Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1149.7 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 18 / Section 46.2-1149.7
Specialized construction equipment; permits; engineering analysis; costs
Status: in_force

A. For the purpose of this section, "specialized construction equipment" means (i) rubber-tracked, or tracked when protective matting is used, self-propelled equipment being used in highway maintenance and construction projects and (ii) tracked, self-propelled equipment being used in emergency operations, including snow removal.

B. The Commissioner of Highways, upon written application made by the owner or operator of specialized construction equipment, may issue a single trip or multi-trip permit allowing such equipment to be driven across structures maintained by the Department of Transportation within, or to gain access to, a highway construction or maintenance work zone of the Department of Transportation, as defined in the most recent version of the Department of Transportation's Virginia Work Area Protection Manual, or to access any road or structure maintained by the Department of Transportation when needed by the Department for snow removal or other emergency operations. The permits shall be issued only after an engineering analysis of a proposed routing has been conducted by the Department of Transportation to assess the ability of the roads and structures to be traversed to sustain the equipment's size and weight. Such permit shall designate the route to be traversed and contain restrictions or conditions regarding the specialized construction equipment's operation across structures. The fee for a permit issued under this section shall be based on the costs assessed against the applicant to cover engineering analysis, not to exceed three hours.

2014, c. 70 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-341.14:8 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 6.1 / Section 46.2-341.14:8
Test administration
Status: in_force

A. Skills tests shall be conducted strictly in accordance with the provisions of this article and with current test instructions provided from time to time by the Department. Such instructions will include test forms and directions for completing such forms.

B. Skills tests shall be conducted:

1. On test routes that are located at least in part in Virginia and have been approved by the Department;

2. In a vehicle that is representative of the class and type of vehicle for which the commercial driver's license applicant seeks to be licensed and for which the third party tester and third party examiner are certified to test; and

3. In vehicles that are inspected, licensed, and insured, as required by law.

C. All third party testers shall submit a skills test schedule of commercial driver's license skills testing appointments to the Department no later than two business days prior to each test.

D. All third party testers shall notify the Department through secure electronic means when a driver applicant passes skills tests.

2013, cc. 165 , 582 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-736.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-736.1
Special license plates for certain officials; fees
Status: in_force

On request, the Commissioner shall issue special license plates to the following officials: the Speaker of the House of Delegates, members of the House of Delegates, members of the Virginia Senate, the Clerk of the House of Delegates, the Clerk of the Virginia Senate, the Governor of Virginia, the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, the Attorney General of Virginia, United States Congressmen, and United States Senators.

The annual fee for license plates issued pursuant to this section shall be $25 plus the prescribed fees for (i) vehicle registration and (ii) license plates with reserved numbers or letters.

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

1995, c. 747 ; 2005, c. 300 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-216.5 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 2 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-216.5
Partnership of Department and The Library of Virginia to promote use of public library Internet access terminals to complete on-line transactions with the Department
Status: in_force

The Department shall enter into a partnership with The Library of Virginia to promote the use of public library Internet access terminals to complete on-line transactions with the Department.

2003, c. 336 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-391.2 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 12 / Section 46.2-391.2
Administrative suspension of license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle
Status: in_force

A. If a breath test is taken pursuant to § 18.2-268.2 or any similar ordinance or § 46.2-341.26:2 and (i) the results show a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or more by weight by volume or 0.08 grams or more per 210 liters of breath, or (ii) the results, for persons younger than 21 years of age, show a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02 percent or more by weight by volume or 0.02 grams or more per 210 liters of breath or (iii) the person refuses to submit to the breath or blood test in violation of § 18.2-268.3 or any similar ordinance or § 46.2-341.26:3 , and upon issuance of a petition or summons, or upon issuance of a warrant by the magistrate, for a violation of § 18.2-51.4 , 18.2-266 , or 18.2-266.1 , or any similar ordinance, or § 46.2-341.24 or upon the issuance of a warrant or summons by the magistrate or by the arresting officer at a medical facility for a violation of § 18.2-268.3 , or any similar ordinance, or § 46.2-341.26:3 , the person's license shall be suspended immediately or in the case of (a) an unlicensed person, (b) a person whose license is otherwise suspended or revoked, or (c) a person whose driver's license is from a jurisdiction other than the Commonwealth, such person's privilege to operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth shall be suspended immediately. The period of suspension of the person's license or privilege to drive shall be seven days, unless the petition, summons or warrant issued charges the person with a second or subsequent offense. If the person is charged with a second offense the suspension shall be for 60 days. If not already expired, the period of suspension shall expire on the day and time of trial of the offense charged on the petition, summons, or warrant, except that it shall not so expire during the first seven days of the suspension. If the person is charged with a third or subsequent offense, the suspension shall be until the day and time of trial of the offense charged on the petition, summons, or warrant. Any person whose license is suspended under this section after being charged with a second offense may petition the general district court where the charge occurred, or, if a nonresident of the Commonwealth, the general district court where the charge occurred for a restricted license and installation of an ignition interlock system pursuant to § 18.2-270.1 . Any person granted a restricted license pursuant to this subsection shall be required, by court order, to enter into an alcohol safety action program to pre-qualify with the program to have an ignition interlock system installed on any motor vehicle owned or operated by him and may have such ignition interlock system installed. Any installation period of time accrued by such person prior to trial for the pending charge shall count toward any (i) ignition interlock or restricted license period of time ordered by a court or (ii) restricted license, suspension, or revocation issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles pursuant to § 46.2-389 .

A law-enforcement officer, acting on behalf of the Commonwealth, shall serve a notice of suspension personally on the arrested person. When notice is served, the arresting officer shall promptly take possession of any driver's license held by the person and issued by the Commonwealth and shall promptly deliver it to the magistrate. Any driver's license taken into possession under this section shall be forwarded promptly by the magistrate to the clerk of the general district court or, as appropriate, the court with jurisdiction over juveniles of the jurisdiction in which the arrest was made together with any petition, summons, or warrant, the results of the breath test, if any, and the report required by subsection B. A copy of the notice of suspension shall be forwarded forthwith to both (1) the general district court or, as appropriate, the court with jurisdiction over juveniles of the jurisdiction in which the arrest was made and (2) the Commissioner. Transmission of this information may be made by electronic means.

The clerk shall promptly return the suspended license to the person at the expiration of the suspension. Whenever a suspended license is to be returned under this section or § 46.2-391.4 , the person may elect to have the license returned in person at the clerk's office or by mail to the address on the person's license or to such other address as he may request.

B. Promptly after arrest and service of the notice of suspension, the arresting officer shall forward to the magistrate a sworn report of the arrest that shall include (i) information which adequately identifies the person arrested and (ii) a statement setting forth the arresting officer's grounds for belief that the person violated § 18.2-51.4 , 18.2-266 , or 18.2-266.1 , or a similar ordinance, or § 46.2-341.24 or refused to submit to a breath or blood test in violation of § 18.2-268.3 or a similar ordinance or § 46.2-341.26:3 . The report required by this subsection shall be submitted on forms supplied by the Supreme Court.

C. Any person whose license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle has been suspended under subsection A may, during the period of the suspension, request the general district court or, as appropriate, the court with jurisdiction over juveniles of the jurisdiction in which the arrest was made to review that suspension. The court shall review the suspension within the same time period as the court hears an appeal from an order denying bail or fixing terms of bail or terms of recognizance, giving this matter precedence over all other matters on its docket. If the person proves to the court by a preponderance of the evidence that the arresting officer did not have probable cause for the arrest, that the magistrate did not have probable cause to issue the warrant, or that there was not probable cause for issuance of the petition, the court shall rescind the suspension, or that portion of it that exceeds seven days if there was not probable cause to charge a second offense or 60 days if there was not probable cause to charge a third or subsequent offense, and the clerk of the court shall forthwith, or at the expiration of the reduced suspension time, (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 or reduced, and (iii) forward to the Commissioner a copy of the notice that the suspension under § 46.2-391.2 has been rescinded or reduced. Otherwise, the court shall affirm the suspension. If the person requesting the review fails to appear without just cause, his right to review shall be waived.

The court's findings are without prejudice to the person contesting the suspension or to any other potential party as to any proceedings, civil or criminal, and shall not be evidence in any proceedings, civil or criminal.

D. If a person whose license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle is suspended under subsection A is convicted under § 18.2-36.1 , 18.2-51.4 , 18.2-266 , or 18.2-266.1 or subdivision A 1 or B 1 of § 18.2-268.3 , or any similar ordinance, or § 46.2-341.24 during the suspension imposed by subsection A, and if the court decides to issue the person a restricted permit under subsection E of § 18.2-271.1 or subsection F of § 18.2-268.3 , such restricted permit shall not be issued to the person before the expiration of the first seven days of the suspension imposed under subsection A.

1994, cc. 359 , 363 ; 1996, cc. 865 , 1007 ; 1997, c. 691 ; 2001, c. 779 ; 2003, c. 605 ; 2004, cc. 937 , 960 ; 2005, cc. 757 , 840 ; 2014, c. 707 ; 2017, c. 623 ; 2020, c. 341 ; 2026, c. 1112 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2171 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 21 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-2171
Changes in tariffs
Status: in_force

No change shall be made in any rate or charge, or any rule, regulation, or practice affecting such rate or charge, or the value of the service thereunder, specified in any effective tariff of a household goods carrier, except after thirty days' notice of the proposed change. Such notice shall plainly state the change proposed to be made and the time when such change will take effect. The Department may, in its discretion and for good cause shown, allow such change upon notice less than that herein specified or modify the requirements of this section with respect to posting and filing of tariffs.

2001, c. 596 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1503.3 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-1503.3
Motor Vehicle Dealer Board Fund; receipts; disbursements
Status: in_force

The Motor Vehicle Dealer Board Fund is established as a special fund in the state treasury. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, all fees collected as provided in this chapter and by regulations promulgated by the Board, shall be paid into the state treasury immediately upon collection and credited to the Motor Vehicle Dealer Board Fund. Any interest income shall accrue to the Motor Vehicle Dealer Board Fund. All disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer upon warrants of the Comptroller issued upon vouchers signed by an authorized officer of the Board or the Executive Director as authorized by the Board.

1995, cc. 767 , 816 ; 1998, c. 325 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1143.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 18 / Section 46.2-1143.1
Overweight permits for haulers of excavated material
Status: in_force

The Commissioner, upon written application made by the owner or operator, shall issue overweight permits for operation of certain vehicles hauling excavated material from construction-related land-clearing operations. Permits shall be issued under this section only for vehicles that have either (i) four axles with more than 22 feet between the first and last axle of the vehicle or (ii) three axles. Any vehicle operating under a permit issued pursuant to this section shall have a gross weight of no more than 60,000 pounds for three-axle vehicles and 70,000 pounds for four-axle vehicles, a single axle weight of no more than 20,000 pounds, tandem axle weight of no more than 40,000 pounds, and a tri-axle grouping weight of no more than 50,000 pounds, with no single axle of such tri-axle grouping exceeding the weight permitted for a single axle. The fee for such permits shall be as provided in § 46.2-1140.1 .

No permit issued under this section shall authorize the operation of any vehicle hauling excavated material for a distance of more than 25 miles from the land-clearing operation. However, such permit shall not designate the route to be traversed nor contain restrictions or conditions not applicable to other vehicles in their general use of the highways. Each vehicle, when loaded according to the provisions of a permit issued under this section, shall be operated at a reduced speed of 10 miles per hour slower than the legal speed limit in 55, 45, and 35 miles per hour speed limit zones.

For purposes of this section, the term "excavated material" shall mean natural earth materials, which includes stumps, brush, leaves, soil, and rocks, removed by any mechanized means.

2002, c. 265 ; 2003, c. 314 ; 2012, c. 443 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-493 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 19 / Section 46.2-493
Demerit points valid for two years
Status: in_force

Demerit points, assigned to any conviction, or finding of not innocent in the case of a juvenile, shall be valid for a period of two years from the date the offense was committed. Demerit points used prior to the termination of the two-year period as the basis for suspension, revocation, probation, or other action which extends beyond the two-year period shall remain valid until the suspension, revocation, probationary period, or other action has terminated.

1974, c. 453, § 46.1-514.7; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1182 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 22 / Section 46.2-1182
Emissions inspection fees; exemption
Status: in_force

Emissions inspection stations performing emissions inspections under subsection A of § 46.2-1178 may charge $11.40 for each emissions inspection, but such charge shall not be mandatory. Any such fee shall be paid to the emissions inspection station.

Each emissions inspection station performing emissions inspections under subsection B of § 46.2-1178 may charge for each emissions inspection an amount not to exceed $17. Any such fee shall be paid to and retained by the emissions inspection station.

Beginning at such date upon which the program becomes an enhanced emissions program, each emissions inspection station performing emissions inspections under subsection C of § 46.2-1178 may charge an amount not to exceed $30 for each emissions inspection. Any such fee shall be paid to and retained by the emissions inspection station.

Within 14 days of an initial failure of an emissions inspection performed at an emissions inspection station, the vehicle's owner shall be entitled to one free reinspection at the station or facility that conducted the original inspection.

The on-road emissions inspector performing emissions inspections under subsection C of § 46.2-1178 may charge each motor vehicle owner who elects to participate in the on-road clean screen program an amount not to exceed $30 for each emissions inspection. Any such fee shall be paid to the on-road emissions inspector. From each emissions inspection fee received by the on-road emissions inspector, a minimum of $4.50 shall be appropriated to the Highway Maintenance and Operating Fund established pursuant to § 33.2-1530 .

1980, c. 469, § 46.1-326.8; 1982, c. 646; 1983, c. 85; 1984, c. 263; 1988, c. 806; 1989, c. 727; 1990, c. 522; 1993, cc. 995, 998; 1993, Sp. Sess., c. 2; 1995, cc. 836 , 851 ; 2002, c. 322 ; 2012, cc. 216 , 824 ; 2024, cc. 634 , 676 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1228 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 12 / Article 3 / Section 46.2-1228
Enforcement of parking regulations of boards of visitors of educational institutions
Status: in_force

Any regulation of any board of visitors or other governing body of an educational institution pursuant to the provisions of § 23.1-1301 relating to parking on property owned by the institution shall provide:

1. That uncontested citations issued thereunder shall be paid to the administrative official or officials appointed under the provisions of this section in the city or county in which the property of the institution lies, who shall promptly deposit such sums into the state treasury as a special revenue of the institution; and

2. That contested or delinquent citations shall be certified or complaint, summons, or warrant shall be issued as provided in § 46.2-1225 to the general district court in whose jurisdiction the institution lies. Any sum collected by the court, minus court costs, shall be promptly deposited by the clerk into the state treasury as a special revenue of the institution. However, nothing in this section shall prevent any educational institution which adopts, or has adopted, regulations pursuant to § 23.1-1301 providing for administrative disposition of contested, uncontested, or delinquent citations from disposing of those citations in accordance with those regulations, and all moneys collected under those regulations shall be deposited promptly into the state treasury as a special revenue of the institution.

1974, c. 403, § 46.1-254.1; 1975, c. 440; 1977, c. 671; 1980, c. 355; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-729 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-729
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 1995, c. 747 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-639 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-639
Security interest may be filed within thirty days after purchase
Status: in_force

If application for the registration or recordation of a security interest to be placed on a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer is filed with the Department, it shall be deemed perfected as of the date of filing, and, if the date of filing is within thirty days from the date of an applicant's purchase of the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, it shall be as valid as to all persons, including the Commonwealth, as if that registration had been accomplished on the day the security interest was acquired.

Code 1950, § 46-72; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-72; 1966, c. 558; 1972, cc. 300, 408; 1989, c. 727; 2000, c. 71 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1900 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 19 / Section 46.2-1900
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2015, c. 615 , cl. 9.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1566 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 7 / Section 46.2-1566
Filing of franchises
Status: in_force

A. It shall be the responsibility of each motor vehicle manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, distributor branch, or subsidiary thereof to file with the Commissioner by certified mail a true copy of each new, amended, modified, or different form or addendum offered to more than one dealer which affects the rights, responsibilities, or obligations of the parties of a franchise or sales, service, or sales and service agreement to be offered to a motor vehicle dealer or prospective motor vehicle dealer in the Commonwealth no later than 60 days prior to the date the franchise or sales agreement is offered. In no event shall a new, amended, modified, or different form of franchise or sales, service, or sales and service agreement be offered a motor vehicle dealer in the Commonwealth until the form has been determined by the Commissioner as not containing terms inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter. At the time a filing is made with the Commissioner pursuant to this section, the manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, distributor branch, or subsidiary shall also give written notice together with a copy of the papers so filed to the affected dealer or dealers.

B. The Department shall inform the manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, distributor branch, or subsidiary and the dealer or dealers or other parties named in the agreement of a preliminary recommendation as to the consistency of the agreement with the provisions of this chapter. If any of the parties involved have comments on the preliminary recommendation, they must be submitted to the Commissioner within 30 days of receiving the preliminary recommendation. The Commissioner shall render his decision within 15 days of receiving comments from the parties involved. If the Commissioner does not receive comments within the 30-day time period, he shall make the final determination as to the consistency of the agreement with the provisions of this chapter.

C. Any form or addendum that is not filed as required by this section may not be the basis for (i) any reduction in compensation due to a dealer from the franchisor, (ii) any franchisor demand or requirement by which a dealer must abide, or (iii) any penalty or detriment a franchisor imposes or attempts to impose on a motor vehicle dealer. This section shall not apply to any dealer program or dealer incentive that is not inconsistent with any form or addendum already on file by the manufacturer with the state or that expires within 12 months of its start date, or the continuation, renewal, or modification of any dealer program or dealer incentive that was in place as of July 1, 2015. This section shall not apply to any consumer program or consumer incentive, including discount pricing programs.

1988, c. 865, § 46.1-550.5:24; 1989, c. 727; 1994, c. 537 ; 1995, cc. 767 , 816 ; 2015, c. 236 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.2:8 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.2:8
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2002, c. 90 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-706.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 8 / Section 46.2-706.1
Insurance and surety companies to furnish certain insurance information
Status: in_force

A. Any liability insurance information relating to individually identified vehicles or persons, received from such companies under this section, shall be considered privileged information and not subject to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.).

B. Such information shall be used in conjunction with information supplied under § 46.2-706 to verify insurance for motor vehicles certified by their owners to be insured.

C. Insurance companies licensed to do business in Virginia shall provide to the Department, electronically in a manner prescribed by the Commissioner, updates within 30 days of a policy change to liability insurance for a vehicle registered in Virginia, including liability insurance that satisfies financial responsibility requirements. A policy change occurs when an insurance company (i) issues liability insurance, (ii) cancels liability insurance, (iii) becomes aware of a lapse in liability insurance, (iv) reissues or reinstates liability insurance, or (v) adds a vehicle to an existing liability insurance policy.

D. Insurance companies licensed to do business in Virginia shall respond electronically in a manner prescribed by the Commissioner to a Department request for acknowledgment of liability insurance within 15 days of receiving the request. Insurance companies shall respond to the request by confirming or denying the existence of a policy with the company.

E. Every update of a policy change concerning a liability insurance policy shall include the following information: vehicle identification number, full name of first named insured, vehicle make, and vehicle model year. If available, the following information shall also be included: date of birth for first named insured, full names and dates of birth for all vehicle operators, and Virginia drivers' license numbers or social security numbers for the first named insured and all vehicle operators.

1993, c. 949; 1996, cc. 474 , 489 ; 2009, c. 419 ; 2019, cc. 149 , 193 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1144.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 18 / Section 46.2-1144.1
Overweight permits for tank wagons
Status: in_force

The Commissioner, upon written application and payment of a fee by the owner of tank wagon vehicles as defined in § 58.1-2201 , shall issue overweight permits for operation of said vehicles.

The fee for such permit shall be as provided in § 46.2-1140.1 .

No permit issued under this section shall authorize a single axle weight of more than 24,000 pounds and a total gross weight in excess of 40,000 pounds. Permits issued under this section shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance. No permit issued under this section shall authorize violation of any weight limitation, promulgated and posted in accordance with § 46.2-1130 , applicable to bridges or culverts. This permit shall not be combined with any other overweight permit or extension of weight limits.

2007, c. 738 ; 2008, c. 33 ; 2012, c. 443 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-825 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-825
Left turn traffic to yield right-of-way
Status: in_force

The driver of a vehicle, intending to turn left within an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction if it is so close as to constitute a hazard. At intersections controlled by traffic lights with separate left-turn signals, any vehicle making a left turn when so indicated by the signal shall have the right-of-way over all other vehicles approaching the intersection.

Code 1950, § 46-239; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-222; 1974, c. 347; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1097 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 13 / Section 46.2-1097
Child restraint devices; special fund created
Status: in_force

The Department of Health shall operate a program to promote, purchase, and distribute child restraint devices to applicants who need a child restraint device but are unable to acquire one because of financial inability. A special fund, known as the Child Restraint Device Special Fund, shall fund the program. The Department of Health shall determine the number of child restraint devices that can be purchased by the program, based upon the amount of funds in the Child Restraint Device Special Fund, provided, however, that the requirements of the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.) shall not apply to child restraint device purchases by the Department of Health pursuant to this section. The Child Restraint Device Special Fund shall consist of all civil penalties that are collected pursuant to § 46.2-1098 and other funds that may be appropriated for that purpose.

1982, c. 634, § 46.1-314.4; 1984, c. 778; 1986, c. 283; 1989, c. 727; 1996, c. 145 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2144 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 21 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-2144
Policies or surety bonds to be filed with the Department and securities with State Treasurer
Status: in_force

A. Each motor carrier shall keep on file with the Department proof of an insurance policy or bond in accordance with this article. Record of the policy or bond shall remain in the files of the Department six months after the certificate of fitness, registration card, license plate, or permit is canceled for any cause. If federal, state, or municipal bonds are deposited with the State Treasurer in lieu of an insurance policy, the bonds shall remain deposited until six months after the registration card, license plate, certificate, or permit is canceled for any cause unless otherwise ordered by the Department.

B. The Department may, without holding a hearing, suspend a permit or certificate of fitness if the permittee or certificate holder fails to comply with the requirements of this section.

2001, c. 596 ; 2011, cc. 881 , 889 ; 2017, cc. 790 , 815 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-506 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 19 / Section 46.2-506
Formal hearings; suspension for excessive point accumulation
Status: in_force

A. Whenever the operating record of any person shows a continued disregard of the motor vehicle laws subsequent to being placed on probation, he may be charged as a reckless or negligent driver of a motor vehicle, and cited for a formal hearing in accordance with the provisions of §§ 46.2-402 through 46.2-408 . If the hearing results in the suspension of a person's driving privilege, the person shall be placed on probation at the end of the suspension period in accordance with the provisions of § 46.2-499 .

B. Whenever the operating record of any person shows an accumulation of at least 18 demerit points based on convictions, or findings of not innocent in the case of a juvenile, for traffic violations committed within any 12 consecutive months, or at least 24 demerit points based on convictions, or findings of not innocent in the case of a juvenile, for traffic violations committed within any 24 consecutive months, respectively, the Commissioner shall (i) suspend the person's license or licenses for a period of 90 days and thereafter until he attends and satisfactorily completes a driver improvement clinic or (ii) require such person to enroll in the Intelligent Speed Assistance Program established pursuant to § 46.2-507 for a period of nine months and satisfactorily complete a driver improvement clinic. The Department shall provide such driver subject to the provision of this subsection with the option, in a written notice, either to have his license suspended or to enroll in the Intelligent Speed Assistance Program. Such driver shall indicate his choice to the Department within 30 days of the receipt of such written notice. The Department shall, pursuant to clause (i), suspend the license of any driver who fails to respond to such written notice within such 30 days. At the end of a suspension period pursuant to clause (i), the person shall be placed on probation in accordance with the provisions of § 46.2-499 . No restricted license issued nor enrollment in the Intelligent Speed Assistance Program required pursuant to this section shall permit any person to operate a commercial motor vehicle, as that term is defined in § 46.2-341.4 .

1974, c. 453, § 46.1-514.19; 1984, c. 673; 1989, c. 727; 1995, c. 672 ; 2025, c. 652 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-383 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 11 / Section 46.2-383
Courts to forward abstracts of records or furnish abstract data of conviction by electronic means in certain cases; records in office of Department; inspection; clerk's fee for reports
Status: in_force

A. In the event (i) a person is convicted of a charge described in subdivision A 1 or 2 of § 46.2-382 or § 46.2-382.1 , (ii) a person forfeits bail or collateral or other deposit to secure the defendant's appearance on the charges, unless the conviction has been set aside or the forfeiture vacated, (iii) a court assigns a defendant to a driver education program or alcohol treatment or rehabilitation program, or both such programs, as authorized by § 18.2-271.1 , (iv) compliance with the court's probation order is accepted by the court in lieu of a conviction under § 18.2-266 or the requirements specified in § 18.2-271 as provided in § 18.2-271.1 , or (v) there is rendered a judgment for damages against a person as described in § 46.2-382 , every district court or clerk of a circuit court shall forward an abstract of the record to the Commissioner within 18 days after such conviction, forfeiture, assignment, or acceptance, and in the case of civil judgments, on the request of the judgment creditor or his attorney, within 30 days after judgment has become final. No abstract of the record in a district court shall be forwarded to the Commissioner unless the period allowed for an appeal has elapsed and no appeal has been perfected. On or after July 1, 2013, in the event that a conviction or adjudication has been nullified by separate order of the court, the clerk shall forward to the Commissioner an abstract of that record.

B. Abstract data of conviction may be furnished to the Commissioner by electronic means provided that the content of the abstract and the certification complies with the requirements of § 46.2-386 . In cases where the abstract data is furnished by electronic means, the paper abstract shall not be required to be forwarded to the Commissioner. The Commissioner shall develop a method to ensure that all data is received accurately. The Commissioner, with the approval of the Governor, may destroy the record of any conviction, forfeiture, assignment, acceptance, or judgment, when three years has elapsed from the date thereof, except records of conviction or forfeiture on charges of reckless driving and speeding, which records may be destroyed when five years has elapsed from the date thereof, and further excepting those records that alone, or in connection with other records, will require suspension or revocation or disqualification of a license or registration under any applicable provisions of this title.

C. The records required to be kept may, in the discretion of the Commissioner, be kept by electronic media or by photographic processes and when so done the abstract of the record may be destroyed.

D. The Code section and description of an offense referenced in an abstract for any juvenile adjudication obtained from a district court or clerk of circuit court pursuant to subdivision A 9 of § 16.1-278.8 , § 16.1-278.9 , clause (iii) of subdivision A 1 of § 46.2-382 , or any other provision of law that does not involve an offense referenced in subsection A or an offense involving the operation of a motor vehicle shall be available only to the person himself, his parent or guardian, law-enforcement officers, attorneys for the Commonwealth, and courts.

Code 1950, §§ 46-195, 46-414; 1952, c. 188; 1954, c. 168; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-413; 1960, c. 179; 1966, c. 376; 1968, c. 335; 1972, c. 406; 1976, cc. 28, 336, 505; 1978, c. 134; 1979, c. 594; 1988, cc. 770, 852; 1989, cc. 705, 727; 2002, c. 258 ; 2013, c. 263 ; 2015, c. 478 ; 2020, cc. 964 , 965 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-341.26:9 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 6.1 / Section 46.2-341.26:9
Assurance of breath test validity; use of breath tests as evidence
Status: in_force

To be capable of being considered valid in a prosecution under § 46.2-341.24 or 46.2-341.31 , chemical analysis of a person's breath shall be performed by an individual possessing a valid license to conduct such tests, with the type of equipment and in accordance with methods approved by the Department.

Any individual conducting a breath test under the provisions of § 46.2-341.26:2 shall issue a certificate which includes the name of the suspect, the date and time the sample was taken from the suspect, the alcohol content of the sample, and the identity of the person who examined the sample. The certificate will also indicate that the test was conducted in accordance with the Department's specifications.

The certificate of analysis, when attested by the authorized individual conducting the breath test on equipment maintained by the Department, shall be admissible in any court as evidence of the facts therein stated and of the results of such analysis (i) in any criminal proceeding, provided that the requirements of subsection A of § 19.2-187.1 have been satisfied and the accused has not objected to the admission of the certificate pursuant to subsection B of § 19.2-187.1 , or (ii) in any civil proceeding. Any such certificate of analysis purporting to be signed by a person authorized by the Department shall be admissible in evidence without proof of seal or signature of the person whose name is signed to it.

A copy of such certificate shall be promptly delivered to the suspect. Any person qualified to conduct a breath test as provided by this section may administer the breath test or analyze the results thereof.

1992, c. 830; 2005, cc. 868 , 881 ; 2009, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 1 , 4 ; 2017, c. 623 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1560 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 6 / Section 46.2-1560
Application for temporary license plate
Status: in_force

No dealer shall issue a temporary license plate except on written application by the person entitled to receive the license plate, which application shall be forwarded by the dealer to the Department as provided in § 46.2-1542 .

1988, c. 865, § 46.1-550.5:18; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-737 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-737
Special license plates for certain constitutional officers; fees
Status: in_force

The Commissioner, on application, shall issue to sheriffs, county and city treasurers and commissioners of the revenue, attorneys for the Commonwealth, circuit court clerks, and general registrars special license plates identifying the office held by the applicant.

The annual fee for license plates issued pursuant to this section shall be $25 plus the prescribed fees for (i) vehicle registration and (ii) license plates with reserved numbers or letters.

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

1976, c. 147, § 46.1-105.6; 1987, c. 696; 1989, c. 727; 1995, c. 747 ; 2004, c. 984 ; 2005, c. 300 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-468 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 16 / Section 46.2-468
Information filed with Commission by insurance carrier confidential
Status: in_force

Any information filed with the Commission by an insurance carrier in connection with an assigned risk shall be confidential and solely for the information of the Commission and its staff and shall not be disclosed to any person, including an applicant, policyholder, and any other insurance carrier.

Code 1950, § 46-489; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-500; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-849 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 6 / Section 46.2-849
How signals given
Status: in_force

A. Signals required by § 46.2-848 shall be given by means of the hand and arm or by some mechanical or electrical device approved by the Superintendent, in the manner specified in this section. Whenever the signal is given by means of the hand and arm, the driver shall indicate his intention to start, stop, turn, or partly turn by extending the hand and arm beyond the left side of the vehicle in the manner following:

1. For left turn or to pull to the left, the arm shall be extended in a horizontal position straight from and level with the shoulder;

2. For right turn or to pull to the right, the arm shall be extended upward;

3. For slowing down or stopping, the arm shall be extended downward.

B. Wherever the lawful speed is more than 35 miles per hour, such signals shall be given continuously for a distance of at least 100 feet, and in all other cases at least 50 feet, before slowing down, stopping, turning, or partly turning.

C. A person riding a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, moped, or motorized skateboard or scooter shall signal his intention to stop or turn. Such signals, however, need not be given continuously if both hands are needed in the control or operation of the bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, moped, or motorized skateboard or scooter.

D. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, a person operating a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, moped, or motorized skateboard or scooter may signal a right turn or pull to the right by extending the right hand and arm in a horizontal position straight from and level with the shoulder beyond the right side of the bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, moped, or motorized skateboard or scooter and may signal slowing down or stopping by extending the right arm downward.

Code 1950, § 46-234; 1954, c. 15; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-217; 1981, c. 585; 1989, c. 727; 2001, c. 834 ; 2002, c. 254 ; 2004, cc. 947 , 973 ; 2019, c. 780 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1202.2 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 12 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-1202.2
Notice of intent to auction and sale of vehicle; posting requirements
Status: in_force

If the person in possession of an abandoned vehicle does not intend to sell or transfer the vehicle to a licensee, as defined in § 46.2-1600 , or a scrap metal processor and the abandoned vehicle is not reclaimed as provided for in § 46.2-1202 , the person in possession of an abandoned vehicle shall post notice for at least 21 days of his intent to auction the vehicle. Postings of intent shall be in an electronic manner prescribed by the Commissioner and shall include the vehicle identification number and a description of each vehicle to be sold.

After the posting period has passed, and notwithstanding the provisions of § 46.2-617 , the vehicle may be sold at auction. A purchaser of the vehicle at auction may apply for a title for such vehicle upon payment of the applicable fees and taxes, and by supplying the Department with the completed Vehicle Removal Certificate and the receipt produced pursuant to § 46.2-1202 .

If the vehicle does not sell at auction, the person in possession of the abandoned vehicle may apply for a title for such vehicle upon payment of the applicable fees and taxes, and by supplying the Department with the completed Vehicle Removal Certificate, the receipt produced pursuant to § 46.2-1202 , and a written statement that the vehicle did not sell at auction.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 374 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-709 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 8 / Section 46.2-709
Requiring other proof of financial responsibility in the future; suspended driver's license, registration certificate and license plates to be returned to Commissioner; Commissioner may take possession thereof
Status: in_force

Whenever any proof of financial responsibility in the future filed by any person as required by this article no longer fulfills the purpose for which it is required, the Commissioner shall require other proof of financial responsibility in the future as required by this article and shall suspend such person's driver's license, registration certificates, and license plates and decals pending the furnishing of proof as required.

Any person whose driver's license or registration certificates, or license plates and decals have been suspended as provided in this article and have not been reinstated shall immediately return every such license, registration certificate, and set of license plates and decals held by him to the Commissioner. Any person failing to comply with this requirement shall be guilty of a traffic infraction and upon conviction thereof shall be punished as provided in § 46.2-113 .

The Commissioner is authorized to take possession of any license, registration certificate, or set of license plates and decals on their suspension under the provisions of this chapter or to direct any police officer to take possession of and return them to the office of the Commissioner.

1958, c. 407, § 46.1-167.5; 1960, c. 188; 1972, cc. 435, 609; 1976, c. 156; 1978, c. 605; 1984, c. 780; 1989, cc. 705, 727; 2025, cc. 163 , 177 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-679 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 6 / Section 46.2-679
Snowmobiles
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 snowmobile.

1973, c. 194, § 46.1-45.2; 1980, c. 37; 1986, c. 220; 1987, cc. 151, 342, 388; 1989, c. 727; 2016, c. 142 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2063 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 20 / Article 3 / Section 46.2-2063
Locality license and payment of locality license tax may be required
Status: in_force

The governing body of any county, city, or town may require a license for and impose upon and collect a license tax from every person, firm, association, or corporation that operates or intends to operate in such county, city, or town any taxicab or other motor vehicle for the transportation of passengers for a consideration. The tax may be upon each such motor vehicle so operated. The governing body of the county, city, or town may by ordinance provide for levying and collecting the tax and may impose penalties for violations of the ordinance and for operating any such vehicle without obtaining the required license. Any person accepting a license issued under authority of this section and operating a taxicab business based in a county, city or town shall be subject to the provision that any complaint relating to taxicab service in the Commonwealth shall be resolved under the license regulations of the county, city, or town from which that person obtained a taxicab license.

2001, c. 596 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1401 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 14 / Section 46.2-1401
Motor carrier laws do not apply
Status: in_force

The following laws and regulations of the Commonwealth shall not apply to any ridesharing arrangement using a motor vehicle with a seating capacity for not more than fifteen persons, including the driver:

1. Laws and regulations containing insurance requirements that are specifically applicable to motor carriers or commercial vehicles;

2. Laws imposing a greater standard of care on motor carriers or commercial vehicles than that imposed on other drivers or owners of motor vehicles;

3. Laws and regulations with equipment requirements and special accident reporting requirements that are specifically applicable to motor carriers or commercial vehicles; and

4. Laws imposing a tax on fuel purchased in another state by a motor carrier or road user taxes on commercial buses.

1981, c. 218, § 46.1-557; 1989, c. 727; 2002, c. 337 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.50 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.50
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2005, c. 908 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.26 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.26
Special license plates; Natural Bridge of Virginia
Status: in_force

On receipt of an application therefor, the Commissioner shall issue to the applicant special license plates celebrating the Natural Bridge of Virginia.

1999, c. 907 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1145 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 18 / Section 46.2-1145
Overweight permits for certain trucks operated by Arlington County
Status: in_force

The Commissioner, upon written application by Arlington County, shall issue without a fee to such county a permit authorizing the county's operation of vehicles used for hauling household waste and vehicles used for highway or utility construction, operation, or maintenance upon the highways of such county at gross weights exceeding those set forth in § 46.2-1126 . Permits issued hereunder shall specify that vehicles with two axles may have a maximum gross weight of no more than 48,000 pounds and a single axle weight of not more than 24,000 pounds and that vehicles with three axles may have a maximum gross weight of not more than 60,000 pounds and a single axle weight of not more than 24,000 pounds and a tandem axle weight of not more than 40,000 pounds.

The permit shall not designate the route to be traversed nor contain restrictions or conditions not applicable to other vehicles in their general use of the highways. Each vehicle, when loaded according to the provisions of a permit issued under this section shall be operated at a reduced speed of 10 miles per hour slower than the legal speed limit in 55, 45, and 35 miles per hour speed limit zones.

1973, c. 62, § 46.1-343.3; 1989, c. 727; 1996, cc. 36 , 87 ; 2012, c. 443 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-617 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-617
Sale of vehicle without certificate of title
Status: in_force

Except as provided in §§ 46.2-644.03 and 58.1-3942 , any person who sells, trades, exchanges, or barters a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer in the Commonwealth without first having secured a certificate of title for it or without legally having in his possession a certificate of title for the vehicle issued to its owner, except as otherwise provided in this title, shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 46-7; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-88; 1968, c. 605; 1978, c. 605; 1988, c. 363; 1989, c. 727; 2009, c. 664 ; 2012, c. 623 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-861 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 7 / Section 46.2-861
Driving too fast for highway and traffic conditions
Status: in_force

A person shall be guilty of reckless driving who exceeds a reasonable speed under the circumstances and traffic conditions existing at the time, regardless of any posted speed limit.

Code 1950, §§ 46-209, 46-209.1; 1950, p. 880; 1952, c. 671; 1954, cc. 225, 401, 458; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-190; 1960, c. 510; 1964, c. 266; 1966, c. 694; 1968, c. 575; 1970, c. 521; 1974, cc. 222, 455; 1975, c. 633; 1978, c. 27; 1979, c. 86; 1981, cc. 333, 585; 1985, c. 148; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-746.8:2 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-746.8:2
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2005, c. 908 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-341.18:2 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 6.1 / Section 46.2-341.18:2
Disqualification for use of urine-masking agent or device
Status: in_force

The Commissioner shall disqualify for a period of one year any person who has been convicted of a violation of § 18.2-251.4 .

2007, c. 422 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-928 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 16 / Section 46.2-928
Pedestrians not to use roadway except when necessary; keeping to left
Status: in_force

Pedestrians shall not use the roadways for travel, except when necessary to do so because of the absence of sidewalks which are reasonably suitable and passable for their use. If they walk on the hard surface, or the main travelled portion of the roadway, they shall keep to the extreme left side or edge thereof, or where the shoulders of the highway are of sufficient width to permit, they may walk on either shoulder thereof. Pedestrians walking on a roadway shall face oncoming traffic.

However, when walking on a roadway that is part of a highway divided by a physical barrier or barriers or an unpaved area, and when there are no shoulders of the highway present, pedestrians may keep to the extreme right side or edge of the roadway, regardless of the direction of traffic they face.

Code 1950, § 46-247; 1950, p. 850; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-234; 1968, c. 165; 1989, c. 727; 2026, c. 431 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-753 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 11 / Section 46.2-753
Additional license fees in certain localities
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the governing bodies of Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Fairfax City, and Falls Church are authorized to charge annual license fees, in addition to those specified in § 46.2-752 , on passenger cars, including passenger cars that are used as TNC partner vehicles as defined in § 46.2-2000 , but not on passenger cars that are otherwise used for the transportation of passengers for compensation. The additional fee shall be no more than $5. The total local license fee shall be no more than $25 on any vehicle, and this license fee shall not be imposed on any motor vehicle exempted under § 46.2-739 .

The governing bodies are also authorized to charge additional annual license fees on the motor vehicles, trailers, and semitrailers as specified in § 46.2-697 in an amount of no more than $5 for each such vehicle. This authorization shall not increase the maximum chargeable by more than $5 or affect any existing exemption.

Any funds acquired in excess of those allowed by § 46.2-752 , shall be allocated to the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission to be a credit to that locality making the payment for its share of any operating deficit assigned to it by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

1974, c. 487; 1977, c. 258, § 46.1-65.1; 1989, c. 727; 2015, cc. 2 , 3 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1537 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-1537
Prohibited solicitation and compensation
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any motor vehicle dealer or salesperson licensed under this chapter, directly or indirectly, to solicit the sale of a motor vehicle through a pecuniarily interested person, or to pay, or cause to be paid, any commission or compensation in any form whatsoever to any person in connection with the sale of a motor vehicle, unless the person is duly licensed as a salesperson employed by the dealer. It shall also be unlawful for any motor vehicle dealer to compensate, in any form whatsoever, any person acting in the capacity of a salesperson as defined in § 46.2-1500 unless that person is licensed as required by this chapter.

Code 1950, § 46-538; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-549; 1988, c. 865; 1989, c. 727; 2006, c. 441 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1055.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 6 / Section 46.2-1055.1
Windshield defroster or defogger
Status: in_force

Every Virginia-registered motor vehicle manufactured for the 1969 or subsequent model years and required to be equipped with a windshield shall be equipped with a windshield defroster or defogger. The defroster or defogger shall be in good working order at all times when the vehicle is operated on the highways.

1990, c. 955.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-490.11 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 19 / Section 46.2-490.11
Reports, records of licensed computer-based clinic providers
Status: in_force

A. The Department is hereby authorized to require annual, periodical, or special reports from computer-based clinic providers the Department has authorized to conduct clinics; to prescribe the manner and form in which such reports shall be made; and to require from such computer-based clinic providers specific answers to all questions upon which the Department may deem information to be necessary. Such reports shall be under oath whenever the Department so requires. The Department may also require any computer-based clinic provider to file with it a true copy of each or any contract, agreement, or arrangement between such licensees and any person in relation to the provisions of this chapter.

B. The Department may, in its discretion, prescribe (i) the forms of any and all accounts, records, and memoranda to be kept by licensed computer-based clinic providers and (ii) the length of time such accounts, records, and memoranda shall be preserved.

2004, c. 622 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-410 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 12 / Section 46.2-410
Appeals from order suspending or revoking license or registration
Status: in_force

Any person aggrieved by an order or act of the Commissioner requiring suspension or revocation of a license or registration under the provisions of this chapter is entitled to judicial review in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.). No appeal shall lie in any case in which the suspension or revocation of the license or registration was mandatory except to determine the identity of the person concerned when the question of identity is in dispute.

From the final decision of the circuit court, either the person who petitioned the court for an appeal or the Commissioner shall have an appeal as of right to the Court of Appeals.

Code 1950, § 46-424; 1952, c. 544; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-437; 1960, c. 511; 1984, cc. 673, 703; 1986, c. 615; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2064 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 20 / Article 3 / Section 46.2-2064
When local license may not be required
Status: in_force

No such county, city or town shall require a license or impose a license tax for the operation of any such motor vehicle for which a similar license is imposed or tax levied by the county, city or town of which the owner or operator of the motor vehicle is a resident, except that such license may be required and such license tax imposed by any such county, city, or town for the operation of any such motor vehicle if the owner, lessee, or operator thereof maintains a taxicab stand or otherwise solicits business within such county, city, or town; nor, except as herein expressly authorized, shall more than one county, city or town impose any such license fee or tax on the same vehicle. This article shall not be construed to apply to common carriers of persons operating as public carriers by authority of the Department of Motor Vehicles or under a franchise granted by any county, city, or town.

2001, c. 596 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1243 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 12.1 / Section 46.2-1243
Enforcement by private security guards in certain localities
Status: in_force

The local governing bodies of Franklin County, Henry County, and the Cities of Danville and Martinsville may by ordinance provide that, in privately owned parking areas open to the public, a summons for violation of an ordinance promulgated under § 46.2-1242 may be issued by (i) private security guards licensed under the provisions of Article 4 (§ 9.1-138 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 9.1 and deputized to issue a summons for the offense by the chief law-enforcement officer of the county or city in which the private parking area is located or (ii) any owner of the private parking area of a nursing home, as defined in § 32.1-123 , or agent or employee thereof, provided that such owner has registered in writing on his own behalf or on behalf of his agent or employee with the chief law-enforcement officer of the locality his intention to issue summonses pursuant to this section.

1997, cc. 783 , 904 ; 2002, c. 390 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-644.02 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-644.02
Lien of mechanic for repairs
Status: in_force

A. Every mechanic who shall alter or repair any vehicle at the request of the owner or authorized person in possession of such vehicle shall have a lien thereon for his just and reasonable charges therefor and may retain possession of such property until such charges are paid. Such lien shall be in addition to any lien under § 46.2-644.01 .

B. No lien under this section shall exceed $1,000 for any vehicle for which the title shows an existing lien. However, the mechanic shall be entitled to a lien against the proceeds, if any, remaining after the satisfaction of all prior security interests or liens.

For any vehicle not subject to an existing lien on the title, no lien under this section, alone or in combination with a lien under § 46.2-644.01 , shall exceed the value of the vehicle as determined by the provisions of § 8.01-419.1 .

C. The mechanic or his authorized agent shall ascertain from the Department whether the certificate of title for the vehicle shows a lien thereon in accordance with the provisions of § 46.2-644.03 within seven business days after the due date of an invoice for the amount due for the alteration or repair. The mechanic may then enforce his lien under the provisions of § 46.2-644.03 after such invoice goes unpaid for 10 days after it is due or relinquish his lien under the provisions of § 46.2-644.04 .

D. If the owner of the vehicle held by the mechanic shall desire to obtain possession thereof, he shall make the mechanic defendant in proceeding in the county or municipal court to recover the vehicle.

The owner may give a bond payable to the court, in a penalty of the amount equal to the lien claimed by the mechanic and court costs, with security to be approved by the clerk, and conditioned for the performance of the final judgment of the court on the trial of the proceeding, and with a further condition to the effect that, if upon the hearing, the judgment of the court be that the lien of the mechanic on such vehicle, or any part thereof, be enforced, judgment may thereupon be entered against the obligors on such bond for the amount due the mechanic and court costs, if assessed against the owner, without further or other proceedings against them thereon. Upon giving of the bond, the vehicle shall be delivered to the owner.

2009, c. 664 ; 2016, c. 397 ; 2019, c. 561 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 374 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-613 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-613
Infractions relating to registration, licensing, and certificates of title; penalties
Status: in_force

A. No person shall:

1. Operate, park, or permit the operation or parking of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by him on a highway unless (i) it is registered, (ii) a certificate of title therefor has been issued, and (iii) it has displayed on it the license plate or plates and decal or decals, if any, assigned to it by the Department for the current registration period, subject to the exemptions mentioned in Article 5 (§ 46.2-655 et seq.) and Article 6 (§ 46.2-662 et seq.). The provisions of this subdivision shall apply to the registration, licensing, and titling of mopeds on or after July 1, 2014.

2. Possess or use any registration card, license plate, or decal to which he is not entitled or knowingly permit the use of any registration card, license plate, or decal by anyone not entitled to it.

3. Willfully and intentionally violate the limitations imposed under §§ 46.2-665 , 46.2-666 , and 46.2-670 while operating an unregistered vehicle pursuant to the agricultural and horticultural exemptions allowed under those sections. A first violation of this subdivision shall constitute a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of not more than $250, and a second or subsequent violation of this subdivision shall constitute a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of $250.

B. For any summons issued for a violation of this section, the court may, in its discretion, dismiss the summons, where proof of compliance with this section is provided to the court on or before the court date.

Code 1950, § 46-63; 1950, p. 251; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-64; 1960, c. 79; 1972, c. 609; 1974, c. 400; 1975, c. 124; 1979, c. 620; 1989, c. 727; 1997, c. 283 ; 1999, c. 212 ; 2002, c. 93 ; 2006, cc. 444 , 472 ; 2013, c. 783 ; 2017, cc. 204 , 670 ; 2018, c. 425 ; 2019, cc. 71 , 79 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-908.3 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 12.1 / Section 46.2-908.3
Low-speed vehicles; operation on highways; license required; registration required; safety and emissions inspections not required
Status: in_force

Low-speed vehicles may be operated on public highways where the maximum speed limit is no greater than 35 miles per hour, but this limitation shall not prohibit the operation of low-speed vehicles across intersections with highways whose maximum speed limits are greater than 35 miles per hour. Operation of low-speed vehicles shall be prohibited on any highway where the Department of Transportation or the local governing body of the locality having control of the highway, as the case may be, has prohibited their operation in the interest of safety and such prohibition is indicated by conspicuously posted signs.

Low-speed vehicles shall be operated on public highways only by persons who hold driver's licenses or learner's permits issued as provided in Chapter 3 (§ 46.2-300 et seq.).

Low-speed vehicles shall be titled and registered as provided in Chapter 6 (§ 46.2-600 et seq.) and shall be subject to the same requirements as to insurance applicable to other motor vehicles under that chapter.

On or after October 1, 2013, low-speed vehicles titled and registered as provided in Chapter 6 (§ 46.2-600 et seq.) shall display license plates as provided in subsection D of § 46.2-711 .

The operator of any low-speed vehicle being operated on the highways in the Commonwealth shall have in his possession: (i) the registration card issued by the Department or the registration card issued by the state or country in which the low-speed vehicle is registered, and (ii) his driver's license, learner's permit, or temporary driver's permit.

The provisions of Article 22 (§ 46.2-1176 et seq.) of Chapter 10 of this title shall not apply to low-speed vehicles.

2002, cc. 214 , 234 ; 2011, c. 283 ; 2013, c. 783 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-828.2 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-828.2
Impeding or disrupting vehicles operating under a valid highway hauling permit
Status: in_force

A. It shall be unlawful for the operator of any motor vehicle intentionally to impede or disrupt any vehicle or vehicles being operated under a valid highway hauling permit, issued under the provisions of § 46.2-1139 , that requires an escort vehicle or vehicles. Any person convicted of violating this subsection is guilty of a traffic infraction and shall, in addition to a penalty assessed pursuant to § 46.2-113 , be assessed four driver demerit points.

B. This section shall apply only to vehicles being operated under a valid highway hauling permit issued under the provisions of § 46.2-1139 that are either (i) traveling under police or sheriff's escort or (ii) being escorted or led by an escort vehicle driver operating an escort vehicle required by the highway hauling permit.

2013, cc. 312 , 477 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1084 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-1084
Vehicle to have securely affixed seat for driver; location of such seat
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person to drive any motor vehicle on a highway in the Commonwealth unless it is equipped with a securely affixed seat for the driver. The seat shall be so located as to permit the driver to adequately control the steering and braking mechanisms and other instruments necessary for the safe operation of the motor vehicle.

1973, c. 56, § 46.1-302.1; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1055 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 6 / Section 46.2-1055
Windshield wipers
Status: in_force

Every permanent windshield on a motor vehicle shall be equipped with a device for cleaning snow, rain, moisture, or other matter from the windshield directly in front of the driver. The device shall be so constructed as to be controlled or operated by the driver of the vehicle. Every such device on a school bus or a vehicle designed or used to carry passengers for compensation or hire or as a public conveyance shall be of a mechanically or electrically operated type. The device or devices on any motor vehicle manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1943, shall clean both the right and left sides of the windshield and shall be of a mechanically or electrically operated type.

Code 1950, § 46-296; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-292; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-490.3 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 19 / Section 46.2-490.3
Definitions
Status: in_force

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

"Computer-based clinic provider," means any clinic licensed by the Department to conduct driver improvement clinics via the Internet or other electronic means approved by the Department.

"Driver improvement clinic" or "clinic" means an individual, partnership or corporation, institution of higher education, or government entity licensed by the Department as prescribed by this chapter for the purpose of instructing persons identified by the Department and the court system as problem drivers; in need of driver improvement education and training; and for drivers interested in improving their own knowledge of highway safety.

"Instructor" means any person, whether acting for himself as operator of a driver training clinic or for such clinic for compensation, who is licensed by the Department as prescribed by this chapter and who teaches, conducts classes, gives demonstrations, or supervises persons undergoing mandatory or voluntary driver improvement training.

2004, c. 622 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-341.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 6.1 / Section 46.2-341.1
Title
Status: in_force

This Act may be cited as the "Virginia Commercial Driver's License Act."

1989, c. 705, § 46.1-372.1.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2119 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-2119
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2012, cc. 22 and 111 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1049 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 5 / Section 46.2-1049
Exhaust system in good working order
Status: in_force

No person shall drive and no owner of a vehicle shall permit or allow the operation of any such vehicle on a highway unless it is equipped with an exhaust system in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual levels of noise, provided, however, that for motor vehicles, such exhaust system shall be of a type installed as standard factory equipment, or comparable to that designed for use on the particular vehicle as standard factory equipment or other equipment that has been submitted to and approved by the Superintendent or meets or exceeds the standards and specifications of the Society of Automotive Engineers, the American National Standards Institute, or the federal Department of Transportation.

As used in this section, "exhaust system" means all the parts of a vehicle through which the exhaust passes after leaving the engine block, including mufflers and other sound dissipative devices.

Chambered pipes are not an effective muffling device to prevent excessive or unusual noise, and any vehicle equipped with chambered pipes shall be deemed in violation of this section.

The provisions of this section shall not apply to (i) any antique motor vehicle licensed pursuant to § 46.2-730 , provided that the engine is comparable to that designed as standard factory equipment for use on that particular vehicle, and the exhaust system is in good working order, or (ii) converted electric vehicles.

Code 1950, § 46-305; 1952, c. 455; 1956, c. 651; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-301; 1960, c. 120; 1970, c. 266; 1972, c. 66; 1989, c. 727; 2006, cc. 529 , 538 ; 2012, c. 177 ; 2015, cc. 77 , 165 ; 2018, c. 655 ; 2020, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 45 , 51 ; 2022, c. 490 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.56 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.56
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2005, cc. 273 and 908 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-479 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 17 / Section 46.2-479
Provisions to which every policy shall be subject but need not contain
Status: in_force

Every policy shall be subject to the following provisions which need not be contained therein:

1. The liability of any insurance carrier to the insured under a policy becomes absolute when loss or damage covered by the policy occurs and the satisfaction by the insured of a judgment for the loss or damage shall not be a condition precedent to the right or duty of the carrier to make payment on account of the loss or damage;

2. No policy shall be cancelled or annulled, as respects any loss or damage, by any agreement between the carrier and the insured after the insured has become responsible for the loss or damage and any attempted cancellation or annulment shall be void;

3. If the death of the insured occurs after the insured has become liable, during the policy period, for loss or damage covered by the policy, the policy shall not be terminated by the death with respect to the liability and the insurance carrier shall be liable hereunder as though death had not occurred;

4. On the recovery of a judgment against any person for loss or damage, if the person or the decedent he represents was at the accrual of the cause of action insured against the liability under the policy, the judgment creditor shall be entitled to have the insurance money applied to the satisfaction of the judgment;

5. If the death, insolvency, or bankruptcy of the insured occurs within the policy period, the policy during the unexpired portion of the period shall cover the legal representatives of the insured; and

6. No statement made by the insured or on his behalf and no violation of the terms of the policy shall operate to defeat or avoid the policy so as to bar recovery within the limits provided in this chapter.

Code 1950, § 46-498; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-511; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2011.33 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 20 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-2011.33
Prohibition on taxicab operators; registered sex offender
Status: in_force

No person who is required to register with the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title 9.1 for a Tier III offense, as defined in § 9.1-902 , or who is listed on the U.S. Department of Justice's National Sex Offender Public Website for an offense that is similar to a Tier III offense may operate a taxicab for the transportation of passengers for remuneration over the highways of the Commonwealth.

2019, c. 480 ; 2020, c. 829 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1098 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 13 / Section 46.2-1098
Penalties; violations not negligence per se
Status: in_force

Any person, including those subject to jurisdiction of a juvenile and domestic relations district court, found guilty of violating this article shall be subject to a civil penalty of $50, which shall not be suspended in whole or in part, for a violation of § 46.2-1095 ; however, any person found guilty of violating § 46.2-1095 a second or subsequent time when the violations occurred on different dates shall be subject to a civil penalty of up to $500. An additional civil penalty of $20 shall be imposed for failure to carry a statement as required by § 46.2-1096 . Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of § 46.2-1095 , the court may waive or suspend the imposition of the penalty for a violation of § 46.2-1095 if it finds that the failure of the defendant to comply with the section was due to his financial inability to acquire a child restraint system. All civil penalties collected pursuant to this section shall be paid into the Child Restraint Device Special Fund as provided for in § 46.2-1097 .

No assignment of demerit points shall be made under Article 19 (§ 46.2-489 et seq.) of Chapter 3 of this title and no court costs shall be assessed for violation of § 46.2-1095 .

Violations of this article shall not constitute negligence per se; nor shall violation of this article constitute a defense to any claim for personal injuries to a child or recovery of medical expenses for injuries sustained in any motor vehicle accident.

1982, c. 634, § 46.1-314.5; 1989, c. 727; 1992, cc. 119, 405; 2002, c. 358 ; 2008, c. 714 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.122 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.122
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2008, c. 114 , cl. 1.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1117.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 16 / Section 46.2-1117.1
Commercial delivery of towaway trailers
Status: in_force

A. For the purposes of this section:

"Towaway trailer transporter combination" means a combination of vehicles consisting of a trailer transporting towing unit and two trailers or semitrailers that carry no property and constitute inventory property of a manufacturer, distributor, or dealer of such trailers or semitrailers.

"Trailer transporting towing unit" means a power unit that is not used to carry property when operating in a towaway trailer transporter combination.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 46.2-1116 and 46.2-1117 , a towaway trailer transporter combination may operate with a length of not more than 82 feet and a gross weight of not more than 26,000 pounds. When operating on a highway other than an interstate highway, the operator shall comply with flashing high-intensity amber warning light requirements of § 46.2-1026 if such combination exceeds 75 feet long.

2017, c. 554 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-341.16:1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 6.1 / Section 46.2-341.16:1
Conformance with requirements of U.S.A. Patriot Act of 2001
Status: in_force

A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, no endorsement authorizing the driver to operate a vehicle transporting hazardous materials shall be issued, renewed, or reissued by the Department unless the endorsement is issued, renewed, or reissued in conformance with the requirements of § 1012 of the U.S.A. Patriot Act of 2001, including all amendments thereto, and the federal regulation promulgated thereunder, for the issuance by the states of licenses to operate motor vehicles transporting hazardous materials, and the Department has received notification from the U.S. Secretary of Transportation or the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, if required by the U.S.A. Patriot Act 2001 (49 U.S.C. § 5103a et seq.) and federal regulations, that the applicant does not pose a security threat warranting denial of such endorsement. Further, the Department shall cancel any existing endorsement authorizing a driver to operate a vehicle transporting hazardous materials if it has received notification that the holder of such endorsement does not meet the standards for security threat assessment established by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 46.2-330 , a Virginia commercial driver's license with a hazardous materials endorsement shall be issued so that it expires no later than five years from its date of issuance, and it may be issued for a period of less than three years if a shorter period is necessary in order to put the license into a five-year renewal cycle as provided in § 46.2-330 .

C. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 46.2-332 , the Commissioner or his agent may collect an additional nonrefundable fee in conjunction with an application for a hazardous materials endorsement to offset the additional costs of collecting and processing fingerprints and other information required in conjunction with the security threat assessment program established through the U.S. Transportation Security Administration for hazardous materials endorsement applicants, which fee shall include a pass-through of the fees assessed by the Transportation Security Administration or other federal agencies as well as an additional amount, not to exceed $100, to cover additional costs incurred by the Commonwealth in issuing commercial driver's licenses pursuant to the provisions of this section, and there shall be no exemption from such additional fee for any applicant who is an employee of the Commonwealth or any county, city, or town. In addition, any local law-enforcement agency that provided fingerprinting services in conjunction with the security threat assessment program may assess a fee from the applicant in an amount set by local ordinance, not to exceed $25. Such amount shall be collected by the local law-enforcement agency and remitted to the treasurer of the appropriate locality to be used solely for the purpose of defraying the costs of operating the law-enforcement agency and shall not be used to supplant existing local funds for the operation of the law-enforcement agency.

2003, cc. 913 , 920 ; 2004, c. 109 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1521 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-1521
Issuance, expiration, and renewal of licenses and certificates of registration
Status: in_force

A. All licenses and certificates of registration issued under this chapter shall be issued for a period of 12 consecutive months except, at the discretion of the issuing agency, the periods may be adjusted as is necessary to distribute the licenses and certificates as equally as practicable on a monthly basis. The expiration date shall be the last day of the twelfth month of validity or the last day of the designated month. Every license and certificate of registration shall be renewed annually on application by the licensee or registrant and by payment of fees required by law, the renewal to take effect on the first day of the succeeding month.

B. Licenses and certificates of registration issued under this chapter shall be deemed not to have expired if the renewal application and required fees as set forth in this subsection are received by the issuing agency or postmarked not more than 30 days after the expiration date of such license or certificate of registration. Whenever the renewal application is received by the issuing agency or postmarked no more than 30 days after the expiration date of such license or certificate of registration, the license fees shall be 150 percent of the fees provided for in § 46.2-1519 .

C. For dealers and salespersons who have served outside of the United States in the armed services of the United States, licenses and certificates issued under this chapter shall be deemed not to have expired if the renewal application and required fees as set forth in § 46.2-1519 are received by the issuing agency or postmarked not more than 60 days from the date they are no longer serving outside the United States and they have:

1. Held a valid license or certificate issued by the issuing agency at the time the person began service in the armed forces outside of the United States;

2. Not performed sales activities during the period of the person's military service; and

3. Submitted to the issuing agency orders or other military documentation demonstrating that they have served outside of the United States in the armed services of the United States and it has been less than 61 days from the date they are no longer serving outside the United States.

Prior to renewing a license or certificate under this subsection, the applicant shall notify the issuing agency of their intentions and verify that they are in compliance with all other requirements established by the issuing agency and set forth in this title.

D. The issuing agency may offer an optional multiyear license. When such option is offered and chosen by the licensee, all annual and 12-month fees due at the time of licensing shall be multiplied by the number of years or fraction thereof for which the license will be issued.

E. The Board may issue a salesperson's license to an applicant, as required by § 46.2-1508 , even though the applicant is not employed by a motor vehicle dealer if (i) the applicant has been certified pursuant to § 46.2-1512 and is employed by a person that has contracted in writing with a dealer or dealers to provide temporary personnel for the sale of products and services to include but not be limited to providing payment, financing and leasing alternatives; and offering and selling extended service agreements, prepaid maintenance agreements, and similar products and services that are sold in connection with the sale of a vehicle; provided, however, that such persons do not negotiate for the sale of the vehicle but may complete the required paperwork for the sale of the vehicle in addition to the other products and services being offered or to provide training to salespersons employed by a dealer, and (ii) the applicant meets the other qualifications to be licensed as a salesperson under this chapter. The requirements of §§ 46.2-1518 and 46.2-1537 shall not apply to any such salesperson so licensed, provided that any salesperson so licensed:

1. May only act as a salesperson for a dealer who has a contract with the salesperson's employer as provided in this subsection;

2. Shall carry his license when engaged in business and shall display it upon request; and

3. Need not be the person who signs the buyer's order on behalf of the dealer, but the name of that salesperson shall be listed on the buyer's order in any transaction in which the salesperson engages.

1988, c. 865, § 46.1-525.012; 1989, c. 727; 1990, c. 197; 1995, cc. 767 , 816 ; 1997, c. 848 ; 1998, c. 325 ; 2004, c. 975 ; 2007, c. 828 ; 2015, c. 615 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1573.15 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 7.3 / Section 46.2-1573.15
Exemption of franchises from Retail Franchising Act
Status: in_force

Franchises subject to the provisions of this chapter shall not be subject to any requirement contained in Chapter 8 (§ 13.1-557 et seq.) of Title 13.1.

1996, cc. 1043 , 1052 , § 46.2-1992.67; 2015, c. 615 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.69:1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.69:1
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 269 , cl. 2, effective July 1, 2021.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-341.30 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 6.1 / Section 46.2-341.30
Disqualification for driving commercial motor vehicle while intoxicated, etc
Status: in_force

A. The judgment of conviction under any provision of § 46.2-341.24 shall of itself operate to disqualify the person so convicted from the privilege to drive or operate any commercial motor vehicle as provided in § 46.2-341.18 . Notwithstanding any other provision of law, such disqualification shall not be subject to any suspension, reduction, limitation or other modification by the court or the Commissioner.

B. A judgment of conviction under any provision of subsection A of § 46.2-341.24 , in addition to causing the disqualification under subsection A of this section, shall also operate to deprive the person so convicted of his privilege to drive or operate any motor vehicle as provided in § 18.2-271 .

1989, c. 705, § 46.1-372.29.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1039 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 3 / Section 46.2-1039
Requirements of turn signals; regulations
Status: in_force

Every turn signal used to give a signal of intention to turn a vehicle shall be so constructed and so installed as to give a signal plainly visible in clear weather and under normal traffic conditions from a distance of at least 100 feet to the rear and 100 feet to the front of the vehicle. No front turn signal, however, shall be required on vehicles manufactured before January 1, 1943.

The Superintendent may promulgate regulations not inconsistent with this section and § 46.2-1038 governing the construction, location, and operation of turn signals and the color of lights which may be used in any such signal device. Nothing contained herein, however, shall prohibit the requiring of turn signals on any vehicle whose driver is prevented by any reason from giving the hand and arm signal required in § 46.2-849 .

Code 1950, § 46-303; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-299; 1962, c. 89; 1968, c. 99; 1972, c. 445; 1974, c. 347; 1979, c. 44; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1122 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 17 / Section 46.2-1122
Definitions
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this article the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Single axle" means an assembly of two or more wheels whose centers are in one transverse vertical plane or may be included between two parallel transverse vertical planes forty inches apart, extending across the full width of the vehicle.

"Tandem axle" means any two or more consecutive axles whose centers are more than forty inches but not more than ninety-six inches apart, and are individually attached to and/or articulated from a common attachment to the vehicle including a connecting mechanism designed to equalize the load between axles.

"Single axle weight" means the total weight transmitted to the highway by all wheels whose centers may be included between two parallel transverse vertical planes forty inches apart, extending across the full width of the vehicle.

"Tandem axle weight" means the total weight transmitted to the highway by two or more consecutive axles whose centers may be included between parallel transverse vertical planes spaced more than forty inches and not more than ninety-six inches apart, extending across the full width of the vehicle.

"Group of axles" means any two or more consecutive axles located under a vehicle or combination.

Code 1950, § 46-334; 1952, c. 454; 1956, cc. 141, 476; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-339; 1962, c. 84; 1964, c. 354; 1974, c. 145; 1981, c. 187; 1982, c. 671; 1983, c. 515; 1987, c. 695; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1109 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 15 / Section 46.2-1109
Widths of commercial vehicles
Status: in_force

No commercial vehicle shall exceed 102 inches in width when operating on any interstate highway or on any highway designated by the Commonwealth Transportation Board. The width limitation in this section shall not include rear view mirrors, turn signal lights, handholds for cab entry and egress, splash suppressant devices, and load-induced tire bulge. Safety devices, with the exception of rear view mirrors, shall not extend more than three inches on each side of a vehicle. The Commissioner of Highways shall designate reasonable access to terminals, facilities for food, fuel, repairs, and rest. Household goods carriers and any tractor truck semitrailer combination in which the semitrailer has a length of no more than twenty-eight and one-half feet shall not be denied reasonable access to points of loading and unloading, except as designated, based on safety considerations, by the Commissioner of Highways. No reasonable access designation shall be made, however, until notice of any proposed designation has been provided by the Commissioner of Highways to the governing body of every locality wherein any highway affected by the proposed designation is located.

For the purposes of this section, a commercial vehicle is defined as a loaded or empty motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer designed or regularly used for carrying freight, merchandise, or more than ten passengers, including buses, but not including vehicles used for vanpools.

1986, c. 72, § 46.1-328.1; 1989, cc. 645, 727; 1994, c. 456 ; 1997, c. 773 ; 2013, cc. 585 , 646 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2170 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 21 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-2170
Unlawful to charge other than published tariff
Status: in_force

No household goods carrier shall charge or demand or collect or receive a greater compensation for transportation or for any service in connection therewith than the rates and charges specified in the tariffs in effect at the time.

2001, c. 596 ; 2006, c. 609 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1254 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 12.1 / Section 46.2-1254
Photo identification
Status: in_force

Any law-enforcement officer or private security guard acting pursuant to § 46.2-1243 may request to examine the driver's license, state identification card, or other form of photo identification of any person using disabled parking privileges afforded by this chapter.

1997, cc. 783 , 904 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1701.3:1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 17 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-1701.3:1
Behind-the-wheel examinations
Status: in_force

The Commissioner may require driver training schools to notify the Department, in a manner prescribed by the Commissioner, of a scheduled behind-the-wheel examination no less than 48 hours prior to administering such examination.

2025, c. 79 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.112 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.112
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2011, c. 21 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2164 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 21 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-2164
Constructive weight
Status: in_force

If no certified scale is available at origin, at any point enroute, or at destination, a constructive weight based upon seven pounds per cubic foot of properly loaded van space may be used.

2001, c. 596 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-402 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 12 / Section 46.2-402
When Commissioner may suspend or revoke license for not more than one year after hearing
Status: in_force

A. The Commissioner may, after due hearing, after giving not less than five days' written notice by registered letter to the most recent address of the driver on file at the Department, suspend or revoke for not more than one year and not thereafter reissue during the period of suspension or revocation the Virginia driver's license issued to any person whenever it is satisfactorily proved at the hearing conducted by the Commissioner or other personnel of the Department designated by him, that the licensee under charges:

1. Has, by reckless or unlawful operation of a motor vehicle, caused or contributed to an accident resulting in death or injury to any other person or in serious property damage,

2. Is incompetent to drive a motor vehicle,

3. Suffers from mental or physical infirmities or disabilities rendering it unsafe for him to drive a motor vehicle on the highways,

4. Is habitually a reckless or negligent driver of a motor vehicle, or

5. Has committed a serious violation of the motor vehicle laws of this Commonwealth.

B. The Commissioner, in determining the propriety of suspending or revoking a license as provided in this section, may take into consideration facts and conditions antedating the issuance of the current license.

Code 1950, § 46-420; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-430; 1984, c. 780; 1989, c. 727; 1996, cc. 943 , 994 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-346 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 8 / Section 46.2-346
Unlawful acts enumerated
Status: in_force

A. No person shall:

1. Display, cause or permit to be displayed, or have in his possession any driver's license which he knows to be fictitious or to have been cancelled, revoked, suspended, or altered, or photographed for the purpose of evading the intent of this chapter;

2. Lend to, or knowingly permit the use of by one not entitled thereto, any driver's license issued to the person so lending or permitting the use thereof;

3. Display or represent as his own any driver's license not issued to him;

4. Reproduce by photograph or otherwise, any credential issued under this chapter with the intent to commit an illegal act;

5. Fail or refuse to surrender to the Department, on demand, any driver's license issued in the Commonwealth or any other state when the license has been suspended, cancelled, or revoked by proper authority in the Commonwealth, or any other state as provided by law, or to fail or refuse to surrender the suspended, cancelled, or revoked license to any court in which a driver has been tried and convicted for the violation of any law or ordinance of the Commonwealth or any county, city, or town thereof, regulating or affecting the operation of a motor vehicle.

B. Any law-enforcement officer empowered to enforce the provisions of this title may retain any driver's license held in violation of this section and shall submit the license to the appropriate court for evidentiary purposes.

Code 1950, § 46-380; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-384; 1962, c. 368; 1984, c. 780; 1988, c. 323; 1989, c. 727; 2004, c. 722 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 544 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1533.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-1533.1
Test driving vehicle; residence districts
Status: in_force

A. For the purposes of this section, "test drive" means the use of dealer's license plates authorized pursuant to subdivision B 1 of § 46.2-1550 .

B. The local governing body of any county, city, or town may by ordinance require licensed motor vehicle dealers located within such locality to notify any buyer or potential buyer that test drives a motor vehicle that he is prohibited from conducting such test drive in a resident district designated for increased fines pursuant to § 46.2-878.2 . Any governing body that enacts an ordinance pursuant to this section shall notify all licensed motor vehicle dealers located within such locality of the enactment of the ordinance and send a copy of each such notice to the Board.

C. Any motor vehicle dealer licensed under this chapter located within a locality that has enacted an ordinance pursuant to this section shall notify any buyer or potential buyer who is test driving a vehicle of such ordinance prior to such test drive. The notice shall advise the buyer or potential buyer to avoid the designated area during a test drive. Nothing herein shall prohibit a buyer or potential buyer from driving to or from his residence, regardless of whether he lives in any such residence district, provided that he is permitted by the dealer to drive to his residence.

D. If any buyer or potential buyer is convicted of a traffic infraction that occurred in a residence district designated for increased fines pursuant to § 46.2-878.2 while test driving a vehicle in a locality that has enacted an ordinance pursuant to this section, the locality may notify the Board. The Board shall determine whether the dealer that authorized the test drive provided notice to the buyer or potential buyer as required by the ordinance. If the dealer did not make the notification required by the ordinance to the buyer or potential buyer who committed the traffic infraction, that may be considered by the Board as a violation of this chapter, and, in addition to any other sanctions or remedies available to the Board under this chapter, the Board may assess a separate civil penalty pursuant to § 46.2-1507 .

E. Under no circumstances shall an actual or alleged violation of this section give rise to or be used as the basis for a claim of civil liability against a licensed dealer for injuries caused by a prospective or actual buyer of a motor vehicle during a test drive.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 433 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1573.3 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 7.2 / Section 46.2-1573.3
Exemption of franchises from Retail Franchising Act
Status: in_force

Franchises subject to the provisions of this chapter shall not be subject to any requirement contained in Chapter 8 (§ 13.1-557 et seq.) of Title 13.1.

1995, cc. 767 , 816 , § 46.2-1974; 2015, c. 615 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2071 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 20 / Article 5 / Section 46.2-2071
Required permit
Status: in_force

No nonprofit/tax-exempt passenger carrier, unless otherwise exempted, shall transport passengers on any highway within the Commonwealth on an intrastate basis without first having obtained from the Department a permit authorizing such operation.

2001, c. 596 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-746.7 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-746.7
Special license plates for members of certain civic and fraternal organizations
Status: in_force

On receipt of an application and written evidence that the applicant is a member of such organization, the Commissioner shall issue special license plates to members of the following organizations: the Exchange Club, the Jaycees, the Kiwanis, the Lions of Virginia, Rotary International, Ruritan National, the Freemasons, the Shriners, the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia, the Order of the Eastern Star, the Knights of Columbus, and fraternities and sororities at institutions of higher education.

No license plates shall be developed and issued for fraternities or sororities at institutions of higher education until the Commissioner receives 350 or more prepaid applications and a design for each new series. All other license plates authorized under this section shall be subject to the development and issuance provisions of subdivision B 1 of § 46.2-725 .

1995, c. 747 ; 1996, c. 1026 ; 1998, c. 175 ; 1999, c. 907 ; 2000, c. 75 ; 2002, cc. 90 , 864 ; 2003, c. 925 ; 2004, cc. 717 , 747 ; 2005, c. 908 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2313 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 23.1 / Section 46.2-2313
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2001, c. 596 , cl. 2, effective July 1, 2002.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-396 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 12 / Section 46.2-396
Suspension of license for reckless driving resulting in death of any person
Status: in_force

When any person is convicted of reckless driving as provided for in §§ 46.2-853 through 46.2-864 and the reckless driving was the cause of the death of any person, then in addition to any other penalties provided by law, the driver's license of the person may be suspended by the court for no more than twelve months. In case of conviction the court may order the surrender of the license to the court where it shall be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of § 46.2-398 . If the person so convicted has not obtained a license required by this chapter or is a nonresident, the court may direct in the judgment of conviction that the person shall not drive any motor vehicle in the Commonwealth for a period not to exceed twelve months. The fact of the suspension shall not be admissible as evidence in any related civil proceeding.

1976, c. 320, § 46.1-423.4; 1984, c. 780; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1185 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 22 / Section 46.2-1185
Investigation of inspection stations; revocation or suspension of permits for emissions inspection stations
Status: in_force

The Director shall investigate the operation of each emissions inspection station and fleet emissions inspection station as the conditions and circumstances of such operation indicate. He may require the holder of any permit to submit such documentation required concerning the operation of such inspection station. The Director may suspend or revoke and require the forfeiture of any emissions inspection station permit if he finds that such station is not operated in accordance with the provisions of this article and the regulations adopted by the Board or the holder of such permit has failed or refused to submit records or documentation required.

If the Director finds that any permit holder has violated any provision of this article or any order or regulation of the Board, after notice or a reasonable attempt to give notice to the permit holder, the Director may, without a hearing, suspend the permit of the emissions inspection station and require the permit holder immediately to cease performing emissions inspections. Within ten days of such action, the Director shall, after reasonable notice to the permit holder as to the time and place thereof, hold a hearing to affirm, modify, amend, or cancel the suspension and the requirement to cease performing emissions inspections. With the consent of the permit holder, the Director may forego such hearing and allow the suspension and requirement to cease performing emissions inspections to stand. If the Director finds that a permit holder is not complying with any such suspension or requirement to cease performing emissions inspections, the Director may proceed in accordance with § 46.2-1187 or § 46.2-1187.2 .

Nothing in this section shall limit the Director's authority to proceed against the permit holder directly under § 46.2-1187 or § 46.2-1187.2 .

1980, c. 469, § 46.1-326.11; 1988, c. 806; 1989, c. 727; 1991, c. 531; 1993, cc. 995, 998; 1993, Sp. Sess., c. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1550.3 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 5 / Section 46.2-1550.3
Alternative print-on-demand program for issuance of temporary transport license plates to dealers and vehicle owners
Status: in_force

A. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 46.2-1550.2 , the Department may develop and implement procedures and requirements necessary for delivery of temporary transport license plates to dealers and issuance of temporary transport license plates by dealers to vehicle owners, using print-on-demand technology.

B. In the event the Department implements a print-on-demand temporary license plate program pursuant to this section, all dealers licensed on or after the effective date of the program shall be required to purchase and issue only print-on-demand temporary license plates.

C. The Commissioner shall not impose a requirement relating to the minimum number of sets of temporary plates that must be purchased by a dealer pursuant to a print-on-demand temporary license plate program implemented under this section.

D. Except as otherwise provided in this section, temporary license plates delivered and issued pursuant to this section shall be subject to all conditions and limitations set forth in this article.

2011, c. 786 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.118 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.118
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2006, c. 437 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-804 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-804
Special regulations applicable on highways laned for traffic; penalty
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this section, "traffic lines" includes any temporary traffic control devices used to emulate the lines and markings in subdivisions 6 and 7.

Whenever any roadway has been divided into clearly marked lanes for traffic, drivers of vehicles shall obey the following:

1. Any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions existing, shall be driven in the lane nearest the right edge or right curb of the highway when such lane is available for travel except when overtaking and passing another vehicle or in preparation for a left turn or where right lanes are reserved for slow-moving traffic as permitted in this section;

2. A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as is practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from that lane until the driver has ascertained that such movement can be made safely;

3. Except as otherwise provided in subdivision 5, on a highway which is divided into three lanes, no vehicle shall be driven in the center lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle or in preparation for a left turn or unless such center lane is at the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the direction the vehicle is proceeding and is signed or marked to give notice of such allocation. Traffic-control devices may be erected directing specified traffic to use a designated lane or designating those lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction regardless of the center of the roadway and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every such device;

4. The Commissioner of Highways, or local authorities in their respective jurisdictions, may designate right lanes for slow-moving vehicles and the Virginia Department of Transportation shall post signs requiring trucks and combination vehicles to keep to the right on Interstate Highway System components with no more than two travel lanes in each direction where terrain is likely to slow the speed of such vehicles climbing hills and inclines to a speed that is less than the posted speed limit;

5. Wherever a highway is marked with double traffic lines consisting of a solid line immediately adjacent to a broken line, no vehicle shall be driven to the left of such line if the solid line is on the right of the broken line, except (i) when turning left for the purpose of entering or leaving a public, private, or commercial road or entrance or (ii) in order to pass a pedestrian or a device moved by human power, including a bicycle, skateboard, or foot-scooter, provided such movement can be made safely. Where the middle lane of a highway is marked on both sides with a solid line immediately adjacent to a broken line, such middle lane shall be considered a left-turn or holding lane and it shall be lawful to drive to the left of such line if the solid line is on the right of the broken line for the purpose of turning left into any road or entrance, provided that the vehicle may not travel in such lane further than 150 feet;

6. Wherever a highway is marked with double traffic lines consisting of two immediately adjacent solid yellow lines, no vehicle shall be driven to the left of such lines, except (i) when turning left or (ii) in order to pass a pedestrian or a device moved by human power, including a bicycle, skateboard, or foot-scooter, provided such movement can be made safely; and

7. Whenever a highway is marked with double traffic lines consisting of two immediately adjacent solid white lines, no vehicle shall cross such lines.

A violation of this section is punishable by a fine of $100.

Code 1950, § 46-222; 1952, c. 671; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-206; 1962, c. 87; 1979, c. 25; 1985, c. 481; 1989, c. 727; 2007, c. 501 ; 2013, cc. 128 , 400 , 585 , 646 ; 2015, c. 416 ; 2017, c. 795 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1119 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 16 / Section 46.2-1119
Tow dolly and converter gear
Status: in_force

No axle-like device, commonly called a "tow dolly," used to support the front or rear wheels of a passenger vehicle or pick-up or panel truck for towing purposes, and no axle-like device, commonly called "converter gear," on which is mounted a fifth wheel used to convert a semitrailer to a full trailer, shall be considered vehicles. Either such device, when used on the public highways, shall be equipped with a safety chain or chains of a strength to restrain the device and vehicle being towed, should the connection fail. In addition, either device, when moved on the public highway, shall be equipped with rear marker lights or reflectors when towed without a load. When a tow dolly or converter gear is used to tow a vehicle, the towed vehicle must comply with all requirements of law pertaining to towed vehicles.

1984, c. 182, § 46.1-336.1; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.11 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.11
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2000, c. 75 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-341.26:2 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 6.1 / Section 46.2-341.26:2
Implied consent to post-arrest chemical test to determine alcohol or drug content of blood of commercial driver
Status: in_force

A. Any person, whether licensed by Virginia or not, who operates a commercial motor vehicle upon a highway as defined in § 46.2-100 in the Commonwealth shall be deemed thereby, as a condition of such operation, to have consented to have samples of his blood, breath, or both blood and breath taken for a chemical test to determine the alcohol, drug or both alcohol and drug content of his blood, if he is arrested for violation of § 46.2-341.24 or 46.2-341.31 within three hours of the alleged offense.

B. Such person shall be required to have a breath sample taken and shall be entitled, upon request, to observe the process of analysis and to see the blood-alcohol reading on the equipment used to perform the breath test. If the equipment automatically produces a written printout of the breath test result, the printout or a copy shall be given to the suspect. If a breath test is not available, then a blood test shall be required.

C. The person may be required to submit to blood tests to determine the drug content of his blood if he has been arrested pursuant to provision (iii), (iv), or (v) of subsection A of § 46.2-341.24 , or if he has taken the breath test required pursuant to subsection B and the law-enforcement officer has reasonable cause to believe the person was driving under the influence of any drug or combination of drugs, or the combined influence of alcohol and drugs.

D. If the certificate of analysis referred to in § 46.2-341.26:9 indicates the presence of alcohol in the suspect's blood, the suspect shall be taken before a magistrate to determine whether the magistrate should issue an out-of-service order prohibiting the suspect from driving any commercial motor vehicle for a 24-hour period. If the magistrate finds that there is probable cause to believe that the suspect was driving a commercial motor vehicle with any measurable amount of alcohol in his blood, the magistrate shall issue an out-of-service order prohibiting the suspect from driving any commercial motor vehicle for a period of 24 hours. The magistrate shall forward a copy of the out-of-service order to the Department within seven days after issuing the order. The order shall be in addition to any other action or sanction permitted or required by law to be taken against or imposed upon the suspect.

1992, c. 830; 1993, c. 673; 2005, c. 616 ; 2017, c. 623 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-428 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 13 / Section 46.2-428
Commonwealth responsible for deposits
Status: in_force

The Commonwealth shall be responsible for the safekeeping of all bonds, cash, and securities deposited with the State Treasurer under the provisions of this chapter, and if the deposit or any part of the deposit is lost, destroyed, or misappropriated the Commonwealth shall make good the loss to any person entitled thereto.

Code 1950, § 46-448; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-460; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1508 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-1508
Licenses required; penalty
Status: in_force

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in business in the Commonwealth as a motor vehicle dealer or salesperson without first obtaining a license as provided in this chapter. It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in business in the Commonwealth as a manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, distributor branch, or factory or distributor representative without first obtaining a license from the Department. Every person licensed as a manufactured home dealer under Chapter 4.2 (§ 36-85.16 et seq.) of Title 36 shall obtain a certificate of dealer registration as provided in this chapter. Every person licensed as a watercraft dealer under Chapter 8 (§ 29.1-800 et seq.) of Title 29.1 and who offers for sale watercraft trailers shall obtain a certificate of dealer registration as provided in this chapter but shall not be required to obtain a dealer license unless he also sells other types of trailers. Any nonprofit organization exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, after having obtained a nonprofit organization certificate as provided in this chapter, may consign donated motor vehicles to licensed Virginia motor vehicle dealers. Any person licensed in another state as a motor vehicle dealer may sell motor vehicles at wholesale auctions in the Commonwealth after having obtained a certificate of dealer registration as provided in this chapter. The offering or granting of a motor vehicle dealer franchise in the Commonwealth shall constitute engaging in business in the Commonwealth for purposes of this section, and no new motor vehicle may be sold or offered for sale in the Commonwealth unless the franchisor of motor vehicle dealer franchises for that line-make in the Commonwealth, whether such franchisor is a manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, distributor branch, or otherwise, is licensed under this chapter. In the event a license issued to a franchisor of motor vehicle dealer franchises is suspended, revoked, or not renewed, nothing in this section shall prevent the sale of any new motor vehicle of such franchisor's line-make manufactured in or brought into the Commonwealth for sale prior to the suspension, revocation or expiration of the license.

Violation of any provision of this subsection shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor, and such violation may also serve as the basis for injunctive relief pursuant to subsection B or C.

B. The Board may file a motion with the circuit court for the county or city in which a person who violated any provision of subsection A is located, or with the circuit court for the City of Richmond, and, upon a hearing and for cause shown, the court may grant an injunction restraining such person from violating any provision of subsection A, regardless of whether an adequate remedy at law exists. A single act in violation of the provisions of subsection A is sufficient basis to authorize the issuance of an injunction. The Board shall not be required to post an injunction bond or other security.

C. Any licensed motor vehicle dealer who sustains injury or damage to his business or property by reason of a violation of subsection A by any person that is not licensed as required by subsection A may file a motion with the circuit court for the county or city in which a person alleged to have committed such violation is located, and, upon a hearing and for cause shown, the court may grant a temporary or permanent injunction prohibiting any further such violation. A single act in violation of the provisions of subsection A shall be sufficient basis to show injury or damage to the business or property of the licensed motor vehicle dealer. A licensed motor vehicle dealer shall not be required to post an injunction bond or other security.

D. If the Board, pursuant to subsection B, or a licensed motor vehicle dealer, pursuant to subsection C, is awarded an injunction, the court may also award reasonable attorney fees and costs.

E. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, a manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, distributor branch, or factory or distributor representative engaged in the manufacture or distribution of all-terrain vehicles or off-road motorcycles that does not also manufacture or distribute in the Commonwealth any motorcycle designed for lawful use on the public highways shall not be required to obtain a license from the Department.

F. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, any manufacturer or distributor of transit buses that sells transit buses to a local government authority or nonprofit provider in the Commonwealth for the purposes of public transportation, as defined in 49 U.S.C. § 5302, shall not be required to obtain a manufacturers license from the Department of Motor Vehicles or a dealers license from the Motor Vehicle Dealer Board for such sales. For purposes of this subsection, "transit bus" means a rubber-tired automotive vehicle used for the provision of public transportation service by or for a recipient of federal or state funding allocated annually by the Commonwealth Transportation Board.

Code 1950, § 46-514; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-523; 1974, c. 189; 1976, c. 362; 1988, c. 865; 1989, c. 727; 1993, c. 123; 1995, cc. 767 , 816 ; 1997, c. 848 ; 2000, c. 180 ; 2014, c. 695 ; 2015, c. 615 ; 2018, c. 509 ; 2022, c. 718 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1609 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 16 / Section 46.2-1609
Penalties
Status: in_force

A. First violations of any provision of this chapter shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor, and second and subsequent violations of any provision of this chapter shall constitute a Class 5 felony. Upon receipt of any such conviction, the Commissioner may suspend, revoke, cancel, or refuse to renew the license of any licensee under this chapter, and the Commissioner may also assess a civil penalty against such licensee not to exceed $2,500 for any conviction.

B. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, any licensee violating any of the provisions of this chapter may be assessed a civil penalty by the Commissioner not to exceed $1,000 for any single violation.

C. Notice of an order suspending, revoking, canceling, or denying renewal of a license, imposing a limitation on operation, or imposing a civil penalty and advising the licensee of the opportunity for a hearing shall be mailed to the licensee by first-class mail to the address as shown on the licensee's most recent application for a license and shall be considered served when mailed. No order required by this section shall become effective until the Commissioner has offered the licensee an opportunity for an administrative hearing to show cause why the order should not be enforced. Notice of the opportunity for an administrative hearing may be included in the order. Any request for an administrative hearing made by such person must be received by the Department within 30 days of the issuance date of the order unless the person presents to the Department evidence of military service as defined by the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. § 3901 et seq.), incarceration, commitment, hospitalization, or physical presence outside the United States at the time the order was issued.

D. Upon receipt of a request for a hearing appealing the suspension or imposition of civil penalties, the licensee shall be afforded the opportunity for a hearing as soon as practicable, but in no case later than 30 days from receipt of the hearing request. Any suspension shall remain in effect pending the outcome of the hearing.

1979, c. 401, § 46.1-550.14; 1989, c. 727; 1992, c. 148; 2011, c. 824 ; 2014, c. 58 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-672 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 6 / Section 46.2-672
Certain vehicles transporting fertilizer, cotton, or peanuts
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 motor vehicle or trailer, semitrailer, or fertilizer spreader drawn by a farm tractor used by a farmer, his tenant, agent or employee or a cotton ginner, peanut buyer, or fertilizer distributor to transport unginned cotton, peanuts, or fertilizer owned by the farmer, cotton ginner, peanut buyer, or fertilizer distributor from one farm to another, from farm to gin, from farm to dryer, from farm to market, or from fertilizer distributor to farm and on return to the distributor. 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 .

The provisions of this section shall not apply to vehicles operated on a for-hire basis.

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. § 46.2-373.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 11 / Section 46.2-373.1
Report of law-enforcement officer involved in accident
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 46.2-208 , any law-enforcement officer, as defined in § 9.1-101 , who is named as a driver in a motor vehicle accident on a report submitted to the Department pursuant to § 46.2-373 shall not have the accident displayed on his driving record if he was driving a motor vehicle provided by a law-enforcement agency in the course of his employment and was operating the motor vehicle in the performance of his official duties at the time of such accident. The driving record of such law-enforcement officer involved in an accident in the course of his employment shall not contain any information of an accident submitted pursuant to § 46.2-373 .

2017, cc. 800 , 821 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1555 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 5 / Section 46.2-1555
Movement by dealers to salesrooms
Status: in_force

Any dealer in motor vehicles may operate or move, or cause to be operated or moved, any motor vehicle on the highways for a distance of no more than twenty-five miles from a vessel, railway depot, warehouse, or any place of shipment or from a factory where manufactured or assembled to a salesroom, warehouse, or place of shipment or transshipment without registering them and without license plates attached thereto, under a written permit first obtained from the local law-enforcement authorities having jurisdiction over the highways and on displaying in plain sight on each motor vehicle a placard bearing the name and address of the dealer authorizing or directing the movement.

1988, c. 865, § 46.1-550.5:13; 1989, c. 727; 1995, cc. 767 , 816 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-842.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-842.1
Drivers to give way to certain overtaking vehicles on divided highways
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful to fail to give way to overtaking traffic when driving a motor vehicle to the left and abreast of another motor vehicle on a divided highway. The driver of the overtaken vehicle shall move to the right to allow the overtaking vehicle to pass as soon as the overtaken vehicle can safely do so. A violation of this section shall not be construed as negligence per se in any civil action.

1989, c. 708, § 46.1-211.1; 2020, c. 815 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1138 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 17 / Section 46.2-1138
County ordinances fixing weight limits on roads that have been withdrawn from secondary system
Status: in_force

A. The governing bodies of Arlington and Henrico Counties may adopt ordinances providing weight limits in accordance with the weight limits established by §§ 46.2-1123 through 46.2-1127 for any vehicle or combination of vehicles passing over any such highway under the county's jurisdiction. Any such ordinance shall provide for the assessment of liquidated damages as to overweight vehicles at rates and amounts not exceeding those applicable to the liquidated damages under § 46.2-1135 .

B. Such ordinances may also provide that:

1. Upon a finding of a violation of any weight limit prescribed therein, the court shall assess the owner, operator, or other person causing the operation of such overweight vehicle at such rate and amount as is provided in the ordinance;

2. The assessment shall be entered by the court as a judgment for such county;

3. The entry of such judgment shall constitute a lien upon the overweight vehicles;

4. Such sums shall be paid into the treasury of such county, and allocated to the fund appropriated by such county for the construction and maintenance of such roads under its jurisdiction.

C. Such ordinances may include additional provisions relating to payment of such assessment and enforcement powers applicable to such county and corresponding to the provisions of §§ 46.2-1131 , 46.2-1133 , 46.2-1134 , and 46.2-1135 , except that civil penalties, liquidated damages, and the weighing fees collected pursuant to such ordinances shall be paid to the county, and the county attorney or his designee shall represent the county in any court proceeding.

1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1301 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 13 / Section 46.2-1301
Designation of stop and yield right-of-way intersections
Status: in_force

The governing body of any county, city, or town operating its own system of roads may by ordinance authorize the city or town manager or some other local officer to designate intersections, other than intersections at which one or more of the intersecting streets have been designated as a part of the primary state highway system in a town which has a population of less than 3,500, at which vehicles shall come to a full stop or yield the right-of-way. No such ordinance shall be violated if, at the time of the alleged violation the sign or marker placed in conformity with this section is missing or is defaced so that an ordinarily observant person under the same circumstances would not be aware of the existence of the regulation.

1958, c. 541, § 46.1-180.1; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-656 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 5 / Section 46.2-656
Nonresident may operate temporarily without registration
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in this article, a nonresident owner of a passenger car which has been registered for the current calendar year in the state or country of which the owner is a resident and which at all times when operated in the Commonwealth displays the license plate or plates issued for such vehicle in the place of residence of such owner, may operate or permit the operation of such passenger car within or partly within this Commonwealth for a period of six months without registering the passenger car or paying any fees to the Commonwealth. If, however, at the expiration of such six months the passenger car is still in the Commonwealth, its owner shall apply for registration of the vehicle and shall pay a fee for such registration based on the time operation of the vehicle in the Commonwealth commenced.

Code 1950, § 46-111; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-132; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1070 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 9 / Section 46.2-1070
Brakes on trailers
Status: in_force

Every semitrailer, trailer, or separate vehicle attached by a drawbar, chain, or coupling to a towing vehicle other than a farm tractor or a vehicle not required to obtain a registration certificate and having an actual gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more, shall be equipped with brakes controlled or operated by the driver of the towing vehicle, which shall conform to the specifications set forth in § 46.2-1067 and shall be of a type approved by the Superintendent. Farm trailers used exclusively for hauling raw agricultural produce from farm to farm or farm to packing shed or processing plant within the normal growing area of the packing shed or processing plant and trailers or semitrailers drawn by a properly licensed motor vehicle but exempt from registration, shall be exempt from the requirements of this section.

"Gross weight" for the purpose of this section includes weight of the vehicle and the load upon such semitrailer, trailer, or separate vehicle.

This section shall not apply to any vehicle being towed for repairs, repossession, in an emergency, or being moved by a tow truck when two wheels of the towed vehicle are off the ground.

Code 1950, § 46-286; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-280; 1959, Ex. Sess., cc. 21, 90; 1962, c. 313; 1966, c. 654; 1968, c. 164; 1970, c. 169; 1989, c. 727; 2006, cc. 874 , 891 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2141 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 21 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-2141
Application of article
Status: in_force

Unless otherwise stated, this article shall apply to all motor carriers as defined under this chapter.

2001, c. 596 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1602 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 16 / Section 46.2-1602
Certain sales prohibited; exceptions
Status: in_force

A. It shall be unlawful:

1. For any scrap metal processor to sell a vehicle or vehicle components or parts;

2. For any salvage pool to sell either in person or through any Internet auction a salvage vehicle stored in the Commonwealth to any person who is not licensed as an auto recycler, motor vehicle dealer, or vehicle removal operator by the Commonwealth or regulated as a similar business under the laws of another state;

3. For any person to sell a nonrepairable vehicle to any person who is not licensed as an auto recycler or vehicle removal operator by the Commonwealth or regulated as a similar business under the laws of another state; or

4. For any person to sell a rebuilt vehicle without first having disclosed the fact that the vehicle is a rebuilt vehicle to the buyer in writing on a form prescribed by the Commissioner.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A of this section, it shall not be unlawful:

1. For a salvage dealer to sell vehicle components or parts to unlicensed persons; or

2. For an individual to dispose of a salvage vehicle acquired or retained for his own use when it has been acquired or retained and used in good faith and not for the purpose of avoiding the provisions of this chapter.

1979, c. 401, § 46.1-550.6; 1988, cc. 842, 865; 1989, c. 727; 1992, c. 148; 2015, cc. 33 , 177 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1075 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-1075
Possession of vehicles with serial numbers removed or altered
Status: in_force

Any person who shall knowingly have in his possession a motor vehicle, motor vehicle part, trailer, or semitrailer whose motor number, serial number, identification number, decal or device as required by federal law has been removed, changed, or altered without the consent of the Department shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Code 1950, § 46-10; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-83; 1978, cc. 294, 605; 1979, c. 428; 1989, c. 727; 1996, cc. 591 , 917 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-379 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 11 / Section 46.2-379
Use of crash reports made by investigating officers
Status: in_force

All crash reports made by investigating officers shall be for the confidential use of the Department and of other state agencies for accident prevention purposes and shall not be used as evidence in any trial, civil or criminal, arising out of any accident. If otherwise authorized by law, the Department may disclose from the reports, on request of any person, the date, time, and location of the accident and the names and addresses of the drivers, the owners of the vehicles involved, the injured persons, the witnesses, and one investigating officer. A law-enforcement agency may release nonpersonally identifiable vehicle information from crash reports to a contracted service provider.

Code 1950, § 46-409; 1952, c. 544; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-409; 1986, c. 639; 1989, c. 727; 2014, cc. 77 , 803 ; 2024, cc. 79 , 80 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-223 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 2 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-223
Additional powers and duties of Commissioner
Status: in_force

The Commissioner shall have the following powers and duties related to transportation safety:

1. To evaluate safety measures currently in use by all transport operators in all modes which operate in or through the Commonwealth, with particular attention to the safety of equipment and appliances and methods and procedures of operation;

2. To engage in training and educational activities aimed at enhancing the safe transport of passengers and property in and through the Commonwealth;

3. To cooperate with all relevant entities of the federal government, including, but not limited to, the Department of Transportation, the Federal Railway Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Coast Guard, and the Independent Transportation Safety Board in matters concerning transportation safety;

4. To initiate, conduct, and issue special studies on matters pertaining to transportation safety;

5. To evaluate transportation safety efforts, practices, and procedures of the agencies or other entities of the government of the Commonwealth and make recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation, the Governor, and the General Assembly on ways to increase transportation safety consciousness or improve safety practices;

6. To assist entities of state government and political subdivisions of the Commonwealth in enhancing their efforts to ensure safe transportation, including the dissemination of relevant materials and the rendering of technical or other advice;

7. To collect, tabulate, correlate, analyze, evaluate, and review the data gathered by various entities of the state government in regard to transportation operations, management, and accidents, especially the information gathered by the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Department of State Police, and the State Corporation Commission;

8. To develop, implement, and review, in conjunction with relevant state and federal entities, a comprehensive highway safety program for the Commonwealth, and to inform the public about it;

9. To assist towns, counties and other political subdivisions of the Commonwealth in the development, implementation, and review of local highway safety programs as part of the state program;

10. To review the activities, role, and contribution of various state entities to the Commonwealth's highway safety program and to report annually and in writing to the Governor and General Assembly on the status, progress, and prospects of highway safety in the Commonwealth;

11. To recommend to the Secretary of Transportation, the Governor, and the General Assembly any corrective measures, policies, procedures, plans, and programs which are needed to make the movement of passengers and property on the highways of the Commonwealth as safe as practicable;

12. To design, implement, administer, and review special programs or projects needed to promote highway safety in the Commonwealth;

13. To integrate highway safety activities into the framework of transportation safety in general;

14. To administer the Traffic Safety Fund established pursuant to § 46.2-749.2:10 and to accept grants, gifts, bequests, and other moneys contributed to, deposited in, or designated for deposit in the Fund; and

15. Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, for the duration of a declared state of emergency as defined in § 44-146.16 and for up to 90 days after the declaration of a state of emergency has been rescinded or expires, (i) to extend the validity or delay the cancellation of driver's licenses, special identification cards, and vehicle registrations; (ii) to extend the time frame during which a driver improvement clinic or payment plan may be completed; (iii) to extend the maximum number of days of residency permitted before a new resident must be licensed in Virginia pursuant to § 46.2-308 to operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth; and (iv) to extend the time frame during which a new resident may operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth that has been duly registered in another jurisdiction before registering the vehicle in the Commonwealth.

1984, c. 778, § 46.1-40.4; 1989, c. 727; 1990, cc. 1, 317; 1998, c. 743 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 129 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1017 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 3 / Section 46.2-1017
Dimension or marker lights and reflectors, generally
Status: in_force

All motor vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers exceeding seven feet in width or the widest portion of which extends four inches beyond the front fender extremes shall be equipped with amber lights mounted at the extreme right and left front top corners of such vehicle. Each such light shall be visible in clear weather for a distance of at least 500 feet to the front of such vehicle. Such vehicles shall also be equipped with red lights mounted at the extreme right and left rear top corners of such vehicle. Each such light shall be visible in clear weather for at least 500 feet to the rear of such vehicle. Any tractor truck, however, need not be equipped with rear red dimension or marker lights. If the front or the rear of such vehicle is not the widest portion of the vehicle, the dimension or marker lights required in this section shall be mounted on the widest portions of the vehicle with the amber lights herein required visible from the front as herein required and the red lights herein required visible from the rear as herein required. The lights herein required shall be of a type approved by the Superintendent.

In addition to the lights required in this section, each such vehicle shall be equipped with amber reflectors located on each side thereof, at or near the front. Red reflectors shall be used on the rear of each such vehicle. Such reflectors shall be securely fastened to the vehicle not less than fifteen inches and not more than sixty inches from the ground. For a vehicle that is less than fifteen inches tall, however, such reflectors shall be securely fastened thereto at the highest point the structure of a vehicle will permit. The reflectors shall be of a type approved by the Superintendent.

If any vehicle is so constructed as to make compliance with the requirements of this section impractical, the lights and reflectors shall be placed on the vehicle in accordance with the Superintendent's regulations.

If any vehicle required by this section to be equipped with dimension or marker lights has installed on its rear, as close as practicable to the top of the vehicle and as close as practicable to the vertical centerline of the vehicle, three red identification lights of a type approved by the Superintendent, with the light centers spaced not less than six inches or more than twelve inches apart, the rear dimension or marker lights may be mounted at any height but must indicate as nearly as practicable the extreme width of the vehicle.

Code 1950, § 46-271; 1952, c. 652; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-265; 1960, c. 156; 1974, c. 218; 1977, c. 383; 1989, c. 727; 1997, c. 23 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1025.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 3 / Section 46.2-1025.1
Flashing amber warning lights on certain fox hunting vehicles
Status: in_force

A. For the purposes of this section, a "road whip" is a vehicle operator guiding or assisting with a hunt under the direction of a hunt master.

B. During a fox hunt, a road whip for a hunt organization exempt from federal taxation pursuant to § 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code that is a member in good standing of the Masters of Foxhounds Association of North America may use a vehicle equipped with flashing amber warning lights for the purpose of warning other vehicles of such fox hunt happening in the area. Such road whip shall be (i) at least 21 years of age; (ii) in possession of a valid Virginia driver's license; (iii) an experienced member of such hunt organization; (iv) aware of the land being used for such hunt; (v) knowledgeable of the path the hunt may take and any highway where vehicles, hunters, horses, or hounds may be present; and (vi) under the supervision of the masters of the hunt, including having global positioning system (GPS) location monitoring and radio communication with such masters of the hunt or other hunting staff. Each such hunt may authorize such flashing amber warning lights on no more than two vehicles operated by such road whips per hunt. Any vehicle using flashing amber warning lights as authorized in this section shall display a sign on the rear of such vehicle that reads "Horse Crossing With Rider" in print large enough for a passing motorist to read. No flashing amber warning lights authorized pursuant to this section may be used while such vehicle is in motion.

2024, c. 95 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2056 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 20 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-2056
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 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 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1188 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 23 / Section 46.2-1188
Motorcycle rider safety training courses
Status: in_force

"Motorcycle rider safety training courses" means courses of instruction in the operation of motorcycles, including instruction in the safe on-road operation of motorcycles, the rules of the road, and the laws of the Commonwealth relating to motor vehicles, for the purposes of obtaining a waiver pursuant to § 46.2-337 for (i) both two-wheeled and three-wheeled motorcycles, (ii) two-wheeled motorcycles, or (iii) three-wheeled motorcycles. Courses shall meet the requirements of this article and be approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Qualifying providers of such courses shall either be reimbursed for eligible costs or not be reimbursed as provided in § 46.2-1192 .

1984, c. 476, § 46.1-566; 1989, c. 727; 2001, cc. 21 , 27 ; 2004, c. 734 ; 2016, c. 380 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-684.2 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 6 / Section 46.2-684.2
Permanent farm use placards
Status: in_force

A. For the purposes of this section, "farm use placard" means a device containing letters, numerals, or a combination of both attached to a vehicle that is used for one of the exempt purposes set forth in § 46.2-665 , 46.2-666 , 46.2-670 , 46.2-672 , or 46.2-673 .

B. An owner or lessee of a farm vehicle claiming an exemption for a farm vehicle provided pursuant to § 46.2-665 , 46.2-666 , 46.2-670 , 46.2-672 , or 46.2-673 shall obtain a farm use placard from the Department and display such placard on the vehicle at all times. The provisions of this section shall not apply to vehicles having a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 7,500 pounds, trailers, or semitrailers used exclusively as set forth in § 46.2-665 , 46.2-666 , 46.2-670 , 46.2-672 , or 46.2-673 . Such farm use placard shall be permanent and valid for so long as the owner or lessee uses the vehicle for an exempt purpose and shall not require renewal.

C. Application for a permanent farm use placard shall be made on a form provided by the Department and shall require:

1. The name of the owner or lessee of the vehicle for which the exemption is claimed;

2. The approximate location and acreage of each farm on which the vehicle is to be used;

3. The type of agricultural commodities, poultry, dairy products, or livestock produced on such farms;

4. A statement, signed by the owner or lessee, that the vehicle shall only be used for one or more of the exempt purposes set forth in § 46.2-665 , 46.2-666 , 46.2-670 , 46.2-672 , or 46.2-673 ; and

5. A statement, signed by the owner or lessee, that the vehicle is an insured motor vehicle as defined in § 46.2-705 or is insured by a policy authorized pursuant to § 46.2-684.1 .

Such application shall not request any additional information not required pursuant to this subsection. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Department shall not release, except upon request by the farm use placard applicant, the guardian of such applicant, or the authorized agent of such applicant, or pursuant to a court order, any information obtained pursuant to this section.

D. The Department may charge a fee of $15 for a farm use placard. All fees collected by the Commissioner pursuant to this section shall be paid into the state treasury and set aside as a special fund to be used to meet the expenses of the Department.

E. Farm use placards are nontransferable.

F. An owner or lessee of a farm use vehicle shall return the farm use placard to the Department within 30 days of the vehicle ceasing to be used for one or more of the exempt purposes set forth in § 46.2-665 , 46.2-666 , 46.2-670 , 46.2-672 , or 46.2-673 .

G. The Department shall not limit the number of placards that can be obtained at one time, provided the applicant is lawfully entitled to such placards.

2022, cc. 51 , 52 ; 2023, cc. 85 , 86 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1539.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-1539.1
Safety inspections or disclosure required before sale of certain trailers; penalty
Status: in_force

Any trailer required by any provision of this title to undergo periodic safety inspections shall be inspected by an official inspection station between the time it comes into the possession of a retail dealer and the time the trailer is sold by the dealer or, in lieu of an inspection, the dealer shall present to the purchaser, prior to purchase of the trailer, a written itemization of all the trailer's deficiencies relative to applicable safety inspection requirements. The provisions of this section shall not apply to (i) sales of trailers or watercraft trailers by individuals not ordinarily engaged in the business of selling trailers or watercraft trailers or (ii) the retail sale of five or more trailers to the same buyer. Any person found guilty of violating any provision of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

2015, c. 615 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1061 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 7 / Section 46.2-1061
Sirens or exhaust whistles on emergency vehicles
Status: in_force

Every law-enforcement vehicle, every vehicle authorized to be equipped with warning lights pursuant to §§ 46.2-1022 and 46.2-1023 shall be equipped with a siren, exhaust whistle, or air horn designed to give automatically intermittent signals. Such devices shall be of types not prohibited by the Superintendent.

Code 1950, § 46-291; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-285; 1960, c. 391; 1966, cc. 655, 664, 699; 1968, c. 89; 1980, c. 337; 1989, c. 727; 1990, c. 418.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.98:1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.98:1
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2005, c. 908 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2155 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 21 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-2155
Power and duty of Department
Status: in_force

The Department shall regulate and control all household goods carriers not herein exempted, doing business in the Commonwealth, in all matters relating to the performance of their duties as such carriers and their rates and charges therefor, which rates and charges shall be filed with and subject to approval by the Department by individual household goods carriers or by groups of such carriers, and correct abuses by such carriers. To that end the Department may prescribe reasonable rules, regulations, bills of lading, forms and reports for such carriers to administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter. The Department shall have the right at all times to require from such carriers special reports and statements, under oath, concerning their business. It shall make and enforce such requirements, rules, and regulations as may be necessary to prevent unjust or unreasonable discriminations by any such carrier. The Department may prescribe and enforce such reasonable requirements, rules and regulations in the matter of leasing of motor vehicles as are necessary to prevent evasion of the Department's regulatory powers.

The Department shall work in conjunction with the Department of State Police and local law-enforcement officials to promote uniform enforcement of the laws pertaining to motor carriers and the rules, regulations, forms, and reports prescribed under the provisions of this chapter.

2001, c. 596 ; 2011, cc. 881 , 889 ; 2012, cc. 22 , 111 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1088.5 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-1088.5
Reflectors or reflectorized material required on rear end of certain trailers
Status: in_force

A. There shall be affixed to the rear end of every utility trailer that does not require state inspection either (i) two or more reflectors of a type approved by the Superintendent or (ii) at least 100 square inches of solid reflectorized material. The reflectors or reflective material shall be applied so as to outline the rear end of the trailer.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 46.2-1013 or 46.2-1014 , any trailer or semitrailer exempt from registration pursuant to § 46.2-665 , 46.2-666 , 46.2-670 , 46.2-672 , or 46.2-673 may be operated without tail lights or brake lights on the highways of the Commonwealth located in Planning Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 23, except interstate highways, between sunrise and sunset, provided that such trailer or semitrailer has affixed to the rear end either (i) two or more reflectors of a type approved by the Superintendent or (ii) at least 100 square inches of solid reflectorized material. Such a trailer or semitrailer operated without tail lights or brake lights shall keep to the rightmost lane when operating on such a highway, except when turning at an intersection or avoiding any hazard. However, any such trailer or semitrailer operated without tail lights or brake lights shall not be operated on the highways of the Commonwealth (a) during any time when, because of rain, smoke, fog, snow, sleet, insufficient light, or other unfavorable atmospheric conditions, visibility is reduced to a degree whereby persons or vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet or (b) whenever windshield wipers are in use as a result of fog, rain, sleet, or snow.

C. For the purposes of this section, "utility trailer" means a trailer whose body and tailgate consist largely or exclusively of a metal mesh.

2004, c. 785 ; 2005, c. 563 ; 2025, c. 718 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-834 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 3 / Section 46.2-834
Signals by law-enforcement officers, crossing guards, and flaggers
Status: in_force

A. Law-enforcement officers may assume control of traffic at any intersection, regardless of whether such intersection is controlled by lights, controlled by other traffic control devices, or uncontrolled. Whenever any law-enforcement officer so assumes control of traffic, all drivers of vehicles shall obey his signals.

B. Law-enforcement officers and uniformed school crossing guards may assume control of traffic otherwise controlled by lights, and in such event, signals by such officers and uniformed crossing guards shall take precedence over such traffic control devices.

C. Uniformed school crossing guards may control traffic at any marked school crossing, whether such crossing is at an intersection or another location. Uniformed school crossing guards who are supplied by their local school division with hand-held stop signs shall use such signs whenever controlling traffic as authorized in this subsection.

D. Whenever an authorized flagger assumes control of vehicular traffic into or through a temporary traffic control zone using hand-signaling devices or an automated flagger assistance device, all drivers of vehicles shall obey his signals.

Code 1950, § 46-203; 1952, c. 671; 1954, c. 381; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-184; 1964, c. 613; 1966, c. 607; 1970, cc. 515, 736; 1972, cc. 4, 234, 454; 1974, c. 347; 1976, cc. 30, 31; 1977, c. 9; 1978, c. 300; 1981, c. 163; 1989, c. 727; 1994, c. 469 ; 2001, cc. 56 , 71 ; 2004, c. 575 ; 2013, cc. 128 , 400 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-341.14:4 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 6.1 / Section 46.2-341.14:4
Certification by the Department
Status: in_force

A. Upon successful application and evaluation, a third party tester will be issued a letter or certificate that will evidence his authority to administer a third party testing program and issue skills test certificates for the classes and types of vehicles listed.

B. Upon successful application, evaluation, and training, a third party examiner will be issued a letter or certificate that will evidence his authority to conduct skills tests for the classes and types of commercial motor vehicles listed.

C. Certification will remain valid until canceled by the Department or voluntarily relinquished by the third party tester or examiner.

2013, cc. 165 , 582 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-208.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 2 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-208.1
Electronic transfer of information in Department records for voter registration purposes
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 46.2-208 , the Commissioner shall provide for the electronic transfer of information from the Department's records to the Department of Elections and the general registrars for the purpose of voter registration as required by Chapter 4 (§ 24.2-400 et seq.) of Title 24.2, including but not limited to the purposes of § 24.2-410.1 . Except as provided in §§ 24.2-404 and 24.2-444 , the Department of Elections and the general registrars shall not make information provided by the Department available to the public and shall not provide such information to any third party.

1999, c. 118 ; 2006, cc. 926 , 940 ; 2011, c. 528 ; 2020, c. 701 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1047 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 5 / Section 46.2-1047
Muffler cutout, etc., illegal
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful to sell or offer for sale any (i) muffler without interior baffle plates or other effective muffling device or (ii) gutted muffler, muffler cutout, or straight exhaust. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate on the highways in the Commonwealth a motor vehicle, moped, or motorized skateboard or foot-scooter equipped with a gutted muffler, muffler cutout, or straight exhaust.

Code 1950, § 46-306; 1950, p. 54; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-302; 1964, c. 628; 1989, c. 727; 2006, cc. 529 , 538 ; 2013, c. 783 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.8 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.8
Special license plates for Harley-Davidson motor vehicle owners
Status: in_force

On receipt of an application therefor, the Commissioner shall issue special license plates to owners of Harley-Davidson motor vehicles.

1995, c. 747 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1308 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 13 / Section 46.2-1308
Disposition of fines in traffic cases; failure or neglect to comply with section
Status: in_force

In counties, cities, and towns whose governing bodies adopt the ordinances authorized by §§ 46.2-1300 and 46.2-1304 , all fines imposed for violations of such ordinances shall be paid into the county, city or town treasury. Fees shall be disposed of according to law.

In all cases, however, in which the arrest is made or the summons is issued by an officer of the Department of State Police or of any other division of the state government, for violation of the motor vehicle laws of the Commonwealth, the person arrested or summoned shall be charged with and tried for a violation of some provision of this title and all fines and forfeitures collected upon convictions of any person so arrested or summoned shall be credited to the Literary Fund.

Willful failure, refusal or neglect to comply with this provision shall constitute a Class 4 misdemeanor and may be grounds for removal of the guilty person from office. Charges for dereliction of the duties here imposed shall be tried by the circuit court of the jurisdiction served by the officer charged with the violation.

Code 1950, § 46-199; 1952, c. 251; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-182; 1989, c. 727; 2012, c. 408 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1222.2 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 12 / Article 3 / Section 46.2-1222.2
Local ordinances prohibiting parking of certain vehicles
Status: in_force

The governing body of any county, city, or town may by ordinance limit to no more than two hours the length of time of parking on streets, adjacent to commercial business areas, of vehicles with gross weights in excess of 12,000 pounds or lengths of 30 feet or more, unless such vehicles are actively engaged in loading or unloading operations or waiting to be loaded or unloaded or are engaged in or preparing to engage in utility or similar service work.

2007, c. 487 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-223.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 2 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-223.1
Collection and reporting of data related to driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination thereof
Status: in_force

A. The Department shall collect data related to driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination thereof, on an annual basis based on the calendar year. The Department may request data and shall be provided such data upon request from (i) every department, division, board, bureau, commission, authority, or other agency created by the Commonwealth, or to which the Commonwealth is a party, or any political subdivision thereof; (ii) any criminal justice agency as defined in § 9.1-101 ; and (iii) the clerk of each circuit court. If the statewide Circuit Court Case Management System is used by the circuit court clerk, the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court shall provide for the transfer of such data upon request of the Department.

B. The Department shall annually collect the following data based on the calendar year:

1. The number of motor vehicle and commercial motor vehicle crashes, injuries, serious injuries, and fatalities that involved alcohol, drugs, or a combination of alcohol and drugs, as maintained by the Department;

2. The number of drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians killed in motor vehicle and commercial motor vehicle crashes, including the blood alcohol content and any drugs identified in the blood of each decedent driver, as maintained by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner;

3. The number of full-time, sworn officer positions allotted to each law-enforcement agency and the number of full-time, sworn officers employed by each law-enforcement agency, as maintained by the Department of State Police;

4. The number of arrests for violations of §§ 18.2-36.1 , 18.2-51.4 , 18.2-266 , 18.2-266.1 , 18.2-268.3 , 18.2-270.1 , 18.2-272 , 46.2-341.24 , 46.2-341.26:3 , 46.2-341.29 , and 46.2-341.31 , as maintained by the Department of State Police;

5. The number of charges and convictions for violations of §§ 18.2-36.1 , 18.2-51.4 , 18.2-266 , 18.2-266.1 , 18.2-268.3 , 18.2-270.1 , 18.2-272 , 46.2-341.24 , 46.2-341.26:3 , 46.2-341.29 , and 46.2-341.31 across all district and circuit courts, as maintained by the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia or any circuit court clerk who maintains an independent case management system;

6. The number of adults sentenced to a term of incarceration for violations of §§ 18.2-36.1 , 18.2-51.4 , 18.2-266 , 18.2-266.1 , 18.2-268.3 , 18.2-270.1 , 18.2-272 , 46.2-341.24 , 46.2-341.26:3 , 46.2-341.29 , and 46.2-341.31 , including the active period of incarceration imposed and the length of time that the person was incarcerated, as maintained by the Compensation Board and the Department of Corrections;

7. The number of individuals ordered to report to the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program and the number of individuals under the supervision of such program, as maintained by the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program;

8. The number of ignition interlock devices installed on motor vehicles and the number of remote alcohol monitoring devices applied to individuals, as maintained by the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program;

9. The number of breath alcohol tests administered and the average blood alcohol concentration test results, as maintained by the Department of Forensic Science;

10. The number of driving under the influence-related blood sample submissions and any drugs or drug classes identified in such samples, as maintained by the Department of Forensic Science;

11. The total number of restrictions, suspensions, and revocations of Virginia driver's licenses and commercial driver's licenses for driving under the influence, as maintained by the Department;

12. The number of specific driving under the influence-related enforcement measures conducted by law-enforcement agencies, such as sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols, and any other relevant measures, as maintained by the Department;

13. The total amount of grant money awarded to Virginia, each law-enforcement agency, and any other entity that is not a law-enforcement agency by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as maintained by the Department; and

14. Any other data deemed relevant and reliable by the Department.

C. The Department shall submit an annual report based on the data collected pursuant to subsection B on or before October 1 to the General Assembly, the Governor, and the Virginia State Crime Commission. The report shall also be made available to the public on the website of the Department. The data set forth in subsection B shall be reported at aggregate statewide level based on the calendar year over a period of at least five years and, to the extent possible, shall also be reported at an aggregate level by locality and by law-enforcement agency over the same time period. Additionally, to the extent possible, the data shall distinguish between alcohol, drug, or alcohol and drug impaired driving. Such report may also include recommendations to improve the enforcement of driving under the influence laws or the collection of relevant data.

D. Nothing in this section shall require any (i) department, division, board, bureau, commission, authority, or other agency created by the Commonwealth, or to which the Commonwealth is a party, or any political subdivision thereof; (ii) criminal justice agency as defined in § 9.1-101 ; or (iii) clerk of circuit court to provide data to the Department if the requested data is not regularly maintained by such entity or if such data is prohibited from such disclosure under any other law or under the Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct.

2023, cc. 660 , 661 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-341.27 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 6.1 / Section 46.2-341.27
Presumptions from alcohol and drug content of blood
Status: in_force

In any prosecution for a violation of clause (ii), (iii), or (iv) of subsection A of § 46.2-341.24 , the amount of alcohol or drugs in the blood of the accused at the time of the alleged offense as indicated by a chemical analysis of a sample of the suspect's blood or breath to determine the alcohol or drug content of his blood (i) in accordance with the provisions of §§ 46.2-341.26:1 through 46.2-341.26:11 or (ii) performed by the Department of Forensic Science in accordance with the provisions of §§ 46.2-341.26:5 , 46.2-341.26:6 , and 46.2-341.26:7 on the suspect's whole blood drawn pursuant to a search warrant shall give rise to the following rebuttable presumptions:

A. If there was at that time 0.08 percent or more by weight by volume of alcohol in the accused's blood or 0.08 grams or more per 210 liters of the accused's breath, it shall be presumed that the accused was under the influence of alcoholic intoxicants.

B. If there was at that time less than 0.08 percent by weight by volume of alcohol in the accused's blood or 0.08 grams or more per 210 liters of the accused's breath, such fact shall not give rise to any presumption that the accused was or was not under the influence of alcoholic intoxicants, but such fact may be considered with other competent evidence in determining the guilt or innocence of the accused.

C. If there was at that time an amount of the following substances at a level that is equal to or greater than: (a) 0.02 milligrams of cocaine per liter of blood, (b) 0.1 milligrams of methamphetamine per liter of blood, (c) 0.01 milligrams of phencyclidine per liter of blood, or (d) 0.1 milligrams of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine per liter of blood, it shall be presumed that the accused was under the influence of drugs to a degree which impairs his ability to drive or operate any commercial motor vehicle safely.

1989, c. 705, § 46.1-372.26; 1992, c. 830; 1994, cc. 359 , 363 ; 2005, c. 616 ; 2017, c. 623 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.17 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.17
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2003, c. 295 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1601.2 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 16 / Section 46.2-1601.2
Acts of officers, directors, and partners
Status: in_force

If a licensee is a partnership or corporation, it shall be sufficient cause for the denial, suspension, or revocation of a license that any officer, director, or trustee of the partnership or corporation, or any member in the case of a partnership, has committed any act or omitted any duty which would be cause for refusing, suspending, or revoking a license issued to him as an individual under this chapter.

2014, c. 58 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-341.24 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 6.1 / Section 46.2-341.24
Driving a commercial motor vehicle while intoxicated, etc
Status: in_force

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to drive or operate any commercial motor vehicle (i) while such person has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more by weight by volume or 0.08 grams per 210 liters of breath as indicated by a chemical test administered as provided in this article; (ii) while such person is under the influence of alcohol; (iii) while such person is under the influence of any narcotic drug or any other self-administered intoxicant or drug of whatsoever nature, or any combination of such drugs, to a degree which impairs his ability to drive or operate any commercial motor vehicle safely; (iv) while such person is under the combined influence of alcohol and any drug or drugs to a degree which impairs his ability to drive or operate any commercial motor vehicle safely; or (v) while such person has a blood concentration of any of the following substances at a level that is equal to or greater than: (a) 0.02 milligrams of cocaine per liter of blood, (b) 0.1 milligrams of methamphetamine per liter of blood, (c) 0.01 milligrams of phencyclidine per liter of blood, or (d) 0.1 milligrams of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine per liter of blood.

B. It shall be unlawful and a lesser included offense of an offense under provision (i), (ii), or (iv) of subsection A of this section for a person to drive or operate a commercial motor vehicle while such person has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 percent or more by weight by volume or 0.04 grams or more per 210 liters of breath as indicated by a chemical test administered in accordance with the provisions of this article.

1989, c. 705, § 46.1-372.23; 1992, c. 830; 1994, cc. 359 , 363 ; 2005, c. 616 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.134 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.134
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2008, c. 114 , cl. 1.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-668 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 6 / Section 46.2-668
Vehicles validly registered in other states and used in conjunction with harvesting operations
Status: in_force

A. No person shall be required to obtain the registration certificate, license plates, or decals for or pay a registration fee for any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer which is validly registered in another state and bears valid license plates issued by that state when the use of the vehicle has been contracted for by the owner or lessee of a farm as an incidental part of the harvesting of a crop from his farm. This exemption shall only be valid while the vehicle is engaged principally in transporting farm produce from the farm:

1. As an incidental part of harvesting operations;

2. Along a public highway for a distance of not more than 20 miles to a storage house, packing plant, market, or transportation terminal;

3. When the use is a seasonal operation; and

4. When the owner of the vehicle has secured from the Commissioner an exemption permit for each vehicle.

B. The Commissioner, upon receipt of an application certifying that a vehicle is entitled to the exemption set forth in this subsection and, if the vehicle is a qualified highway vehicle under § 58.1-2700 , payment of $150, shall issue an exemption permit on a form prescribed by him. The exemption permit shall be carried at all times by the operator of the vehicle for which it is issued or displayed in a conspicuous place on the vehicle. The exemption permit shall be valid for a period of 90 days from date of issue and shall be renewable by the procedure set forth in the foregoing provisions of this section.

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; 2003, c. 896 ; 2011, cc. 881 , 889 ; 2016, c. 142 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2081 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 20 / Article 6 / Section 46.2-2081
Schedule required
Status: in_force

Every common carrier operating pursuant to this chapter shall file with the Department time schedules. A common carrier shall not deviate from its time schedule and can only amend such schedule in accordance with § 46.2-2082 .

2001, c. 596 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-868 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 7 / Section 46.2-868
Reckless driving; penalties
Status: in_force

A. Every person convicted of reckless driving under the provisions of this article is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

B. Every person convicted of reckless driving under the provisions of this article who, when he committed the offense, (i) was driving without a valid operator's license due to a suspension or revocation for a moving violation and, (ii) as the sole and proximate result of his reckless driving, caused the death of another, is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

C. The punishment for every person convicted of reckless driving under the provisions of this article who, when he committed the offense, was in violation of § 46.2-818.2 shall include a mandatory minimum fine of $250.

Code 1950, § 46-210; 1950, p. 691; 1952, Ex. Sess., c. 16; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-192; 1962, c. 302; 1970, c. 337; 1980, cc. 29, 221; 1989, c. 727; 2004, c. 349 ; 2013, cc. 752 , 790 ; 2020, cc. 250 , 543 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2143.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 21 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-2143.1
Insurance requirement for motor carriers
Status: in_force

A. All motor carriers shall keep in force at all times insurance, a bond, or bonds in an amount required by this section. However, motor carriers exempt under subdivision 6 of § 46.2-2101 shall only be required to keep in force insurance, a bond, or bonds in the amount required by this section that provide primary coverage (i) when the motor carrier or person acting on behalf of the motor carrier is available to transport property for compensation and (ii) from the time the motor carrier or a person acting for or on behalf of the motor carrier accepts the request to transport property and the vehicle is en route to pick up the property until the time the property has been removed from the vehicle and delivered to its final destination.

B. The minimum public liability financial responsibility requirements for motor carriers operating in intrastate commerce shall be based on the gross vehicle weight rating of the vehicle as follows: for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating in excess of 10,000 pounds, the minimum requirement is $750,000; for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating in excess of 7,500 pounds but not in excess of 10,000 pounds, the minimum requirement is $300,000; and for passenger cars, motorcycles, autocycles, and vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 7,500 pounds or less, the minimum requirement for clause (i) of subsection A is the financial responsibility requirements set forth in § 46.2-472 and for clause (ii) of subsection A is $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident for death and bodily injury and at least $50,000 for property damage. The minimum insurance for motor carriers operating in interstate commerce shall equal the minimum required by federal law, rule, or regulation.

C. Notwithstanding subsection B, the minimum public financial responsibility requirements for household goods carriers required to obtain a certificate of fitness pursuant to this chapter shall be $750,000.

D. The minimum cargo insurance required for motor carriers operating in intrastate commerce shall be $50,000. Motor carriers not engaged in the transportation of household goods and those solely operating passenger cars, motorcycles, autocycles, and vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 7,500 pounds or less shall not be required to file any cargo insurance, bond, or bonds for cargo liability.

2012, c. 638 ; 2017, cc. 790 , 815 ; 2023, c. 242 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2099.19 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 20 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-2099.19
Broker's license not substitute for other certificates or permits required
Status: in_force

No person who holds a TNC broker's license or broker's license under this article shall engage in transportation subject to this chapter unless he holds a certificate or permit as provided in this chapter. In the execution of any contract, agreement, or arrangement to sell, provide, procure, furnish, or arrange for such transportation, it shall be unlawful for a broker to employ any carrier by motor vehicle who is not the lawful holder of an effective certificate or permit issued as provided in this chapter or when such certificate or permit does not authorize the carrier to perform the service being acquired.

A person holding a broker's license shall obtain and maintain a copy of the certificate of public convenience and necessity issued to those carriers through which the broker arranges transportation services. A person holding a TNC broker's license shall obtain and maintain a copy of the credential issued by the transportation network company pursuant to subsection H of § 46.2-2099.48 to those TNC partners through which the broker arranges transportation services.

A person holding a TNC broker's license shall, for each TNC partner for whom it arranges transportation, either:

1. Verify that a TNC partner meets all requirements set forth in §§ 46.2-2099.49 and 46.2-2099.50 and obtain all documentation that a transportation network company is required to obtain pursuant to those sections; or

2. Obtain a certification from the transportation network company that authorized the TNC partner that the TNC partner has satisfied all requirements set forth in §§ 46.2-2099.49 and 46.2-2099.50 .

2001, c. 596 ; 2013, cc. 165 , 582 ; 2017, c. 635 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-720 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 9 / Section 46.2-720
Use of license plates from another vehicle in certain circumstances
Status: in_force

The owner of a motor vehicle to which license plates have been assigned by the Department may remove the license plates from the motor vehicle and use them on another motor vehicle owned by a person operating a garage or owned by a motor vehicle dealer provided such use does not extend for more than 30 days and provided the use is limited to the time during which the first motor vehicle is being repaired or while the second motor vehicle is loaned to him for demonstration, as provided by § 46.2-719 .

For the purposes of this section, the term "motor vehicle" does not include a "moped" as defined in § 46.2-100 .

1960, c. 457, § 46.1-110.1; 1989, c. 727; 2013, c. 783 ; 2026, c. 499 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2099.51 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 20 / Article 15 / Section 46.2-2099.51
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2023, cc. 321 and 322 , cl. 2, effective July 1, 2023.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1707 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 17 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-1707
Unlawful acts; prosecution; proceedings in equity
Status: in_force

A. It is unlawful for any person to engage in any of the following acts:

1. Practicing as a driver training school or as an instructor without holding a valid license as required by statute or regulation;

2. Making use of any designation provided by statute or regulation to denote a standard of professional or occupational competence without being duly certified or licensed;

3. Performing any act or function that is restricted by statute or regulation to persons holding a driver training school or instructor license or certification without being duly certified or licensed;

4. Materially misrepresenting facts in an application for licensure, certification, or registration, including applications pursuant to § 46.2-1701 ;

5. Willfully refusing to furnish the Department information or records required or requested pursuant to statute or regulation; or

6. Violating any statute or regulation governing the practice of any driver training school or instructor regulated pursuant to this chapter.

Any person who willfully engages in any unlawful act enumerated in this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, the third or any subsequent conviction for violating this section during a 36-month period shall constitute a Class 6 felony.

B. In addition to the provisions of subsection A, the Department may institute proceedings in equity to enjoin any person from engaging in any unlawful act enumerated in this section. Such proceedings shall be brought in the name of the Commonwealth in the circuit court of the city or county in which the unlawful act occurred or in which the defendant resides.

1991, c. 214; 2004, c. 587 ; 2025, c. 79 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-382.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 11 / Section 46.2-382.1
Courts to make findings relating to commercial motor vehicles
Status: in_force

For the purpose of enforcing the Virginia Commercial Driver's License Act (§ 46.2-341.1 et seq.), in any case in which a person is charged with a violation of any law of the Commonwealth or of any ordinance of any county, city or town pertaining to the operator or operation of a motor vehicle, except parking violations, and the warrant or summons indicates that the motor vehicle so operated was a commercial motor vehicle as defined in the Virginia Commercial Driver's License Act, or that it was a commercial motor vehicle carrying hazardous materials as defined by the Virginia Commercial Driver's License Act, the court hearing such case shall make a finding, which shall be noted on the record, as to whether such vehicle was in fact a commercial motor vehicle and, if applicable, whether such vehicle was carrying hazardous materials.

If the offense charged is one in which operation of a commercial motor vehicle is an element of the offense, the conviction of the offense shall constitute the court's finding that the vehicle was a commercial motor vehicle, but a separate finding shall be made as to whether such vehicle was carrying hazardous materials, if applicable. If the offense charged is one in which operation of a commercial motor vehicle is not an element of the offense, then the court, after convicting the person charged, shall make a separate finding as to whether the vehicle was a commercial motor vehicle and, if applicable, whether it was carrying hazardous materials. The separate findings required by this section shall be noted on the conviction record, and the following procedures shall apply to such separate findings:

1. If the person charged prepays fines and costs pursuant to § 19.2-254.1 , he shall be deemed to have admitted that such motor vehicle was a commercial motor vehicle and, if applicable, that it carried hazardous materials at the time of the violation, as indicated on the warrant or summons, and such admission or admissions shall be noted on the conviction record as the court's finding.

2. In all other cases, the Commonwealth shall have the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that the vehicle was a commercial motor vehicle and, if applicable, that it carried hazardous materials.

1989, c. 705, § 46.1-412.1.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1307 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 13 / Section 46.2-1307
Designation of private roads as highways for law-enforcement purposes
Status: in_force

The governing body of any county, city, or town may adopt ordinances designating the private roads, within any residential development containing 100 or more lots or residential dwelling units, 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.

1979, c. 100, § 46.1-181.5; 1987, c. 152; 1989, c. 727; 2007, cc. 74 , 187 , 310 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2103 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-2103
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2001, c. 596 , cl. 2, effective July 1, 2002.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1067 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 9 / Section 46.2-1067
Within what distances brakes should stop vehicle
Status: in_force

On a dry, hard, approximately level stretch of highway free from loose material, the service braking system shall be capable of stopping a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles at all times and under all conditions of loading at a speed of 20 miles per hour within the following distances:

1. Passenger motor vehicles, except buses and antique vehicles, 25 feet.

2. Buses, trucks, and tractor trucks, 40 feet.

3. Motor vehicles registered or qualified to be registered as antique vehicles, when equipped with two-wheel brakes, 45 feet; four-wheel brakes, 25 feet.

4. All combinations of vehicles, 40 feet.

5. Motorcycles or autocycles, 30 feet.

Code 1950, § 46-284; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-278; 1968, c. 164; 1970, c. 28; 1972, c. 3; 1989, c. 727; 2014, cc. 53 , 256 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-941 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 17 / Section 46.2-941
Conditions precedent to issuance of summons for violation of parking ordinance; notice
Status: in_force

Before any summons shall be issued for the prosecution of a violation of an ordinance of any county, city, or town regulating parking, the violator shall have been first notified by mail at his last known address or at the address shown for such violator on the records of the Department of Motor Vehicles, that he may pay the fine provided by law for such violation, within five days of receipt of such notice, and the authorized person issuing such summons shall be notified that the violator has failed to pay such fine within such time. The notice to the violator, required by the provisions of this section, shall be contained in an envelope bearing the words "Law-Enforcement Notice" stamped or printed on the face thereof in all capital letters, bold face type, no smaller than the print type size used for the primary address on the envelope. If "window" envelopes are used, the words "Law-Enforcement Notice" shall be clearly visible through the window of the envelope.

1968, c. 388, § 46.1-179.01; 1970, c. 510; 1978, c. 194; 1983, c. 329; 1989, c. 727; 1999, cc. 291 , 323 ; 2002, c. 102 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1229 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 12 / Article 3 / Section 46.2-1229
Enforcement of parking regulations of State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
Status: in_force

Any regulations of the State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services pursuant to the provisions of § 37.2-203 relating to parking on property owned or controlled by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services shall provide:

1. That uncontested citations issued thereunder shall be paid to the administrative official or officials appointed under the provisions of this section in the locality in which the part of the state facility lies, who shall promptly deposit the sums into the state treasury as a special revenue of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; and

2. That contested or delinquent citations shall be certified or complaint, summons, or warrant shall be issued as provided in § 46.2-1225 to the general district court in whose jurisdiction the state facility lies. Any sum collected by the court, minus court costs, shall be promptly deposited by the clerk into the state treasury as a special revenue of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

1974, c. 403, § 46.1-254.1; 1975, c. 440; 1977, c. 671; 1980, c. 355; 1989, c. 727; 2009, cc. 813 , 840 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2011.27 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 20 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-2011.27
Basis for reinstatement of suspended licenses, permits, or certificates; reinstatement fees
Status: in_force

A. The Department shall reinstate any license, permit, or certificate suspended pursuant to this chapter provided the grounds upon which the suspension action was taken have been satisfied and the appropriate reinstatement fee and other applicable fees have been paid to the Department.

B. The reinstatement fee for suspensions issued pursuant to this chapter shall be fifty dollars. In the event multiple credentials have been suspended under this chapter for the same violation, only one reinstatement fee shall be applicable.

C. In addition to a reinstatement fee, a fee of $500 shall be paid for failure of a motor carrier to keep in force at all times insurance, a bond or bonds, in an amount required by this chapter. Any motor carrier who applies for a new license, permit, or certificate because his prior license, permit, or certificate was revoked for failure to keep in force at all times insurance, a bond or bonds, in an amount required by this chapter, shall also be subject to a fee of $500.

2001, c. 596 ; 2011, cc. 881 , 889 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1168 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 21 / Section 46.2-1168
Additional registration fee
Status: in_force

In addition to any other fees imposed, at the time of registration the owner of every motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer required to be registered in this Commonwealth shall pay to the Department of Motor Vehicles one dollar and fifty cents per year of registration or, in the case of trailers and semitrailers, such other fee as is provided in § 46.2-694.1 , to be paid into the state treasury and set aside for the payment of the administrative costs of the official motor vehicle safety inspection program as appropriated by the General Assembly.

1985, c. 450, § 46.1-321.2; 1988, c. 704; 1989, c. 727; 1990, cc. 418, 496; 1992, c. 597; 1997, c. 283 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-486 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 18 / Section 46.2-486
Governor to be "executive head" within meaning of compact
Status: in_force

As used in the compact, with reference to the Commonwealth, the term "executive head" shall mean the Governor.

1968, c. 166, § 46.1-167.11; 1989, c. 727 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2094 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 20 / Article 6 / Section 46.2-2094
No transportation except when rates have been filed and published
Status: in_force

No common carrier regulated pursuant to this article, unless otherwise provided by this chapter, shall engage in the transportation of passengers unless the rates, fares, and charges upon which the same are transported by such carrier have been filed and published in accordance with the provisions of this article.

2001, c. 596 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-893 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-893
Stopping on highways to discharge cargo or passengers; school buses
Status: in_force

No truck or bus, except a school bus, shall be stopped wholly or partially on the traveled portion of any highway outside of cities and towns for the purpose of taking on or discharging cargo or passengers unless the operator cannot leave the traveled portion of the highway with safety. A school bus may be stopped on the traveled portion of the highway when taking on or discharging school children, but these stops shall be made only at points where the bus can be clearly seen for a safe distance from both directions.

Code 1950, § 46-257; 1950, p. 941; 1956, c. 505; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-250; 1960, c. 256; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1022 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 3 / Section 46.2-1022
Flashing or steady-burning blue or red, flashing red and blue or blue and white, or red, white, and blue warning lights
Status: in_force

Certain Department of Military Affairs vehicles and certain Virginia National Guard vehicles designated by the Adjutant General, when used in state active duty to perform particular law-enforcement functions, Department of Corrections vehicles designated by the Director of the Department of Corrections, and law-enforcement vehicles may be equipped with flashing, blinking, or alternating blue, blue and red, blue and white, or red, white, and blue combination warning lights of types approved by the Superintendent. Such warning lights may be of types constructed within turn signal housings or motorcycle headlight housings, subject to approval by the Superintendent.

Law-enforcement vehicles may also be equipped with steady-burning blue or red warning lights of types approved by the Superintendent.

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; 1992, c. 96; 1996, cc. 141 , 347 ; 2004, c. 323 ; 2008, c. 181 ; 2018, c. 651 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1028.2 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 3 / Section 46.2-1028.2
Auxiliary lights on public utility vehicles
Status: in_force

Any electrical service utility vehicle owned and operated by a public utility, as defined in § 56-265.1 , and having a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 15,000 pounds may be equipped with clear auxiliary lights that shall be mounted on the lower portion of the vehicle and aimed downward for the exclusive use of ground lighting. Such lights shall be of a type approved by the Superintendent and shall not be used in a manner that may blind or interfere with the vision of the drivers of approaching vehicles. In no event shall such lights be lighted while the vehicle is in motion.

2015, c. 341 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1223 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 12 / Article 3 / Section 46.2-1223
Authority of Commissioner to regulate parking on certain parts of primary state highway system
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in this article, the Commissioner of Highways may, by regulation, regulate parking on any part of the primary and secondary systems of state highways.

1970, c. 257, § 46.1-252.2; 1989, c. 727.