of the vehicle. Such steering gear shall not show signs of weakness or breaking under ordinary conditions. The Superintendent may promulgate regulations establishing standards of adequacy of steering gear, which shall be the current standard specifications of steering gear adopted by the United States Bureau of Standards or the Society of Automotive Engineers, or the regulations of the federal Department of Transportation, for determining whether or not any motor vehicle operated on any highway conforms to the requirements of the Department of State Police.

No Virginia-registered motor vehicle shall be issued a safety inspection approval sticker or be operated on a highway in the Commonwealth if equipped with a repair kit or preventive maintenance kit installed on a tie rod end, idler arm, ball joint or any other part of the vehicle's steering gear.

It shall be unlawful for any person to sell or offer for sale any repair kit or preventive maintenance kit for use on a tie rod end, idler arm, ball joint, or any other part of a vehicle's steering gear to prevent wear or to repair or remove play or looseness in the steering gear components.

Nothing contained in this section shall prohibit or prevent shop adjustments or the replacement of parts or complete components of a motor vehicle's steering gear that meet Society of Automotive Engineers standards of excellence, in order to correct deficiencies in the steering gear.

Code 1950, § 46-288; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-282; 1968, c. 172; 1970, c. 23; 1983, c. 226; 1989, c. 727.