Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-105.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 1 / Section 46.2-105.1
Unlawful procurement of certificate, license, or permit; unauthorized possession of examination or answers; unlawful distribution of false operator's license; penalty
Status: in_force

A. It shall be unlawful:

1. For any person to procure, or assist another to procure, through theft, fraud, or other illegal means, a certificate, license, or permit, from the Department;

2. For any person, other than an authorized agent of the Department, to procure or have in his possession or furnish to another person, prior to the beginning of an examination, any question intended to be used by the Department in conducting an examination;

3. For any person to receive or furnish to any person taking an examination, prior to or during an examination, any written or printed material purporting to be answers to questions intended to be used by the Department in conducting an examination;

4. For any person to communicate by any means to any person taking an examination, during an examination, any information purporting to be answers to questions intended to be used by the Department in conducting an examination;

5. For any person to attempt to procure, through theft, fraud or other illegal means, any questions intended to be used by the Department in conducting an examination, or the answers to the questions; or

6. To promise or offer any valuable or other consideration to a person having access to the questions or answers as an inducement to procure for delivery to the promisor, or any other person, a copy or copies of any questions or answers.

B. If an examination is divided into separate parts, each of the parts shall be deemed an examination for the purposes of this section.

C. Any violation of any provision of subsection A of this section shall be punishable as a Class 2 misdemeanor.

D. Any person or entity other than the Department that sells, gives, or distributes, or attempts to sell, give or distribute any document purporting to be a license to operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

E. Nothing in this section or in any regulations of the Department shall be construed to prohibit (i) the possession, use, or provision of the Department's driver license examination questions by or to any person for the purpose of administering a knowledge examination or (ii) the Department from making sample examination questions available to the public or the public from possessing sample examination questions.

1990, c. 964; 2006, c. 871 ; 2015, c. 464 ; 2022, c. 139 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2166 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 21 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-2166
Minimum weight shipments, notice
Status: in_force

No carrier shall accept an order for a shipment for transportation that appears to be subject to the minimum weight provisions of the carrier's tariff without first having advised the shipper of such minimum weight provisions.

2001, c. 596 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1036 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 3 / Section 46.2-1036
Acetylene lights on antique motor vehicles
Status: in_force

Antique motor vehicles as defined in § 46.2-100 may be equipped with acetylene headlights, taillights, and lights to illuminate their rear license plates as provided in regulations promulgated by the Superintendent.

Code 1950, § 46-280; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-274; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.2:3 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.2:3
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2000, c. 75 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-921.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 15 / Section 46.2-921.1
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2019, c. 850 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-341.14:9 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 6.1 / Section 46.2-341.14:9
The skills test certificate; validity of results
Status: in_force

A. The Department will accept a skills test certificate issued in accordance with this section as satisfaction of the skills test component of the commercial driver's license examination.

B. Skills test certificates may be issued only to drivers who have passed the skills test conducted in accordance with this chapter and the instructions issued by the Department.

C. A skills test certificate will be accepted by the Department only if it is:

1. Issued by a third party tester certified by the Department in accordance with this article;

2. In a format prescribed by the Department, completed in its entirety, without alteration; and

3. Signed by the third party examiner who conducted the skills test.

D. The results of the skills test shall be valid for six months following the completion of the test.

2013, cc. 165 , 582 ; 2016, c. 429 ; 2022, cc. 60 , 139 , 292 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2124 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-2124
Notice of discontinuance of service
Status: in_force

Every motor carrier who ceases operation or abandons his rights under a permit or certificate of fitness issued shall notify the Department within 30 days of such cessation or abandonment.

2001, c. 596 ; 2011, cc. 881 , 889 ; 2017, cc. 790 , 815 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-631.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-631.1
Electronic sales by dealers; titling
Status: in_force

A licensed motor vehicle dealer that participates in an online program as set forth in subsection C of § 46.2-216.1 may choose to sell a motor vehicle electronically by obtaining a title in the dealer's name for resale. The dealer shall disclose the odometer reading to the purchaser using a secure power of attorney prescribed by 49 C.F.R. Part 580 and in a form approved by the Department. The dealer shall provide all documentation or information required by the Department to process the dealer's application for a title in the dealer's name for resale, including a manufacturer's certificate of origin or certificate of ownership and any information required by the Department in accordance with § 46.2-623 . The dealer shall submit such documentation or information in a form prescribed by the Department within 30 days of the dealer's application for the title in the dealer's name for resale. Failure to timely submit such documentation or information may result in the dealer's suspension from the online program set forth in subsection C of § 46.2-216.1 .

2024, c. 418 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-463 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 15 / Section 46.2-463
Penalty for forging evidence of financial responsibility
Status: in_force

Any person who forges or without authority signs any evidence of ability to respond in damages or knowingly attempts to employ or use any evidence of ability to respond in damages, as required by the Commissioner in the administration of this chapter shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 46-485; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-496; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-827 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-827
Right-of-way of United States forces, troops, National Guard, etc
Status: in_force

United States forces or troops, or any portion of the Virginia National Guard, parading or performing any duty according to law, or any civil defense personnel performing any duty according to law, shall have the right-of-way in any highway through which they may pass. Such passage, however, shall not interfere with the carrying of the United States mails and the legitimate functions of police and fire fighters or with the passage of emergency vehicles as defined in § 46.2-920 .

Code 1950, § 44-101 ; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-224; 1989, c. 727; 2015, c. 221 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-653 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-653
Temporary registration or permit for transportation of manufactured homes exceeding the size permitted by law
Status: in_force

The Commissioner may grant a temporary registration or permit for the transportation of manufactured homes, which exceed the size permitted by law, on the highways in the Commonwealth from one point to another within the Commonwealth, or from the Commonwealth to a point or points outside the Commonwealth, or from outside the Commonwealth to a point or points within the Commonwealth. Such temporary registration or permit shall show the registration or permit number, the date of issue, the date of expiration, and the route to be traveled or other restrictions and shall be displayed in a prominent place on the vehicle. The owner of every manufactured home of this sort purchased in the Commonwealth for use within the Commonwealth or brought into the Commonwealth for use within the Commonwealth shall apply within 30 days to the Department for title in the name of the owner. This requirement shall not apply to inventory held by licensed Virginia dealers for the purpose of resale.

The authorities in cities and towns regulating the movement of traffic may prescribe the route or routes over which these manufactured homes may be transported, and no manufactured home of this sort shall be transported through any city or town except along a prescribed route or routes.

For each temporary single-trip registration or permit issued hereunder, the applicant shall pay a fee of $1, in addition to any administrative fee required by the Department. In lieu of a single-trip permit, an annual multi-trip permit may be issued for a fee of $40, in addition to any administrative fee required by the Department.

No permit, as provided in this section, shall be issued covering any manufactured home that is subject to a license plate.

Code 1950, § 46-44.1; 1956, c. 85; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-44; 1973, c. 207; 1977, c. 587; 1989, c. 727; 1997, c. 283 ; 1999, c. 77 ; 2003, c. 314 ; 2006, c. 202 ; 2008, c. 178 ; 2014, c. 624 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1556 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 5 / Section 46.2-1556
Operation under foreign dealer's license
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful, except as provided for by reciprocal agreement, for any person to operate a motor vehicle or for the owner thereof to permit a motor vehicle to be operated in the Commonwealth on a foreign dealer's license, unless the operation of the motor vehicle on the license is specifically authorized by the Commissioner.

1988, c. 865, § 46.1-550.5:14; 1989, c. 727; 1995, cc. 767 , 816 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-864 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 7 / Section 46.2-864
Reckless driving on parking lots, etc
Status: in_force

A person is guilty of reckless driving who operates any motor vehicle at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person:

1. On any driveway or premises of a church, school, recreational facility, or business or governmental property open to the public; or

2. On the premises of any industrial establishment providing parking space for customers, patrons, or employees; or

3. On any highway under construction or not yet open to the public.

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; 2011, c. 280 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2800 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 28 / Section 46.2-2800
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2012, cc. 803 and 835 , cl. 107, effective January 1, 2013.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-341.16 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 6.1 / Section 46.2-341.16
Vehicle classifications, restrictions, and endorsements
Status: in_force

A. A commercial driver's license or commercial learner's permit shall authorize the licensee or permit holder to operate only the classes and types of commercial motor vehicles designated thereon. The classes of commercial motor vehicles for which such license may be issued are:

1. Class A-Combination heavy vehicle. -- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the gross vehicle weight rating of the vehicles being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds;

2. Class B-Heavy straight vehicle or other combination. -- Any single motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating that is not in excess of 10,000 pounds; and

3. Class C-Small vehicle. -- Any vehicle that does not fit the definition of a Class A or Class B vehicle and is either (i) designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver or (ii) is used in the transportation of hazardous materials.

B. Commercial driver's licenses shall be issued with endorsements authorizing the driver to operate the types of vehicles identified as follows:

1. Type T-Vehicles with double or triple trailers;

2. Type P-Vehicles carrying passengers;

3. Type N-Vehicles with cargo tanks;

4. Type H-Vehicles required to be placarded for hazardous materials;

5. Type S-School buses carrying 16 or more passengers, including the driver;

6. Type X-combination of tank vehicle and hazardous materials endorsements for commercial driver's licenses issued on or after July 1, 2014; and

7. At the discretion of the Department, any additional codes for groupings of endorsements with an explanation of such code appearing on the front or back of the license.

C. Commercial driver's licenses shall be issued with restrictions limiting the driver to the types of vehicles identified as follows:

1. L for no air brake equipped commercial motor vehicles for licenses issued on or after July 1, 2014. An applicant is restricted from operating a commercial motor vehicle with any type of air brake if he does not take or fails the air brake component of the knowledge test or performs the skills test in a vehicle not equipped with air brakes;

2. Z for no full air brake equipped commercial motor vehicles. If an applicant performs the skills test in a vehicle equipped with air over hydraulic brakes, the applicant is restricted from operating a commercial motor vehicle equipped with any braking system operating fully on the air brake principle;

3. E for no manual transmission equipped commercial motor vehicles for commercial driver's licenses issued on or after July 1, 2014;

4. O for no tractor-trailer commercial motor vehicles;

5. M for no class A passenger vehicles;

6. N for no class A and B passenger vehicles;

7. K for vehicles not equipped with air brakes for commercial driver's licenses issued before July 1, 2014. An applicant is restricted from operating a commercial motor vehicle with any type of air brakes if he does not take or fails the air brake component of the knowledge test or performs the skills test in a vehicle not equipped with air brakes;

8. K for intrastate only for commercial driver's licenses issued on or after July 1, 2014;

9. V for medical variance; and

10. At the discretion of the Department, any additional codes for groupings of restrictions with an explanation of such code appearing on the front or back of the license.

D. Commercial learner's permits shall be issued with endorsements authorizing the driver to operate the types of vehicles identified as follows:

1. Type P-Vehicles carrying passengers as provided in § 46.2-341.10 ;

2. Type N-Vehicles with cargo tanks as provided in § 46.2-341.10 ; and

3. Type S-School buses carrying 16 or more passengers, including the driver as provided in § 46.2-341.10 .

E. Commercial learner's permits shall be issued with restrictions limiting the driver to the types of vehicles identified as follows:

1. P for no passengers in commercial motor vehicles bus;

2. X for no cargo in commercial motor vehicles tank vehicle;

3. L for no air brake equipped commercial motor vehicles for commercial learner's permits issued on or after July 1, 2014. An applicant is restricted from operating a commercial motor vehicle with any type of air brake if he does not take or fails the air brake component of the knowledge test;

4. M for no class A passenger vehicles;

5. N for no class A and B passenger vehicles;

6. K for vehicles not equipped with air brakes for commercial learner's permits issued before July 1, 2014. An applicant is restricted from operating a commercial motor vehicle with any type of air brake if he does not take or fails the air brake component of the knowledge test;

7. K for intrastate only for commercial learner's permits issued on or after July 1, 2014;

8. V for medical variance; and

9. Any additional jurisdictional restrictions that apply to the commercial learner's permit.

F. Persons authorized to drive Class A vehicles are also authorized to drive Classes B and C vehicles, provided such persons possess the requisite endorsements for the type of vehicle driven.

G. Persons authorized to drive Class B vehicles are also authorized to drive Class C vehicles, provided such persons possess the requisite endorsements for the type of vehicle driven.

H. Any licensee who seeks to add a classification or endorsement to his commercial driver's license must submit the application forms, certifications and other updated information required by the Department and shall take and successfully complete the tests required for such classification or endorsement.

I. If any endorsement to a commercial driver's license is canceled by the Department and the licensee does not appear in person at the Department to have such endorsement removed from the license, then the Department may cancel the commercial driver's license of the licensee.

1989, c. 705, § 46.1-372.15:1; 1990, c. 218; 2006, c. 226 ; 2012, cc. 22 , 111 ; 2013, cc. 165 , 582 ; 2014, cc. 77 , 803 ; 2015, c. 258 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2162 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 21 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-2162
Carrier liability
Status: in_force

A. No delivery acknowledgement on any shipping document to be signed by the consignee at time of delivery shall contain any language that purports to release or discharge the carrier or its agents from liability, other than a statement that the property has been received in apparent good condition except as noted on the shipping documents.

B. Household goods carriers shall not assume any liability in excess of that for which they are legally liable under their lawful bills of lading and published tariffs.

C. Household goods carriers shall not advertise or represent to the public that "all loads are insured" or other similar wording, unless such carrier has filed tariffs with the Department, assuming complete liability, and has filed evidence of insurance with the Department providing protection covering all shipments to their full value without limitation and insuring against every peril to which any shipment may be exposed.

D. Shipper or his representative will acknowledge that the property has been received in apparent good condition except as noted on the shipping documents at time of delivery.

2001, c. 596 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1550 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 5 / Section 46.2-1550
Use of dealer's and manufacturer's license plates, generally
Status: in_force

A. Dealer's license plates may be used on vehicles in the inventory of licensed motor vehicle manufacturers, distributors, and dealers in the Commonwealth when operated on the highways of Virginia by dealers or dealer-operators, their spouses, or employees of manufacturers, distributors, and dealers as permitted in this article, which shall include business, personal, and family purposes. Except as otherwise explicitly permitted in this article, it shall be unlawful for any dealer to cause or permit: (i) use of dealer's license plates on vehicles other than those held in inventory for sale or resale; (ii) dealer's license plates to be lent, leased, rented, or placed at the disposal of any persons other than those permitted by this article to use dealer's license plates; and (iii) use of dealer's license plates on any vehicle of a type for which their use is not authorized by this article. Manufacturer's license plates may be used on company vehicles as defined in § 46.2-602.2 operated on the highways of Virginia as provided in § 46.2-602.2 and as permitted by this article. It shall be unlawful for any dealer to cause or permit dealer's license plates to be used on:

1. Motor vehicles such as tow trucks, wrecking cranes, or other service motor vehicles;

2. Vehicles used to deliver or transport (i) other vehicles; (ii) portions of vehicles; or (iii) fuel, except when such delivery or transport consists of five gallons or less in a safety-approved or U.S. Department of Transportation-approved container;

3. Courtesy vehicles; or

4. Vehicles used in conjunction with any other business.

B. A dealer may permit his license plates to be used in the operation of a motor vehicle:

1. By any person whom the dealer reasonably believes to be a bona fide prospective purchaser who is either accompanied by a licensed salesperson or has the written permission of the dealer;

2. When the plates are being used by a customer on a vehicle owned by the dealer in whose repair shop the customer's vehicle is being repaired; or

3. By a person authorized by the dealer on a vehicle that is being driven to or from (i) a point of sale, (ii) an auction, (iii) a repair facility for the purpose of mechanical repairs, painting, or installation of parts or accessories, (iv) a dealer exchange, or (v) an automotive retail or supply store or retail facility selling automotive supplies or parts.

The dealer shall issue to the prospective purchaser, customer whose vehicle is being repaired, or other person authorized under subdivision 3 of this subsection, a certificate on forms provided by the Department, a copy of which shall be retained by the dealer and open at all times to the inspection of the Commissioner or any of the officers or agents of the Department. The certificate shall be in the immediate possession of the person operating or authorized to operate the vehicle. The certificate shall entitle a person to operate with dealer's license plates under (i) subdivision 1 or 2 of this subsection for a specific period of no more than five days or (ii) subdivision 3 of this subsection for no more than twenty-four hours. No more than two certificates may be issued by a dealer to the same person under subdivision 1 or 2 of this subsection for successive periods.

1988, c. 865, § 46.1-550.5:8; 1989, c. 727; 1991, c. 712; 1993, c. 504; 1995, cc. 767 , 816 ; 1998, c. 827 ; 2008, cc. 304 , 753 ; 2026, c. 186 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1083 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-1083
Rear fenders, flaps, or guards required for certain motor vehicles
Status: in_force

No person shall operate on a highway any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles having a licensed gross weight in excess of 40,000 pounds unless the motor vehicle or combination of vehicles is equipped with rear fenders, flaps, or guards of sufficient size to substantially prevent the projection of rocks, dirt, water, or other substances to the rear. Vehicles used exclusively for hauling logs and tractor trucks shall be exempt from the provisions of this section.

Code 1950, § 46-294.1; 1954, c. 403; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-290; 1960, c. 120; 1981, c. 304; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-722 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 9 / Section 46.2-722
Altered or forged license plates or decals; use as evidence of knowledge
Status: in_force

Any person who, with fraudulent intent, alters any license plate or decal issued by the Department or by any other state, forges or counterfeits any license plate or decal purporting to have been issued by the Department under the provisions of this title or by any other state under a similar law or who, with fraudulent intent, alters, falsifies, or forges any assignment thereof, or who holds or uses any license plate or decal knowing it to have been altered, forged, or falsified, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

The owner of a vehicle who operates it while it displays altered or forged license plates or decals shall be presumed to have knowledge of the alteration or forgery.

Code 1950, § 46-12; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-112; 1972, c. 609; 1982, c. 247; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-602 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-602
Titling and registration of foreign market vehicles
Status: in_force

A. The Department shall not issue a permanent certificate of title or registration for a foreign market vehicle until the applicant submits proof that the vehicle complies with federal safety requirements.

B. The Department shall accept as proof that a foreign market vehicle complies with federal safety requirements documents from either the United States Department of Transportation or the United States Customs Service stating that the vehicle conforms or has been brought into conformity with federal safety requirements.

C. The certificate of title of any foreign market vehicle titled under this section shall contain an appropriate notation that the owner has submitted proof that it complies with federal safety requirements.

D. Any foreign market vehicle previously titled in the Commonwealth shall be titled and registered without further proof of compliance with federal safety requirements. If, however, proof of compliance is not submitted to the Department, the certificate of title shall contain an appropriate notation that the owner of the foreign market vehicle has not submitted proof that the vehicle complies with federal safety requirements.

E. No foreign market vehicle manufactured 25 or more years ago shall be subject to this section.

F. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, the Department shall issue a nonnegotiable title for a foreign market vehicle on submission of a complete application for a title including all necessary documents of ownership. A negotiable title will be issued on proof of compliance as provided in subsection A or for foreign market vehicles manufactured 25 or more years ago. The Department shall show on the face of any title issued under this section any negotiable security interests in the motor vehicle as provided in §§ 46.2-636 through 46.2-643 .

G. The Department shall not transfer the title to a foreign market vehicle if ownership of the vehicle is evidenced by a nonnegotiable title, unless the nonnegotiable title owner is deceased. If the nonnegotiable title owner is deceased, a new, nonnegotiable title may be issued to the legatee or distributee in accordance with §§ 46.2-633 and 46.2-634 .

H. A nonnegotiable title may be issued for the purpose of recording a lien. A negotiable certificate of title shall be issued on proof of compliance with all regulations prescribed in this section.

I. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, the Department shall issue, on application, a temporary, nonrenewable 180-day registration to a foreign market vehicle upon:

1. Proof that the vehicle has been brought into compliance with all federal safety requirements and that the applicant is merely waiting for documentary releases from the Federal Department of Transportation;

2. Proof of satisfactory passage of a Virginia safety inspection; and

3. Submission of a complete application for a title, including all necessary documents of ownership.

J. The Department shall withhold delivery of the certificate of title during the 180-day period of conditional registration and shall not issue the permanent title until the requirements of subsection A of this section have been met.

K. Upon application, the Department shall issue a temporary one-trip permit for the purpose of transporting a foreign market vehicle from the port of entry to the applicant's home or to a conversion facility. The one-trip permit shall be issued in accordance with § 46.2-651 .

1986, c. 613, § 46.1-41.2; 1989, c. 727; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 137 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1532 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-1532
Odometer disclosure; penalty
Status: in_force

Every motor vehicle dealer shall comply with all requirements of the Federal Odometer Act and § 46.2-629 by completing the appropriate odometer mileage statement form for each vehicle purchased, sold or transferred, or in any other way acquired or disposed of. Odometer disclosure statements shall be maintained by the dealer in a manner that permits systematic retrieval. Any person found guilty of violating any of the provisions of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

The provisions of this section shall not apply to trailers, travel trailers, all-terrain vehicles, or off-road motorcycles.

1988, c. 865, § 46.1-547.7; 1989, c. 727; 1995, cc. 767 , 816 ; 2015, c. 615 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1206 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 12 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-1206
Surrender of certificate of title, etc., where motor vehicle acquired for demolition; records to be kept by demolisher or scrap metal processor
Status: in_force

No demolisher or scrap metal processor who purchases or otherwise acquires a motor vehicle for wrecking, dismantling, or demolition shall be required to obtain a certificate of title for the motor vehicle in his own name. After the motor vehicle has been demolished, processed, or changed so that it physically is no longer a motor vehicle, the demolisher or scrap metal processor shall surrender to the Department for cancellation the certificate of title, Vehicle Removal Certificate, properly executed vehicle disposition history, or sales receipt from a foreign jurisdiction for the vehicle. The Department shall issue the appropriate forms for the surrender of sales receipts, certificates of title, vehicle disposition histories, and vehicle removal certificates.

Demolishers and scrap metal processors shall keep accurate and complete records, in accordance with § 46.2-1608 , of all motor vehicles purchased or received by them in the course of their business. Demolishers and scrap metal processors shall also collect and verify:

1. The towing company's name;

2. One of the ownership or possession documents set out in this section following verification of its accuracy;

3. The driver's license of the person delivering the motor vehicle; and

4. The license plate number of the vehicle that delivered the motor vehicle or scrap.

In addition, a photocopy or electronic copy of the appropriate ownership document or a Vehicle Removal Certificate presented by the customer shall be maintained. Ownership documents shall consist of either a motor vehicle title or a sales receipt from a foreign jurisdiction or a vehicle disposition history. These records shall be maintained in a permanent ledger in a manner acceptable to the Department at the place of business or at another readily accessible and secure location within the Commonwealth for at least five years. The personal identifying information contained within these records shall be protected from unauthorized disclosure through the ultimate destruction of the information. Disclosure of personal identifying information by anyone other than the Department is subject to the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 2721 et seq.).

If requested by a law-enforcement officer, a licensee shall make available, during regular business hours, a report of all the purchases of motor vehicles. Each report shall include the information set out in this chapter and be available electronically or in an agreed-upon format. Any person who violates any provision of this chapter or who falsifies any of the information required to be maintained by this article shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor for the first offense. Any licensee or scrap metal processor who is found guilty of second or subsequent violations shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The Department shall also assess a civil penalty not to exceed $500 for the first offense and $1,000 for the second and subsequent offenses. Those penalties shall be paid into the state treasury and set aside as a special fund to be used to meet the expenses of the Department.

If the vehicle identification number has been altered, is missing, or appears to have been otherwise tampered with, the demolisher or scrap metal processor shall take no further action with regard to the vehicle except to safeguard it in its then-existing condition and shall promptly notify the Department. The Department shall, after an investigation has been made, notify the demolisher or scrap metal processor whether the motor vehicle can be freed from this limitation. In no event shall the motor vehicle be disassembled, demolished, processed, or otherwise modified or removed prior to authorization by the Department. If the vehicle is a motorcycle, the demolisher or scrap metal processor shall cause to be noted on the title or salvage certificate, certifying on the face of the document, in addition to the above requirements, the frame number of the motorcycle and motor number, if available.

1968, c. 421, § 46.1-555.8; 1989, c. 727; 2009, c. 664 ; 2012, cc. 803 , 835 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.109:1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.109:1
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2006, c. 437 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-466 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 16 / Section 46.2-466
Regulations for assignment, rate classifications, and schedules
Status: in_force

The Commission may make reasonable regulations for the assignment of risks to insurance carriers.

It shall establish rate classifications, rating schedules, rates, and regulations to be used by insurance carriers issuing assigned risk, policies of motor vehicle liability, physical damage, and medical payments insurance in accordance with this chapter as appear to it to be proper.

In the establishment of rate classifications, rating schedules, rates, and regulations, it shall be guided by the principles and practices which have been established under its statutory authority to regulate motor vehicle liability, physical damage, and medical payments insurance rates and it may act in conformity with its statutory discretionary authority in such matters.

Code 1950, § 46-487; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-498; 1972, c. 842; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-695 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 7 / Section 46.2-695
Small rented ridesharing vehicles
Status: in_force

The fees required by subdivisions A 8 and A 9 of § 46.2-694 to be paid for registration of motor vehicles used for rent or hire shall not be required for the operation of any motor vehicle with a normal seating capacity of not more than fifteen adults including the driver while used (i) not for profit in transporting persons in a ridesharing arrangement, as defined in § 46.2-1400 , or (ii) by a lessee renting or hiring such vehicle for such purpose for a period of twelve months or longer under a written lease or agreement. For the purposes of § 46.2-694 , the fee for the annual registration card and license plates for such vehicle shall be the same as for a private passenger car of the same weight.

Code 1950, § 46-158; 1952, c. 415; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-150; 1964, c. 218; 1966, c. 608; 1976, c. 60; 1989, c. 727; 2002, c. 337 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2117 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-2117
Temporary emergency operation
Status: in_force

In an emergency, the Department or its agents may, by letter, telegram, or other means, authorize a vehicle to be operated in the Commonwealth without a proper registration card or identification marker for not more than ten days.

2001, c. 596 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-323.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-323.1
Certification of Virginia residency; nonresidents not eligible for credentials; penalty
Status: in_force

No credential issued under this chapter shall be issued to any person who is not a Virginia resident. Every person applying for a credential issued under this chapter shall execute and furnish to the Commissioner his certificate that he is a resident of Virginia. The Commissioner or his duly authorized agent may require any such applicant to supply, along with his application, such evidence of his Virginia residency as the Commissioner may deem appropriate and adequate, provided that neither an immigration visa nor a signed written statement, whether or not such statement is notarized, wherein the maker of the statement vouches for the Virginia residency of the applicant, shall be acceptable proof of Virginia residency. If the applicant is less than 19 years old and cannot otherwise provide proof of Virginia residency, the Commissioner may accept proof of the applicant's parent's or guardian's Virginia residency. Any minor providing proper evidence of the solemnization of his marriage or a certified copy of a court order of emancipation shall not be required to provide the parent's certification of residency. It is unlawful for any applicant knowingly to make a false certification of Virginia residency or supply false or fictitious evidence of Virginia residency. Any violation of this section shall be punished as provided in § 46.2-348 .

1993, c. 444; 2002, cc. 767 , 834 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 544 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1040 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 3 / Section 46.2-1040
Hazard lights
Status: in_force

Motor vehicles, trailers, and semitrailers, when temporarily stopped on the traveled or paved portion of the highway so as to create a traffic hazard, shall flash all four turn signals simultaneously to signal approaching motorists of the existing hazard whenever such vehicle is equipped with a device which will cause the four turn signals to flash simultaneously. All four turn signals may be flashed simultaneously on a vehicle slowed or stopped at the scene of a traffic hazard, when traveling as part of a funeral procession, or when traveling at a speed of thirty miles per hour or less. Except for vehicles traveling as part of a funeral procession, all four turn signals shall not be flashed simultaneously while the vehicle is traveling faster than thirty miles per hour.

School buses shall flash all four turn signals when approaching and stopping at railroad grade crossings.

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; 2001, c. 359 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2099.43 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 20 / Article 13 / Section 46.2-2099.43
Notice to passengers
Status: in_force

The operator of an excursion train shall:

1. Issue each passenger a ticket with the following statement in twelve point boldface type: "THE RAILROAD COMPANY WHICH OWNS THE TRACKS AND FACILITIES UPON WHICH THIS EXCURSION TRAIN OPERATES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR PERSONAL INJURY OR WRONGFUL DEATH ARISING FROM THE OPERATION OF THE EXCURSION TRAIN, INCLUDING OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE, AND SIGNALIZATION OF THE TRACKS AND FACILITIES."

2. Post a notice near any passenger boarding area containing the same statement contained in subdivision 1, in letters that are at least two inches high.

2001, c. 596 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1156.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 20 / Section 46.2-1156.1
Transportation of persons less than sixteen years old in pickup truck beds prohibited; exception
Status: in_force

No person under sixteen years of age shall be transported in the rear cargo area of any pickup truck on the highways of Virginia. The provisions of this section shall not apply to transportation of persons in the bed of any pickup truck being operated (i) as part of an organized parade authorized by the Department of Transportation or the locality in which the parade is being conducted or (ii) on or across a highway from one field or parcel of land to another field or parcel of land in connection with farming operations.

2000, c. 736 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1527.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 3.1 / Section 46.2-1527.1
Motor Vehicle Transaction Recovery Fund established
Status: in_force

A. All fees in this article shall be deposited in the Motor Vehicle Transaction Recovery Fund, referred to in this article as "the Fund." The Fund shall be a special fund in the state treasury to pay claims against the Fund and for no other purpose, provided that any such payment does not result in a negative balance of the Fund, except the Board may expend moneys for the administration of this article up to the maximum amount authorized for consumer assistance in the general appropriation act, provided the amount expended for administration does not result in a balance of the Fund of less than $250,000. The Fund shall be used to satisfy unpaid judgments, as provided for in § 46.2-1527.3 . Any interest income shall accrue to the Fund. The Board shall maintain an accurate record of all transactions involving the Fund. The Board may levy a special assessment on all dealers participating in the Fund to pay claims against the Fund and to maintain a minimum Fund balance that is in its judgment adequate. The Board may choose to await a positive balance in the Fund to pay claims ready for payment in chronological order, provided such claims do not go unpaid for more than 60 days.

B. Every applicant renewing a motor vehicle dealer's license shall pay, in addition to other license fees, an annual Fund fee of $100, and every applicant for a motor vehicle salesperson's license shall pay, in addition to other license fees, an annual Fund fee of $10, prior to license issue. However, annual Fund renewal fees from salespersons shall not exceed $100 per year from an individual dealer. These fees shall be deposited in the Motor Vehicle Transaction Recovery Fund. Any salesperson licensed by the Department and having never paid such a fee prior to July 1, 2015, shall be exempt from this subsection.

C. Applicants for an original motor vehicle dealer's license shall pay an annual Fund fee of $350 each year for three consecutive years. During this period, the $350 Fund fee will take the place of the annual $100 Fund fee.

D. In addition to the $350 annual fee, applicants for an original dealer's license shall have a $50,000 bond pursuant to § 46.2-1527.2 for three consecutive years. Only those renewing licensees who have not been the subject of a claim against their bond or against the Fund for three consecutive years shall pay the annual $100 fee and will no longer be required to pay the $350 annual fee or hold the $50,000 bond. Any salesperson licensed by the Department and having never paid such fee prior to July 1, 2015, shall be exempt from this subsection.

E. In addition to other license fees, applicants for an original Certificate of Dealer Registration or its renewal shall pay a Fund fee of $60.

F. The Board may suspend or reinstate collection of Fund fees.

G. The provisions of this section shall not apply to manufactured home dealers or nonprofit organizations issued certificates pursuant to subsection B of § 46.2-1508.1 .

H. The provisions of this section shall not apply to applicants for the renewal of a motor vehicle dealer's license where such applicants have not been the subject of a claim against a bond issued pursuant to § 46.2-1527.2 or against the Fund for three years and such applicants elect to maintain continuous bonding pursuant to Article 3.2 (§ 46.2-1527.9 et seq.). Such applicants shall not participate in the Fund and shall be exempt from the payment of any Fund fees.

I. The provisions of this article shall not apply to any recreational vehicle, trailer, or motorcycle dealer licensed by the Department prior to July 1, 2015.

1994, cc. 478 , 671 ; 1995, cc. 767 , 816 ; 1998, c. 325 ; 2000, c. 180 ; 2003, c. 331 ; 2006, c. 172 ; 2011, c. 407 ; 2012, cc. 10 , 119 ; 2014, c. 695 ; 2015, c. 615 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1529.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-1529.1
Sales of used motor vehicles by dealers; disclosures; penalty
Status: in_force

A. If, in any retail sale by a dealer of a used motor vehicle of under 6,000 pounds gross vehicle weight for use on the public highways, and normally used for personal, family or household use, the dealer offers an express warranty, the dealer shall provide the buyer a written disclosure of this warranty. The written disclosure shall be the Buyer's Guide required by federal law, shall be completely filled out and, in addition, signed and dated by the buyer and incorporated as part of the buyer's order.

B. A dealer may sell a used motor vehicle at retail "AS IS" and exclude all warranties only if the dealer provides the buyer, prior to sale, a separate written disclosure as to the effect of an "AS IS" sale. The written disclosure shall be conspicuous and contained on the front of the buyer's order and printed in not less than bold, 10-point type and signed by the buyer: "I understand that this vehicle is being sold "AS IS" with all faults and is not covered by any dealer warranty. I understand that the dealer is not required to make any repairs after I buy this vehicle. I will have to pay for any repairs this vehicle will need." A fully completed Buyer's Guide, as required by federal law, shall be signed and dated by the buyer and incorporated as part of the buyer's order.

C. Failure to provide the applicable disclosure required by subsection A or B shall be punishable by a civil penalty of no more than $1,000. Any such civil penalty shall be paid into the general fund of the state treasury. Furthermore, if the applicable disclosure required by subsection A or B is not provided as required in this section, the buyer may cancel the sale within 30 days. In this case, the buyer shall have the right to return the vehicle to the dealer and obtain a full refund of all payments made toward the purchase of the vehicle, less any damage to the vehicle incurred while ownership was vested in the purchaser, and less a reasonable amount for the use not to exceed one-half the amount allowed per mile by the Internal Revenue Service, as provided by regulation, revenue procedure, or revenue ruling promulgated pursuant to § 162 of the Internal Revenue Code, for use of a personal vehicle for business purposes. Notice of the provisions of this subsection shall be included as part of every disclosure made under subsection A or B.

D. The provisions of this section shall not apply to motorcycles, trailers, or travel trailers.

1995, c. 849 ; 2015, c. 615 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-902.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 11 / Section 46.2-902.1
Officer may require certain motorists to furnish proof of insurance; penalty
Status: in_force

Any law-enforcement officer present at the scene of a motor vehicle accident as to which a law-enforcement officer is required by § 46.2-373 to file an accident report with the Department may require the operator of any motor vehicle involved in such accident to furnish proof that the vehicle he was operating at the time of such accident was an insured motor vehicle as defined in § 46.2-705 . Failure to furnish proof of insurance when required by a law-enforcement officer as provided in this section within thirty days shall constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor.

2002, c. 450 ; 2023, c. 538 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-679.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 6 / Section 46.2-679.1
All-terrain vehicles
Status: in_force

No person shall be required to obtain the registration certificate, license plate, or decals for or pay a registration fee for any all-terrain vehicle.

2006, c. 896 ; 2016, c. 142 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-746.2:3.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-746.2:3.1
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2006, c. 437 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1575 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 8 / Section 46.2-1575
Grounds for denying, suspending, or revoking licenses or certificates of dealer registration or qualification
Status: in_force

A license or certificate of dealer registration or qualification issued under this subtitle may be denied, suspended, or revoked on any one or more of the following grounds:

1. Material misstatement or omission in application for license, dealer's license plates, certificate of dealer registration, certificate of qualification, or certificate of title;

2. Failure to comply subsequent to receipt of a written warning from the Department or the Board or any willful failure to comply with any provision of this chapter or any regulation promulgated by the Commissioner or the Board under this chapter;

3. Failure to have an established place of business as defined in § 46.2-1510 or failure to have as the dealer-operator an individual who holds a valid certificate of qualification;

4. Defrauding any retail buyer, to the buyer's damage, or any other person in the conduct of the licensee's or registrant's business;

5. Employment of fraudulent devices, methods or practices in connection with compliance with the requirements under the statutes of the Commonwealth with respect to the retaking of vehicles under retail installment contracts and the redemption and resale of those vehicles;

6. Having used deceptive acts or practices;

7. Knowingly advertising by any means any assertion, representation, or statement of fact which is untrue, misleading, or deceptive in any particular relating to the conduct of the business licensed or registered or for which a license or registration is sought;

8. Having been convicted of any fraudulent act in connection with the business of selling vehicles or any consumer-related fraud;

9. Having been convicted of any criminal act involving the business of selling vehicles;

10. Willfully retaining in his possession title to a motor vehicle that has not been completely and legally assigned to him;

11. Failure to comply with any provision of Chapter 4.1 (§ 36-85.2 et seq.) of Title 36 or any regulation promulgated pursuant to that chapter;

12. Leasing, renting, lending, or otherwise allowing the use of a dealer's license plate by persons not specifically authorized under this title;

13. Having been convicted of a felony;

14. Failure to submit to the Department, within thirty days from the date of sale, any application, tax, or fee collected for the Department on behalf of a buyer;

15. Having been convicted of larceny of a vehicle or receipt or sale of a stolen vehicle;

16. Having been convicted of odometer tampering or any related violation;

17. If a salvage dealer, salvage pool, or rebuilder, failing to comply with any provision of Chapter 16 (§ 46.2-1600 et seq.) of this title or any regulation promulgated by the Commissioner under that chapter;

18. Failing to maintain automobile liability insurance, issued by a company licensed to do business in the Commonwealth, or a certificate of self-insurance as defined in § 46.2-368 , with respect to each dealer's license plate issued to the dealer by the Department; or

19. Failing or refusing to pay civil penalties or examination costs imposed by the Board pursuant to § 46.2-1507 or 46.2-1528 .

1988, c. 865, § 46.1-550.5:34; 1989, c. 727; 1990, cc. 197, 954; 1995, cc. 767 , 816 ; 1999, c. 217 ; 2024, c. 86 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-920 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 15 / Section 46.2-920
Certain vehicles exempt from regulations in certain situations; exceptions and additional requirements
Status: in_force

A. The driver of any emergency vehicle, when such vehicle is being used in the performance of public services, and when such vehicle is operated under emergency conditions, may, without subjecting himself to criminal prosecution:

1. Disregard speed limits, while having due regard for safety of persons and property;

2. Proceed past any steady or flashing red signal, traffic light, stop sign, or device indicating moving traffic shall stop if the speed of the vehicle is sufficiently reduced to enable it to pass a signal, traffic light, or device with due regard to the safety of persons and property;

3. Park or stop notwithstanding the other provisions of this chapter;

4. Disregard regulations governing a direction of movement of vehicles turning in specified directions so long as the operator does not endanger life or property;

5. Pass or overtake, with due regard to the safety of persons and property, another vehicle at any intersection;

6. Pass or overtake with due regard to the safety of persons and property, while en route to an emergency, stopped or slow-moving vehicles, by going to the left of the stopped or slow-moving vehicle either in a no-passing zone or by crossing the highway centerline; or

7. Pass or overtake with due regard to the safety of persons and property, while en route to an emergency, stopped or slow-moving vehicles, by going off the paved or main traveled portion of the roadway on the right. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, vehicles exempted in this instance will not be required to sound a siren or any device to give automatically intermittent signals.

B. The exemptions granted to emergency vehicles in subdivisions A 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 shall apply only when the operator of such vehicle displays a flashing, blinking, or alternating emergency light or lights as provided in §§ 46.2-1022 and 46.2-1023 and sounds a siren, exhaust whistle, or air horn designed to give automatically intermittent signals, as may be reasonably necessary. The exemption granted under subdivision A 2 shall apply only when the operator of such emergency vehicle displays a flashing, blinking, or alternating emergency light or lights as provided in §§ 46.2-1022 and 46.2-1023 and either (a) sounds a siren, exhaust whistle, or air horn designed to give automatically intermittent signals or (b) slows the vehicle down to a speed reasonable for the existing conditions, yields right-of-way to the driver of another vehicle approaching or entering the intersection from another direction or, if required for safety, brings the vehicle to a complete stop before proceeding with due regard for the safety of persons and property. In addition, the exemptions granted to emergency vehicles by subsection A shall apply only when there is in force and effect for such vehicle either (i) standard motor vehicle liability insurance covering injury or death to any person in the sum of at least $100,000 because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident and, subject to the limit for one person, to a limit of $300,000 because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident, and to a limit of $20,000 because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident or (ii) a certificate of self-insurance issued pursuant to § 46.2-368 . Such exemptions shall not, however, protect the operator of any such vehicle from criminal prosecution for conduct constituting reckless disregard of the safety of persons and property. Nothing in this section shall release the operator of any such vehicle from civil liability for failure to use reasonable care in such operation.

C. For the purposes of this section, "emergency vehicle" means:

1. Any law-enforcement vehicle operated by or under the direction of a federal, state, or local law-enforcement officer (i) in the chase or apprehension of violators of the law or persons charged with or suspected of any such violation or (ii) in response to an emergency call;

2. Any regional detention center vehicle operated by or under the direction of a correctional officer responding to an emergency call or operating in an emergency situation;

3. Any vehicle used to fight fire, including publicly owned state forest warden vehicles, when traveling in response to a fire alarm or emergency call;

4. Any emergency medical services vehicle designed or used for the principal purpose of providing emergency medical services where human life is endangered;

5. Any Department of Emergency Management vehicle or Office of Emergency Medical Services vehicle, when responding to an emergency call or operating in an emergency situation;

6. Any Department of Corrections vehicle designated by the Director of the Department of Corrections, when (i) responding to an emergency call at a correctional facility, (ii) participating in a drug-related investigation, (iii) pursuing escapees from a correctional facility, or (iv) responding to a request for assistance from a law-enforcement officer;

7. Any vehicle authorized to be equipped with alternating, blinking, or flashing red or red and white secondary warning lights under the provisions of § 46.2-1029.2 ;

8. Any Department of Military Affairs emergency vehicle or Virginia National Guard Civil Support Team vehicle when responding to an emergency;

9. Any vehicle operated by the Response and Recovery Coordination Branch of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Office of Emergency Preparedness, when responding to an emergency, provided that the operator of any such vehicle (i) has completed an initial emergency vehicle operators course from an approved course list prepared by the Department of Fire Programs, the Office of Emergency Medical Services, or an equivalent agency and (ii) recertifies as an emergency vehicle operator every two years; and

10. Any vehicle operated by a mine rescue team that is certified as a mine rescue team by the Mine Safety and Health Administration under 30 C.F.R. Part 49 when responding to a mine emergency, provided that the operator of any such vehicle (i) has completed an initial emergency vehicle operator course from an approved course list prepared by the Department of Fire Programs, the Office of Emergency Medical Services, or an equivalent agency and (ii) recertifies as an emergency vehicle operator every two years.

D. Any law-enforcement vehicle operated by or under the direction of a federal, state, or local law-enforcement officer may disregard speed limits, while having due regard for safety of persons and property, (i) in testing the accuracy of speedometers of such vehicles, (ii) in testing the accuracy of speed measuring devices specified in § 46.2-882 , or (iii) in following another vehicle for the purpose of determining its speed.

E. A Department of Environmental Quality vehicle, while en route to an emergency and with due regard to the safety of persons and property, may overtake and pass stopped or slow-moving vehicles by going off the paved or main traveled portion of the highway on the right or on the left. These Department of Environmental Quality vehicles shall not be required to sound a siren or any device to give automatically intermittent signals, but shall display red or red and white warning lights when performing such maneuvers.

F. Any law-enforcement vehicle operated by or under the direction of a federal, state, or local law-enforcement officer while conducting a funeral escort, wide-load escort, dignitary escort, or any other escort necessary for the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians may, without subjecting himself to criminal prosecution:

1. Disregard speed limits, while having due regard for safety of persons and property;

2. Proceed past any steady or flashing red signal, traffic light, stop sign, or device indicating moving traffic shall stop if the speed of the vehicle is sufficiently reduced to enable it to pass a signal, traffic light, or device with due regard for the safety of persons and property;

3. Park or stop notwithstanding the other provisions of this chapter;

4. Disregard regulations governing a direction of movement of vehicles turning in specified directions so long as the operator does not endanger life or property; or

5. Pass or overtake, with due regard for the safety of persons and property, another vehicle.

Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, vehicles exempted in this subsection may sound a siren or any device to give automatically intermittent signals.

Code 1950, § 46-241.1; 1954, c. 356; 1956, c. 192; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-226; 1966, cc. 350, 699; 1968, c. 89; 1974, c. 365; 1976, c. 24; 1977, c. 549; 1980, cc. 30, 354; 1981, c. 395; 1984, c. 539; 1985, cc. 209, 462; 1989, c. 727; 1992, cc. 33, 96; 1994, c. 69 ; 1995, c. 92 ; 2000, c. 120 ; 2002, c. 134 ; 2003, c. 115 ; 2005, c. 583 ; 2007, cc. 860 , 908 ; 2011, c. 629 ; 2014, cc. 171 , 800 ; 2015, cc. 502 , 503 ; 2023, cc. 88 , 89 ; 2025, c. 252 ; 2026, cc. 118 , 119 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2011.22 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 20 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-2011.22
Violation; criminal penalties
Status: in_force

A. Any person knowingly and willfully violating any provision of this chapter, or any rule or regulation thereunder, or any term or condition of any certificate, permit, or license, for which a penalty is not otherwise herein provided, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than $2,500 for the first offense and not more than $5,000 for any subsequent offense. Each day of such violation shall constitute a separate offense.

B. Any person, whether carrier, TNC broker, broker, or any officer, employee, agent, or representative thereof, or a TNC partner, who knowingly and willfully by any such means or otherwise fraudulently seeks to evade or defeat regulation as in this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than $500 for the first offense and not more than $2,000 for any subsequent offense.

C. Any motor carrier, TNC broker, broker, or excursion train operator or any officer, agent, employee, or representative thereof, or a TNC partner, who willfully fails or refuses to make a report to the Department as required by this chapter or to keep accounts, records, and memoranda in the form and manner approved or prescribed by the Department, or knowingly and willfully falsifies, destroys, mutilates, or alters any such report, account, record, or memorandum, or knowingly and willfully files any false report, account, record, or memorandum, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, be subject for each offense to a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $5,000.

2001, c. 596 ; 2002, c. 861 ; 2015, cc. 2 , 3 ; 2017, c. 635 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-745.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-745.1
Special license plates for persons awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the Airman's Medal, the Army Soldier's Medal, or the Coast Guard Medal
Status: in_force

On receipt of an application and written confirmation from one of the armed services of the United States that the applicant has been awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the Airman's Medal, the Army Soldier's Medal, or the Coast Guard Medal, the Commissioner shall issue special license plates to such persons. For each set of license plates issued under this section, the Commissioner shall charge, in addition to the prescribed cost of state license plates, a one-time fee of $10 at the time the plates are issued.

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

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

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

2019, c. 74 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 145 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1303 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 13 / Section 46.2-1303
Issuance of permits to perform construction or repair work within right-of-way lines of public roadways
Status: in_force

The governing body of any county, city, or town having jurisdiction over and responsibility for the construction and maintenance of public roadways within its boundaries may by ordinance authorize an officer or agency of such political subdivision to issue a permit prior to the performance by any person, firm, partnership or corporation of construction and repair work within the right-of-way lines of any public highways under the jurisdiction of the political subdivision. Such authority, however, shall not extend to any railroad crossings or to any highways under the jurisdiction of the Virginia Department of Transportation. Such ordinance may provide that:

1. No person, firm, partnership or corporation shall enter into any repair, alteration, construction, or reconstruction of any type whatever, other than emergency repairs to or maintenance of public utility facilities within the right-of-way lines of any public highway without first having obtained a permit for such work from the agency or officer designated by such ordinance.

2. Such permit may require the notification of all emergency services likely to be affected by such repair, alteration, construction or reconstruction; the types of traffic control devices necessary to properly warn the motoring public and provide for reinspection by the appropriate authority from time to time and at the conclusion of such repair, alteration, construction, or reconstruction.

3. The owner or owners of any such firm, partnership or corporation shall be subject to arrest for a violation of this section or his representative on the site, if the owner is not present.

4. The person, firm, partnership, or corporation requesting such permit shall be responsible for furnishing and maintaining the required traffic control devices in accord with the Virginia Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways.

5. The penalty for violation of such ordinance shall be a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $100 for the first offense and not less than $100 nor more than $500 for the second and subsequent offenses.

1972, c. 105, § 46.1-180.3; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-670 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 6 / Section 46.2-670
Vehicles owned by farmers and used to transport certain wood products
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, trailer, or semitrailer owned by a farm owner when the vehicle is operated or moved along a highway for no more than 75 miles between a sawmill or sawmill site and his farm to transport sawdust, wood shavings, slab wood, and other wood wastes. The provisions of this section shall only apply to (i) pickup or panel trucks; (ii) sport utility vehicles; (iii) vehicles other than pickup or panel trucks, sport utility vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers having a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 7,500 pounds; and (iv) trailers and semitrailers. The owner or lessee of a pickup or panel truck or sport utility vehicle claiming the exemption provided pursuant to this section shall be required to obtain a permanent farm use placard pursuant to § 46.2-684.2 .

Code 1950, § 46-45; 1950, p. 693; 1952, c. 498; 1956, cc. 292, 568; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-45; 1962, cc. 214, 535; 1964, c. 611; 1966, c. 654; 1968, c. 46; 1970, c. 192; 1972, c. 609; 1973, c. 495; 1978, c. 307; 1988, cc. 76, 568; 1989, c. 727; 2010, c. 293 ; 2012, c. 174 ; 2013, c. 776 ; 2016, c. 142 ; 2017, c. 538 ; 2022, cc. 51 , 52 ; 2023, cc. 85 , 86 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-905 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 12 / Section 46.2-905
Riding bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, electric power-assisted bicycles, motorized skateboards or scooters, and mopeds on roadways and bicycle paths
Status: in_force

Any person operating a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, motorized skateboard or scooter, or moped on a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place under conditions then existing shall ride as close as safely practicable to the right curb or edge of the roadway, except under any of the following circumstances:

1. When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;

2. When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway;

3. When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes that make it unsafe to continue along the right curb or edge;

4. When avoiding riding in a lane that must turn or diverge to the right; and

5. When riding upon a one-way road or highway, a person may also ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of such roadway as safely practicable.

For purposes of this section, a "substandard width lane" is a lane too narrow for a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, motorized skateboard or scooter, or moped and another vehicle to pass safely side by side within the lane.

Persons riding bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, electric power-assisted bicycles, or motorized skateboards or scooters on a highway shall not ride more than two abreast. Persons riding two abreast shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic and shall move into a single-file formation as quickly as is practicable when being overtaken from the rear by a faster-moving vehicle. However, the failure to move into a single-file formation shall not constitute negligence per se in any civil action. This section shall not change any existing law, rule, or procedure pertaining to any such civil action, nor shall this section bar any claim that otherwise exists.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the Department of Conservation and Recreation shall permit the operation of electric personal assistive mobility devices on any bicycle path or trail designated by the Department for such use.

1974, c. 347, § 46.1-229.1; 1980, c. 130; 1981, c. 585; 1989, c. 727; 2001, c. 834 ; 2002, c. 254 ; 2003, cc. 29 , 46 ; 2004, cc. 947 , 973 ; 2006, cc. 529 , 538 ; 2007, cc. 209 , 366 ; 2013, c. 783 ; 2019, c. 780 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 462 ; 2022, c. 341 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-688 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 7 / Section 46.2-688
Refund of fees paid
Status: in_force

Any person holding a registration card and license plate or license plates with decal who disposes of, elects not to use the vehicle for which it was issued on the highways in the Commonwealth, or transfers another valid license plate to the vehicle, may surrender, prior to the beginning of the registration period, the license plates or license plates with decals and registration card or provide other evidence of registration of the vehicle to the Commissioner with a statement that the vehicle for which the license plate or license plate with decal was issued has been disposed of, election has been made not to use the vehicle on the highways in the Commonwealth, or another valid license plate has been transferred to the vehicle and request a refund of the fee paid. The Commissioner shall retain five dollars of the fee to cover the costs incurred in issuing the plates and processing the refund.

The Commissioner shall refund to the applicant a proration, in six-month increments, of the total cost of the registration and license plates or license plates with decals if application for the refund is made when there are six or more months remaining in the registration period. The Commissioner shall not provide a refund when otherwise eligible if the applicant chooses not to return the license plates to the Department. No charge or deduction shall be assessed for any refund made under this subsection.

Code 1950, § 46-94; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-97; 1972, c. 609; 1976, c. 339; 1977, c. 236; 1988, c. 704; 1989, c. 727; 2019, cc. 149 , 193 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-490.9 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 19 / Section 46.2-490.9
Unlawful acts; prosecution; proceedings in equity
Status: in_force

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

1. Operate as a driver improvement clinic or as an instructor without holding a valid license as required by statute or regulation;

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

3. Perform any act or function that is restricted by statute or regulation to persons holding a driver improvement clinic or instructor license, without being duly licensed;

4. Materially misrepresenting facts in an application for a license;

5. Willfully refusing to furnish the Department information or records required or requested pursuant to statute, regulation, or criteria established by the Department pursuant to § 46.2-490 .

B. In addition to the provisions of subsection A of this section, 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.

C. Any person who willfully engages in any unlawful act enumerated in this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

2004, c. 622 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1015 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 3 / Section 46.2-1015
Lights on bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, personal delivery devices, electric power-assisted bicycles, mopeds, and motorized skateboards or scooters
Status: in_force

A. Every bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, personal delivery device, electric power-assisted bicycle, moped, and motorized skateboard or scooter with handlebars when in use between sunset and sunrise shall be equipped with a headlight on the front emitting a white light visible in clear weather from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and a red reflector visible from a distance of at least 600 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlights on a motor vehicle. Such lights and reflector shall be of types approved by the Superintendent. Such headlights shall not have any aftermarket modifications that cause the headlights to appear as a blue light; however, such prohibition shall not be construed to prohibit the installation and use of headlights of types approved by the Superintendent.

In addition to the foregoing provisions of this section, a bicycle or its rider may be equipped with lights or reflectors. These lights may be steady burning or blinking.

B. Every bicycle, or its rider, shall be equipped with a taillight on the rear emitting a red light plainly visible in clear weather from a distance of at least 500 feet to the rear when in use between sunset and sunrise and operating on any highway with a speed limit of 35 mph or greater. Any such taillight shall be of a type approved by the Superintendent.

Code 1950, §§ 46-268, 46-270; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-263; 1981, c. 585; 1989, c. 727; 2001, c. 834 ; 2002, c. 254 ; 2004, cc. 947 , 973 ; 2005, c. 381 ; 2017, cc. 251 , 788 ; 2019, c. 780 ; 2020, c. 1269 ; 2023, c. 689 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-932 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 16 / Section 46.2-932
Playing on highways; use of toy vehicle on highways, persons riding bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, electric power-assisted bicycles, mopeds, etc., not to attach to vehicles; exception
Status: in_force

A. No person shall play on a highway, other than on the sidewalks thereof, within a city or town or on any part of a highway outside the limits of a city or town designated by the Commissioner of Highways exclusively for vehicular travel. No person shall use any toy vehicle on the roadway of any highway that (i) has a speed limit greater than 25 miles per hour, (ii) has more than two travel lanes, or (iii) is located outside a residence district as defined in § 46.2-100 . The governing bodies of counties, cities, and towns may designate areas on highways under their control where play is permitted and may impose reasonable restrictions on play on such highways. Persons using such devices, except bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, electric power-assisted bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles, shall keep as near as safely practicable to the far right side or edge of the right traffic lane so that they will be proceeding in the same direction as other traffic.

No person riding on any bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, moped, roller skates, skateboards or other devices on wheels or runners, shall attach the same or himself to any vehicle on a highway.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A of this section, the governing body of Arlington County may by ordinance permit the use of devices on wheels or runners on highways under such county's control, subject to such limitations and conditions as the governing body may deem necessary and reasonable.

Code 1950, § 46-248; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-235; 1972, c. 817; 1973, c. 288; 1981, c. 585; 1989, c. 727; 2001, cc. 170 , 834 ; 2002, c. 254 ; 2004, cc. 947 , 973 ; 2006, cc. 529 , 538 ; 2007, cc. 209 , 366 , 813 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.24 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.24
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2003, c. 295 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-746.2:5 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-746.2:5
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2005, c. 908 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-347 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 8 / Section 46.2-347
(Effective July 1, 2027) Fraudulent use of driver's license or Department of Motor Vehicles identification card to obtain alcoholic beverages or marijuana; penalties
Status: in_force

Any underage person as specified in § 4.1-304 who knowingly uses or attempts to use a forged, deceptive or otherwise nongenuine driver's license issued by any state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or any foreign country or government; United States Armed Forces identification card; United States passport or foreign government visa; Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles special identification card; official identification issued by any other federal, state or foreign government agency; or official student identification card of an institution of higher education to obtain alcoholic beverages or marijuana is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor, and upon conviction of a violation of this section, the court shall revoke such convicted person's driver's license or privilege to drive a motor vehicle for a period of not less than 30 days nor more than one year.

1980, c. 519, § 46.1-384.1; 1981, c. 24; 1983, c. 473; 1984, c. 780; 1985, c. 559; 1989, c. 727; 1992, c. 531; 1993, c. 866; 2026, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-661 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 5 / Section 46.2-661
Extension of reciprocal privileges
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the other provisions of this chapter, the Commissioner, with the consent of the Governor, may extend to the owners of foreign vehicles operated in the Commonwealth the same privileges which are granted by the state of the United States or foreign country wherein the owners of the foreign vehicles are residents to residents of this Commonwealth operating vehicles in such state of the United States or foreign country.

Code 1950, § 46-122; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-137; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1573.23 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 7.3 / Section 46.2-1573.23
Hearings and other remedies; civil penalties
Status: in_force

A. In every case of a hearing before the Commissioner authorized under this article, the Commissioner shall give reasonable notice of each hearing to all interested parties, and the Commissioner's decision shall be binding on the parties, subject to the rights of judicial review and appeal as provided in the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).

B. Hearings before the Commissioner under this article shall commence within 90 days of the request for a hearing, and the Commissioner's decision shall be rendered within 60 days from the receipt of the hearing officer's recommendation. Hearings authorized under this article shall be presided over by a hearing officer selected from a list prepared by the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court. On request of the Commissioner, the Executive Secretary will name a hearing officer from the list, selected on a rotation system administered by the Executive Secretary. The hearing officer shall provide recommendations to the Commissioner within 90 days of the conclusion of the hearing.

C. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this article, the Commissioner shall initiate investigations, conduct hearings, and determine the rights of parties under this article whenever he is provided information indicating a possible violation of any provision of this article.

D. For purposes of any matter brought to the Commissioner under subdivisions 3, 4, 5, 6, and 9 of § 46.2-1573.16 with respect to which the Commissioner is to determine whether there is good cause for a proposed action or whether it would be unreasonable under the circumstances, the Commissioner shall consider:

1. The volume of the affected dealer's business in the relevant market area;

2. The nature and extent of the dealer's investment in its business;

3. The adequacy of the dealer's service facilities, equipment, parts, supplies, and personnel;

4. The effect of the proposed action on the community;

5. The extent and quality of the dealer's service under trailer warranties;

6. The dealer's performance under the terms of its franchise; and

7. Other economic and geographical factors reasonably associated with the proposed action.

With respect to subdivision 6, any performance standard or program for measuring dealership performance that may have a material effect on a dealer, and the application of any such standard or program by a manufacturer or distributor, shall be fair, reasonable, and equitable and, if based upon a survey, shall be based upon a statistically valid sample. Upon the request of any dealer, a manufacturer or distributor shall disclose in writing to the dealer a description of how a performance standard or program is designed and all relevant information used in the application of the performance standard or program to that dealer.

E. An interested party in a hearing held pursuant to subsection A shall comply with the effective date of compliance established by the Commissioner in his decision in such hearing, unless a stay or extension of such date is granted by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's decision is under judicial review and appeal as provided in subsection A. If, after notice to such interested party and an opportunity to comment, the Commissioner finds an interested party has not complied with his decision by the designated date of compliance, unless a stay or extension of such date has been granted by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's decision is under judicial review and appeal, the Commissioner may assess such interested party a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 per day of noncompliance. Civil penalties collected under this subsection shall be deposited into the Highway Maintenance and Operating Fund established pursuant to § 33.2-1530 .

1996, cc. 1043 , 1052 , § 46.2-1992.75; 2000, c. 106 ; 2015, c. 615 ; 2020, cc. 1230 , 1275 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2151 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 21 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-2151
Considerations for determination of issuance of certificate
Status: in_force

In determining whether the certificate of fitness required by this article shall be granted, the Department may, among other things, consider the provisions of § 46.2-2108.6 , the applicant's character and fitness, and the applicant's compliance with federal, state, and local taxes.

2001, c. 596 ; 2011, cc. 881 , 889 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-728.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-728.1
Special license plates incorporating the official bird and the floral emblem of the Commonwealth; fee
Status: in_force

On receipt of an application, the Commissioner shall issue license plates incorporating the official bird and the floral emblem of the Commonwealth. These license plates shall be valid for whatever period the Commissioner determines.

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

1992, cc. 142, 631.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2099.11 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 20 / Article 9 / Section 46.2-2099.11
Refusal of service
Status: in_force

No sight-seeing carrier shall refuse service without good cause. The Department may, at any time, require an explanation from such carrier for its refusal to provide service.

2001, c. 596 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-808.3 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-808.3
Violations committed within highway work zone; penalty
Status: in_force

Operation of any motor vehicle in a manner constituting a moving violation of any provision of this chapter in a highway work zone, as defined in § 46.2-878.1 , when workers are present and when such highway work zone is indicated by appropriately placed signs shall be unlawful and shall constitute a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of not less than $300 for the first offense and not less than $500 for any subsequent offense. However, if any such subsequent offense occurs within the same 12-month period as any other moving violation of any provision of this chapter while operating a motor vehicle in a highway work zone, as defined in § 46.2-878.1 , such fine shall be not less than $750.

A prosecution or proceeding under § 46.2-878.1 is a bar to a prosecution or proceeding under this section for the same act, and a prosecution or proceeding under this section is a bar to a prosecution or proceeding under § 46.2-878.1 for the same act.

Nothing in this section shall preclude the prosecution or conviction for reckless driving of any motor vehicle operator whose operation of any motor vehicle in a highway work zone demonstrates a reckless disregard for life, limb, or property.

2024, c. 138 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1510 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-1510
Dealers required to have established place of business
Status: in_force

No license shall be issued to any motor vehicle dealer unless he has an established place of business, owned or leased by him, where a substantial portion of the sales activity of the business is routinely conducted and which:

1. Satisfies all local zoning regulations;

2. Has sales, service, and office space devoted exclusively to the dealership of at least 250 square feet in a permanent, enclosed building not used as a residence;

3. Houses all records the dealer is required to maintain by § 46.2-1529 ;

4. Is equipped with a desk, chairs, filing space, a working telephone listed in the name of the dealership, working utilities including electricity and provisions for space heating, and an Internet connection and email address;

5. Displays a sign and business hours as required by this chapter; and

6. Has contiguous space designated for the exclusive use of the dealer adequate to permit the display of at least 10 vehicles.

Any dealer licensed on or before July 1, 1995, shall be considered in compliance with subdivisions 2 and 6 of this section for that licensee.

1988, c. 865, § 46.1-525.01; 1989, c. 727; 1995, cc. 767 , 816 ; 1998, c. 418 ; 2011, c. 791 ; 2015, c. 615 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-411 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 12 / Section 46.2-411
Reinstatement of suspended or revoked license or other privilege to operate or register a motor vehicle; proof of financial responsibility; reinstatement fee
Status: in_force

A. The Commissioner may refuse, after a hearing if demanded, to issue to any person whose license has been suspended or revoked any new or renewal license, or to register any motor vehicle in the name of the person, whenever he deems or in case of a hearing finds it necessary for the safety of the public on the highways in the Commonwealth.

B. Before granting or restoring a license or registration to any person whose driver's license or other privilege to drive motor vehicles or privilege to register a motor vehicle has been revoked or suspended pursuant to § 46.2-389 , 46.2-391 , 46.2-391.1 , or 46.2-417 , the Commissioner shall require proof of financial responsibility in the future as provided in Article 15 (§ 46.2-435 et seq.), but no person shall be licensed who may not be licensed under the provisions of §§ 46.2-389 through 46.2-431 .

C. Whenever the driver's license or registration cards, license plates and decals, or other privilege to drive or to register motor vehicles of any resident or nonresident person is suspended or revoked by the Commissioner or by a district court or circuit court pursuant to the provisions of Title 18.2 or this title, or any valid local ordinance, the order of suspension or revocation shall remain in effect and the driver's license, registration cards, license plates and decals, or other privilege to drive or register motor vehicles shall not be reinstated and no new driver's license, registration cards, license plates and decals, or other privilege to drive or register motor vehicles shall be issued or granted unless such person, in addition to complying with all other provisions of law, pays to the Commissioner a reinstatement fee of $30. The reinstatement fee shall be increased by $30 whenever such suspension or revocation results from conviction of involuntary manslaughter in violation of § 18.2-36.1 ; conviction of maiming resulting from driving while intoxicated in violation of § 18.2-51.4 ; conviction of driving while intoxicated in violation of § 18.2-266 or 46.2-341.24 ; conviction of driving after illegally consuming alcohol in violation of § 18.2-266.1 or failure to comply with court imposed conditions pursuant to subsection D of § 18.2-271.1 ; unreasonable refusal to submit to drug or alcohol testing in violation of § 18.2-268.2 ; conviction of driving while a license, permit or privilege to drive was suspended or revoked in violation of § 46.2-301 or 46.2-341.21 ; disqualification pursuant to § 46.2-341.20 ; violation of driver's license probation pursuant to § 46.2-499 ; failure to attend a driver improvement clinic pursuant to § 46.2-503 or interventions pursuant to former § 46.2-351.1; conviction of eluding police in violation of § 46.2-817 ; conviction of hit and run in violation of § 46.2-894 ; conviction of reckless driving in violation of Article 7 (§ 46.2-852 et seq.) of Chapter 8 of Title 46.2 or a conviction, finding or adjudication under any similar local ordinance, federal law or law of any other state. Five dollars of the additional amount shall be retained by the Department as provided in this section and $25 shall be transferred to the Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative Trust Fund established pursuant to Article 12 (§ 51.5-178 et seq.) of Chapter 14 of Title 51.5. When three years have elapsed from the termination date of the order of suspension or revocation and the person has complied with all other provisions of law, the Commissioner may relieve him of paying the reinstatement fee.

D. No reinstatement fee shall be required when the suspension or revocation of license results from the person's suffering from mental or physical infirmities or disabilities from natural causes not related to the use of self-administered intoxicants or drugs. No reinstatement fee shall be collected from any person whose license is suspended by a court of competent jurisdiction for any reason, other than a cause for mandatory suspension as provided in this title, provided the court ordering the suspension is not required by § 46.2-398 to forward the license to the Department during the suspended period.

E. Except as otherwise provided in this section and § 18.2-271.1 , reinstatement fees collected under the provisions of this section shall be paid by the Commissioner into the state treasury and shall be set aside as a special fund to be used to meet the expenses of the Department.

F. Before granting or restoring a license or registration to any person whose driver's license or other privilege to drive motor vehicles or privilege to register a motor vehicle has been revoked or suspended, the Commissioner shall collect from such person, in addition to all other fees provided for in this section, an additional fee of $40. The Commissioner shall pay all fees collected pursuant to this subsection into the Trauma Center Fund, created pursuant to § 18.2-270.01 , for the purpose of defraying the costs of providing emergency medical care to victims of automobile accidents attributable to alcohol or drug use.

G. Whenever any person is required to pay a reinstatement fee pursuant to subsection C or pursuant to subsection E of § 18.2-271.1 and such person has more than one suspension or revocation on his record for which reinstatement is required, then such person shall be required to pay one reinstatement fee, the amount of which shall equal the full reinstatement fee attributable to the one of his revocations or suspensions that would trigger the highest reinstatement fee, plus an additional $5 fee for administrative costs associated with compliance for each additional suspension or revocation. Fees collected pursuant to this subsection shall be set aside as a special fund to be used to meet the expenses of the Department.

Code 1950, § 46-425; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-438; 1973, c. 396; 1980, c. 29; 1982, c. 671; 1984, c. 780; 1987, c. 696; 1988, c. 860; 1989, c. 727; 1992, c. 109; 1998, c. 703 ; 1999, cc. 945 , 987 ; 2002, c. 60 ; 2005, c. 886 ; 2011, cc. 54 , 71 ; 2012, cc. 803 , 835 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 463 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-214.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 2 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-214.1
Additional charge for information supplied by Department
Status: in_force

Beginning July 1, 2002, in addition to the fee charged pursuant to § 46.2-214 , the Commissioner shall charge $2 for furnishing information under this title, but no fee shall be charged to any official, including court and police officials, of the Commonwealth or any county, city or town of the Commonwealth, or to court, police, and licensing officials of other states or of the federal government, provided that the information requested is for official use.

2003, c. 1042 , cl. 9.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1161.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 21 / Section 46.2-1161.1
Inspections of trailers and semitrailers equipped with heating or cooking appliances
Status: in_force

If any trailer or semitrailer subject to the periodic safety inspections required by this article is equipped with a heating or cooking appliance, the safety inspection of such trailer or semitrailer shall include a visual inspection of the venting of such cooking or heating appliance to the outside of the trailer or semitrailer. No safety inspection approval sticker shall be issued to any such trailer or semitrailer unless any such heating or cooking appliance is adequately vented to prevent the asphyxiation of occupants of any such trailer or semitrailer by the operation of the heating or cooking appliance.

1991, c. 169.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.29 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.29
Special license plates; supporters of Operation Wildflower; fees
Status: in_force

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

B. The annual fee for plates issued pursuant to this section shall be twenty-five dollars in addition to the prescribed fee for state license plates. For each such twenty-five-dollar fee collected in excess of 1,000 registrations pursuant to this section, fifteen dollars shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to a special nonreverting fund known as the Operation Wildflower Fund, established within the Department of Accounts. These funds shall be paid annually to the Virginia Department of Transportation and used to support its Operation Wildflower program.

1999, c. 883 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-622 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-622
Issuance of certificate of title in names of joint owners
Status: in_force

When the Department receives an application for a certificate of title for a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, to be issued in the names of two natural persons, jointly with right of survivorship, the Department shall issue to its owners a certificate of title accordingly. Any certificate issued in the name of two persons may contain an expression such as "or the survivor of them," which shall be deemed sufficient to create joint ownership during the lives of the two owners, and individual ownership in the survivor. A certificate issued in the names of two persons, with their names separated only by "or," shall create joint ownership during the lives of the owners, and individual ownership in the survivor of them.

Nothing herein shall (i) prohibit the issuance of a certificate of title in the names of two or more persons as owners in common which shall be sufficient evidence of ownership of undivided interests in the vehicle; (ii) grant immunity from enforcement of any liability of any person owning the vehicle, as one of two joint owners, to the extent of his interest in the vehicle, during the lives of its owners; (iii) permit the issuance of a certificate of title in the names of two persons as tenants by the entireties; or (iv) be used by one of the joint owners as a defense to the secured party's enforcement of a security interest in the vehicle that was granted by one or both of the joint owners of the vehicle on the same date or prior to the issuance of the certificate of title.

1968, c. 188, § 46.1-68.1; 1983, c. 586; 1989, c. 727; 2002, c. 432 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2116 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-2116
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2012, cc. 22 and 111 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-308 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-308
Temporary exemption for new resident licensed under laws of another state; privately owned vehicle driver's licenses
Status: in_force

A resident over the age of sixteen years and three months who has been duly licensed as a driver under a law of another state or country requiring the licensing of drivers shall, for the first sixty days of his residency in the Commonwealth, be permitted, without a Virginia license, to drive a motor vehicle on the highways of the Commonwealth.

Persons to whom military privately-owned vehicle driver's licenses have been issued by the Department of Defense shall, for the first sixty days of their residency in the Commonwealth, be permitted, without a Virginia license, to drive motor vehicles on the highways of the Commonwealth.

1976, c. 17, § 46.1-355.1; 1989, cc. 705, 727; 1994, c. 356 ; 2002, cc. 755 , 767 , 834 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-772 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 7 / Section 46.2-772
(For contingent expiration, see Acts 2020, cc. 1230 and 1275) Highway use fee
Status: in_force

A. Except as provided in subsection C, there is hereby imposed an annual highway use fee on any motor vehicle registered in the Commonwealth under § 46.2-694 or 46.2-697 that is an alternative fuel vehicle, an electric motor vehicle, or a fuel-efficient vehicle. The fee shall be collected by the Department at the time of vehicle registration. If the vehicle is registered for a period of other than one year as provided in § 46.2-646 , the highway use fee shall be multiplied by the number of years or fraction thereof that the vehicle will be registered.

B. 1. For an electric motor vehicle, the highway use fee shall be 85 percent of the amount of taxes paid under subsection A of § 58.1-2217 on fuel used by a vehicle with a combined fuel economy of 23.7 miles per gallon for the average number of miles traveled by a passenger vehicle in the Commonwealth, as determined by the Commissioner. For all other fuel-efficient vehicles, the highway use fee shall be 85 percent of the difference between the tax paid under subsection A of § 58.1-2217 on the fuel used by a vehicle with a combined fuel economy of 23.7 miles per gallon for the average number of miles traveled by a passenger vehicle in the Commonwealth in a year, as determined by the Commissioner, and the tax paid under subsection A of § 58.1-2217 on the fuel used by the vehicle being registered for the average number of miles traveled by a passenger vehicle in the Commonwealth in a year, as determined by the Commissioner.

For purposes of this chapter, the Commissioner shall use combined fuel economy as determined by the manufacturer of the vehicle. If the Commissioner is unable to obtain the manufacturer's fuel economy for a vehicle, then the Commissioner shall use the final estimate of average fuel economy, as determined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, of (i) all trucks having the same model year as the vehicle being registered, if the vehicle has a gross weight between 6,000 pounds and 10,000 pounds, or (ii) all cars having the same model year as the vehicle. If data is not available for the model year of the vehicle being registered, then the Commissioner shall use available data for the model year that is closest to the model year of the vehicle being registered.

The Commissioner shall update the fees calculated under this section by July 1 of each year.

2. The Department shall establish and administer a process whereby a vehicle owner may contest the fee assessed pursuant to this section. The Department shall reimburse the vehicle owner for any contested fee or portion thereof incorrectly collected pursuant to this section.

C. This section shall not apply to:

1. An autocycle, moped, or motorcycle;

2. A vehicle with a gross weight over 10,000 pounds;

3. A vehicle that is owned by a governmental entity as defined in § 58.1-2201 ; or

4. A vehicle that is registered under the International Registration Plan.

Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the annual highway use fee for a low-speed vehicle that is registered under Chapter 6 (§ 46.2-600 et seq.) shall be $25.

A vehicle shall not be subject to the fee set forth in this section in any year in which such vehicle is registered to participate in the mileage-based user fee program established pursuant to § 46.2-773 .

D. In any case where an applicant has requested and is eligible for a refund pursuant to § 46.2-688 , the Commissioner shall refund to the applicant the cost of the highway use fee, prorated in six-month increments, if such application is made when six or more months remain in the registration period.

2020, cc. 1230 , 1275 ; 2022, c. 446 ; 2023, cc. 537 , 548 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-610 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-610
Suspension of registration on theft or embezzlement of vehicle; notices
Status: in_force

Whenever the owner of any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer which is stolen or embezzled notifies the Department directly or through law-enforcement authorities of the theft or embezzlement, the Department shall immediately suspend the registration of that motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer until such time as it shall be notified that the owner has recovered his motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer. In the event of an embezzlement the owner shall obtain a warrant for the arrest of the person charged with the embezzlement before the Department shall suspend the registration. Any such suspension shall be effective only for the current registration period in which the notice was given. If during that period the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer is not recovered, a new notice may be given with like effect during the ensuing period. Every owner who has given a notice of theft or embezzlement shall immediately notify the Department of the recovery of his motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer.

Code 1950, § 46-4; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-60; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-904.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 12 / Section 46.2-904.1
Electric power-assisted bicycles
Status: in_force

A. Except as otherwise provided in this section, an electric power-assisted bicycle or an operator of an electric power-assisted bicycle shall be afforded all the rights and privileges, and be subject to all of the duties, of a bicycle or the operator of a bicycle. An electric power-assisted bicycle is a vehicle to the same extent as is a bicycle.

B. An electric power-assisted bicycle or person operating an electric power-assisted bicycle is not subject to the provisions of this Code relating to requirements for driver's licenses, registration, certificates of title, financial responsibility, off-highway motorcycles, and license plates.

C. 1. On and after January 1, 2021, manufacturers and distributors of electric power-assisted bicycles shall permanently affix a label, in a prominent location, to each electric power-assisted bicycle that they manufacture or distribute. The label shall contain the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the electric power-assisted bicycle and shall be printed in Arial font in at least nine-point type.

2. An electric power-assisted bicycle shall comply with equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles adopted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 16 C.F.R. Part 1512.

3. All class three electric power-assisted bicycles shall be equipped with a speedometer that displays the speed the bicycle is traveling in miles per hour.

D. No person shall tamper with or modify an electric power-assisted bicycle so as to change the motor-powered speed capability or engagement of an electric power-assisted bicycle, unless the label required by subdivision C 1 is replaced after modification.

E. An electric power-assisted bicycle shall operate in a manner such that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the rider stops pedaling or when the brakes are applied.

F. Except as set forth in this subsection, an electric power-assisted bicycle may be ridden in places where bicycles are allowed, including streets, highways, roads, shoulders, bicycle lanes, and bicycle or shared-use paths.

1. Following notice and a public hearing, a locality or state agency having jurisdiction over a bicycle or shared-use path may prohibit the operation of class one or class two electric power-assisted bicycles on such path, if it finds that such a restriction is necessary for public safety or compliance with other laws.

2. A locality or state agency having jurisdiction over a bicycle or shared-use path may prohibit the operation of class three electric power-assisted bicycles on such path.

3. A locality or state agency having jurisdiction over a trail may regulate the use of electric power-assisted bicycles on such trail. For purposes of this subdivision, "trail" means a trail that is specifically designated as nonmotorized and that has a natural surface tread that is made by clearing and grading the native soil with no added surfacing materials.

G. Each operator and passenger of a class three electric power-assisted bicycle shall wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the current standards provided by either the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission or the American Society for Testing and Materials International. Failure to wear a helmet shall not constitute negligence, be considered in mitigation of damages of whatever nature, be admissible in evidence, or be the subject of comment by counsel in any action for the recovery of damages arising out of the operation, ownership, or maintenance of a class three electric power-assisted bicycle, nor shall anything in this section change any existing law, rule, or procedure pertaining to any civil action, nor shall this section bar any claim that otherwise exists.

2020, cc. 59 , 260 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2108.4 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-2108.4
Application; notice requirements
Status: in_force

A. Applications for a permit or certificate of fitness or renewal of a permit or certificate of fitness under this chapter shall be made to the Department and contain such information as the Department shall require. Such information shall include, in the application or otherwise, the matters set forth in §§ 46.2-2133 and 46.2-2134 as grounds for denying permits and certificates.

B. The applicant for a certificate of fitness issued under this chapter shall cause a notice of such application, on the form and in the manner prescribed by the Department, to be served on every affected person who has requested notification.

2001, c. 596 ; 2011, cc. 881 , 889 ; 2013, cc. 165 , 582 ; 2017, cc. 790 , 815 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-865.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 7 / Section 46.2-865.1
Injuring another or causing the death of another while engaging in a race or exhibition driving; penalties.
Status: in_force

A. Any person who while engaging in a race or exhibition driving in violation of subsection B or C of § 46.2-865 in a manner so gross, wanton, and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life:

1. Causes serious bodily injury to another person who is not involved in the violation of subsection B or C of § 46.2-865 is guilty of a Class 6 felony; or

2. Causes the death of another person is guilty of a felony punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than one nor more than 20 years.

B. Upon conviction, the court shall suspend the driver's license of such person for a period of not less than one year nor more than three years, and shall order the surrender of the license to be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of § 46.2-398 .

2004, c. 859 ; 2006, c. 348 ; 2025, c. 648 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2903 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 29 / Section 46.2-2903
Eligibility for escort vehicle driver certificate
Status: in_force

A Virginia escort vehicle driver certificate shall be issued only to a person who intends to provide certified vehicle escort services for a permitted vehicle and who (i) holds a valid Virginia driver's license and who is domiciled in the Commonwealth or (ii) is a nonresident who meets the requirements of § 46.2-2907 or 46.2-2908 .

No person shall be eligible for a Virginia escort vehicle driver certificate until he has (i) passed the applicable training course and knowledge test required by this chapter and has satisfied all other applicable requirements imposed by the laws of the Commonwealth or (ii) has met the requirements of § 46.2-2907 or 46.2-2908 .

No person shall be eligible for a Virginia escort vehicle driver certificate during any period in which his driver's license or privilege to drive is expired or is suspended, revoked, or canceled in any state or during any period wherein the restoration of his license or privilege is contingent upon the furnishing of proof of financial responsibility.

2013, cc. 312 , 477 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1531 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-1531
Consignment vehicles; contract
Status: in_force

Any motor vehicle dealer offering a vehicle for sale on consignment shall have in his possession a consignment contract for the vehicle, executed and signed by the dealer and the consignor. The consignment contract shall include:

1. The complete name, address, and the telephone number of the owners.

2. The name, address, and dealer certificate number of the selling dealer.

3. A complete description of the vehicle on consignment, including the make, model year, vehicle identification number, and body style, except that trailers shall not be subject to the requirement for vehicle identification number or body style.

4. The beginning and termination dates of the contract.

5. The percentage of commission, the amount of the commission, or the net amount the owner is to receive, if the vehicle is sold.

6. Any fees for which the owner is responsible.

7. A disclosure of all unsatisfied liens on the vehicle and the location of the certificate of title to the vehicle.

8. A requirement that the motor vehicle pass a safety inspection prior to sale or, if the motor vehicle is found not to be in compliance with any safety inspection requirement after having been inspected, the dealer shall either take steps to bring it into compliance or furnish any buyer intending to use that vehicle on the public highways a written disclosure, prior to sale, that the vehicle did not pass a safety inspection.

Any dealer offering a vehicle for sale on consignment shall inform any prospective customer that the vehicle is on consignment.

Dealer license plates shall not be used to demonstrate a vehicle on consignment except on (i) motor vehicles with gross vehicle weight of 15,000 pounds or more, excluding RVs, (ii) vehicles on consignment from another licensed motor vehicle dealer, and (iii) vehicles on consignment from a nonprofit organization certified pursuant to subsection B of § 46.2-1508.1 . The owner's license plates may be used if liability insurance coverage is in effect in the amounts prescribed by § 46.2-472 .

No vehicles except motorcycles shall be sold on consignment by motorcycle dealers.

No vehicles except recreational vehicles shall be sold on consignment by recreational vehicle dealers.

No vehicles other than trailers shall be sold on consignment by trailer dealers.

The provisions of this section shall also apply to watercraft trailers and watercraft trailer dealers.

1988, c. 865, § 46.1-547.6; 1989, cc. 187, 727; 1993, c. 289; 2000, c. 180 ; 2013, c. 247 ; 2015, c. 615 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-636.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-636.1
Security interests in farm tractors and special construction and forestry equipment
Status: in_force

A financing statement, as defined in § 8.9A-102 , must be filed to perfect all security interests in farm tractors and special construction and forestry equipment, as defined in § 46.2-100 . No other provisions of this chapter pertaining to security interests shall apply to these motor vehicles.

2010, c. 135 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-751 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 11 / Section 46.2-751
State-owned passenger vehicles
Status: in_force

Except as provided in subsection B of § 46.2-750 , the Commissioner shall not issue any license plates for use on vehicles owned by the Commonwealth or any of its departments, institutions, boards, or agencies and used for passenger transportation unless written application has been filed with the Governor showing the necessity for the use and unless the Governor has directed the Commissioner to issue the license plates.

Code 1950, § 46-55; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-57; 1972, c. 723; 1989, c. 727; 1994, 1st Sp. Sess., c. 6 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-850 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 6 / Section 46.2-850
Change of course after giving signal
Status: in_force

Drivers having once given a hand or light signal shall continue the course thus indicated, unless they alter the original signal.

Code 1950, § 46-235; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-218; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-652 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-652
Temporary registration or permit for oversize vehicles; fees
Status: in_force

The Commissioner may grant a temporary registration or permit for the operation of a vehicle or equipment that cannot be licensed because the vehicle, excluding any load thereon, exceeds statutory size limits on the highways in the Commonwealth from one point to another within the Commonwealth, or from the Commonwealth to a point or points outside the Commonwealth, or from outside the Commonwealth to a point or points within the Commonwealth. Any temporary registration or permit issued under this section shall show the registration or permit number, the date of issue, the date of expiration, the vehicle to which it refers, and the route to be traveled or other restrictions and shall be carried in the vehicle.

For a single-trip temporary registration or permit issued under this section, the applicant shall pay a fee of 10 cents ($0.10) per mile for every mile to be traveled, in addition to any administrative fee required by the Department. In lieu of a single-trip permit, an annual multi-trip permit may be issued for a fee of $40, in addition to any administrative fee required by the Department.

For any vehicle that is both overweight and oversize, the permit fees under § 46.2-652.1 shall apply.

Code 1950, § 46-44; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-43; 1962, c. 535; 1989, c. 727; 1997, c. 283 ; 2003, c. 314 ; 2012, c. 443 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-311 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 46.2-311
Persons having defective vision; minimum standards of visual acuity and field of vision; tests of vision
Status: in_force

A. The Department shall not issue a driver's license or learner's permit (i) to any person unless he demonstrates a visual acuity of at least 20/40 in one or both eyes with or without corrective lenses or (ii) to any such person unless he demonstrates at least a field of 110 degrees of horizontal vision in one or both eyes or a comparable measurement that demonstrates a visual field within this range. However, a license permitting the driving of motor vehicles during a period beginning one-half hour after sunrise and ending one-half hour before sunset, may be issued to a person who demonstrates a visual acuity of at least 20/70 in one or both eyes without or with corrective lenses provided he demonstrates at least a field of 70 degrees of horizontal vision or a comparable measurement that demonstrates a visual field within this range, and further provided that if such person has vision in one eye only, he demonstrates at least a field of 40 degrees temporal and 30 degrees nasal horizontal vision or a comparable measurement that demonstrates a visual field within this range.

B. The Department shall not issue a driver's license or learner's permit to any person authorizing the driving of a commercial motor vehicle as defined in the Virginia Commercial Driver's License Act (§ 46.2-341.1 et seq.) unless he demonstrates a visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye and at least a field of 140 degrees of horizontal vision or a comparable measurement that demonstrates a visual field within this range.

C. Every person applying to renew a driver's license and required to be reexamined as a prerequisite to the renewal of the license, shall:

1. Appear before a license examiner of the Department to demonstrate his visual acuity and horizontal field of vision, or

2. Accompany his application with a report of such examination made within 90 days prior thereto by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

D. The test of horizontal visual fields made by license examiners of the Department shall be performed at thirty-three and one-third centimeters with a 10 millimeter round white test object or may, at the discretion of the Commissioner, be performed with electronic or other devices designed for the purpose of testing visual acuity and horizontal field of vision. The report of examination of visual acuity and horizontal field of vision made by an ophthalmologist or optometrist shall have precedence over an examination made by a license examiner of the Department in administrative determination as to the issuance of a license to drive. Any such report may, in the discretion of the Commissioner, be referred to a medical advisory board or to the State Health Commissioner for evaluation.

E. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection B of this section, any person who is licensed to drive any motor vehicle may, on special application to the Department, be licensed to drive any vehicle, provided the operation of the vehicle would not unduly endanger the public safety, as determined by the Commissioner.

The Commissioner may waive the vision requirements of subsection B for any commercial driver's license applicant who either (i) is subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations but is exempt from the vision standards of 49 C.F.R. Part 391 or (ii) is not required to meet the vision standards specified in 49 C.F.R. § 391.41 of the regulations.

In order to determine whether such a waiver would unduly endanger the public safety, the Commissioner shall require such commercial driver's license applicant to submit a special waiver application and to provide all medical information relating to his vision that may be requested by the Department. The Department may require such commercial driver's license applicant to take a road test administered by the Department before determining whether to grant a waiver. If a waiver is granted, the Department may subject the applicant's use of a commercial motor vehicle to reasonable restrictions, which shall be noted on the commercial driver's license. If a waiver is granted, the Department may also limit the validity period of the commercial driver's license, and the expiration date shall be noted on the commercial driver's license.

1968, c. 642, § 46.1-357.2; 1972, c. 502; 1980, c. 118; 1981, c. 194; 1984, c. 780; 1989, cc. 705, 727; 2010, c. 18 ; 2013, cc. 165 , 582 ; 2017, cc. 121 , 279 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1174 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 21 / Section 46.2-1174
Superintendent authorized to enter into Uniform Vehicle Inspection Reciprocity Agreement
Status: in_force

The Superintendent is authorized to enter into the Uniform Vehicle Inspection Reciprocity Agreement, adopted by the American Association of Motor Vehicles Administrators on January 1, 1967.

1968, c. 148, § 46.1-326.1; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-503 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 19 / Section 46.2-503
Suspension of privilege to operate a motor vehicle for failure to attend clinics
Status: in_force

The Commissioner shall suspend the privilege to operate a motor vehicle of any person who fails to satisfactorily complete a driver improvement clinic. This suspension shall remain in effect until such person satisfactorily completes the driver improvement clinic. This section shall not be applicable to persons attending clinics on a voluntary basis.

1974, c. 453, § 46.1-514.16; 1984, c. 673; 1989, c. 727; 1995, c. 672 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-507 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 19 / Section 46.2-507
Establishment of Intelligent Speed Assistance Program; penalty
Status: in_force

A. As used in this section:

"Commission" means the Commission on the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP) as established pursuant to § 18.2-273.2 .

"Intelligent speed assistance system" means a system that limits the speed at which a motor vehicle is capable of traveling based on the applicable speed limit where such motor vehicle is being operated.

"Program" means the Intelligent Speed Assistance Program established pursuant to this section.

B. The Executive Director of the Commission or his designee shall, pursuant to approval by the Commission, establish the Intelligent Speed Assistance Program for the administration of the provisions of this section and supervise the installation and compliance of intelligent speed assistance systems.

C. Upon receipt of notice from a court that a person is required to enroll in the Program, the Department shall:

1. Require such person's enrollment in the Program as a condition for obtaining and maintaining a restricted driver's license;

2. Suspend such person's driver's license and issue such person a restricted driver's license that indicates his participation in the Program; and

3. Not issue such person any other driver's license until such person successfully completes a period of enrollment as provided in subsection E.

D. The Department shall provide notice to any person required to enroll in the Program of the requirements of this section. Such notice shall be deemed to have been delivered if it is (i) hand-delivered to such person or (ii) sent by mail to the address on such person's driver's license.

E. A person's driver's license shall remain suspended pursuant to subdivision C 3, and a person's enrollment in the Program shall remain a condition for obtaining and maintaining a restricted driver's license pursuant to subdivision C 1, for the duration of time ordered by the court or, if such enrollment is pursuant to § 46.2-506 , for a period of nine months and after satisfactory completion of a driver improvement clinic.

F. A person enrolled in the Program pursuant to this section shall enter into and successfully complete the Program and (i) shall install a certified intelligent speed assistance system on each motor vehicle owned by or registered to such person and (ii) shall not operate any motor vehicle that is not equipped with a functioning, certified intelligent speed assistance system.

G. A person enrolled in the Program shall pay all costs associated with enrollment and participation in the Program, unless such person is found by the court or the Commission to be indigent.

H. The Executive Director of the Commission or his designee shall, pursuant to approval by the Commission, certify intelligent speed assistance systems for use in the Commonwealth and adopt regulations and forms for the installation, maintenance, and certification of such intelligent speed assistance systems. Such regulations shall include requirements that such intelligent speed assistance systems:

1. Do not impede the safe operation of the motor vehicle;

2. Minimize opportunities to be bypassed, circumvented, or tampered with, and provide evidence that such system has not been bypassed, circumvented, or tampered with;

3. Work accurately and reliably in an unsupervised environment;

4. Have the capability to provide an accurate measure of speed and record each attempt to bypass, circumvent, or tamper with such intelligent speed assistance systems;

5. Minimize inconvenience to other users of the motor vehicle;

6. Be manufactured or distributed by an entity that is responsible for the installation, user training, service, and maintenance of such intelligent speed assistance systems;

7. Operate reliably over the range of motor vehicle environments or motor vehicle manufacturing standards;

8. Be manufactured by an entity that is adequately insured against liability, in an amount established by the Commission, including product liability and liability against installation and maintenance errors; and

9. Provide for an electronic log of the driver's experience with such intelligent speed assistance system with an information management system capable of electronically delivering information to the Commission within 24 hours of the collection of such information from the data logger.

I. The regulations adopted pursuant to subsection H shall also provide for the establishment of a Fund, administered by the Commission, using a percentage of fees received by the manufacturer or distributor providing the intelligent speed assistance systems from a person enrolled in the Program, to assist any person found by the court or the Commission to be indigent with all or part of the costs of an intelligent speed assistance system.

J. The Commission shall publish a list of certified intelligent speed assistance systems and shall ensure that such intelligent speed assistance systems are available throughout the Commonwealth. The Commission shall make the list available to eligible offenders, who shall have the responsibility and authority to choose which certified intelligent speed assistance system manufacturer or distributor will supply such offender's certified intelligent speed assistance system. A manufacturer or distributor of intelligent speed assistance systems that seeks to sell or lease the intelligent speed assistance systems to persons subject to the provisions of this section shall pay the reasonable costs of obtaining the required certification, as established by the Commission.

K. A person may not sell or lease or offer to sell or lease an intelligent speed assistance system to any person unless:

1. The intelligent speed assistance system has been certified by the Commission; and

2. The warning label adopted by the Commission pursuant to subsection N is affixed to the intelligent speed assistance system.

L. A manufacturer or distributor of an intelligent speed assistance system shall provide such support services as may be required at no cost to the Commonwealth. Such services shall include a toll free, 24-hour telephone number for the users of intelligent speed assistance systems.

M. No person shall tamper with, or in any way attempt to circumvent, bypass, or tamper with the operation of, an intelligent speed assistance system that has been installed in a motor vehicle pursuant to this section. A violation of this subsection is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor. The venue for the prosecution of a violation of this subsection shall be where the offense occurred.

N. The Commission shall design and adopt a warning label to be affixed to an intelligent speed assistance system upon installation in a motor vehicle. The warning label shall state that a person tampering with or attempting to bypass or circumvent the intelligent speed assistance system is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and, upon conviction, is subject to a fine or incarceration or both.

O. Any person who enters into the Program prior to trial may pre-qualify with the Program to have an intelligent speed assistance system installed on any motor vehicle owned or operated by him and the court may consider such pre-qualification and installation.

P. The Commission shall promulgate such regulations and forms as are necessary to implement the Program established by this section.

2025, c. 652 ; 2026, cc. 686 , 687 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-208.2 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 2 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-208.2
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2020, c. 701 , cl. 2, effective April 6, 2020.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.4 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.4
Special license plates bearing the seal, symbol, emblem, or logotype of counties, cities, and towns
Status: in_force

A. On receipt of a minimum of 350 paid applications and a design therefor, the Commissioner may develop and issue special license plates whose design incorporates the seal, symbol, emblem, or logotype of any county, city, or town. However, in lieu of the minimum paid applications, a locality may elect to pay the initial issuance fee costs to the Commissioner and the Commissioner may develop and issue such special license plates immediately. If all affected localities agree as to its design, the Commissioner may develop and issue special license plates jointly for more than one locality. Each local governing body of the counties, cities, or towns involved in the design of the license plates shall agree as to the issuance fee and shall indicate to the Commissioner in writing whether the license plates issued shall be revenue sharing or nonrevenue sharing license plates.

B. The annual fee for plates issued pursuant to this section that are nonrevenue sharing license plates shall be $10 plus the prescribed fee for state license plates.

C. The annual fee for plates issued pursuant to this section that are revenue sharing license plates shall be $25 plus the prescribed fee for state license plates. For each such $25 fee collected in excess of 1,000 registrations pursuant to this section, $15 shall be paid to the locality whose seal, symbol, emblem, or logotype appears on the plate. These funds shall be paid to the affected localities annually and may be used as provided by the local governing body. For license plates issued jointly for more than one locality, these funds shall be apportioned among the affected localities as agreed to with the Commissioner prior to issue.

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

1993, c. 560; 1995, c. 747 ; 1996, c. 1026 ; 1999, cc. 883 , 907 ; 2003, c. 925 ; 2004, c. 747 ; 2005, c. 273 ; 2022, c. 54 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-213 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 2 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-213
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2020, c. 701 , cl. 2, effective April 6, 2020.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-812 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-812
Driving more than thirteen hours in twenty-four prohibited
Status: in_force

No person shall drive any motor vehicle on the highways of the Commonwealth for more than thirteen hours in any period of twenty-four hours or for a period which, when added to the time such person may have driven in any other state, would make an aggregate of more than thirteen hours in any twenty-four-hour period. The provisions of this section, however, shall not apply to the operation of motor vehicles used in snow or ice control or removal operations or similar emergency situations.

No owner of any vehicle shall cause or permit it to be driven in violation of this section.

Code 1950, § 46-219; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-201; 1978, c. 12; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2139 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-2139
Surrender of license plate and registration card; removal by law enforcement; operation of vehicle denied
Status: in_force

A. It shall be unlawful for a permittee or certificate holder whose permit or certificate has expired or been revoked or suspended or whose renewal thereof has been denied pursuant to this chapter to fail or refuse to surrender, on demand, to the Department license plates and registration cards issued under this title.

B. It shall be unlawful for a vehicle owner who is not the holder of a valid permit or certificate or whose vehicle is not validly leased to a motor carrier holding an active permit or certificate to fail or refuse to surrender to the Department on demand license plates and registration cards issued under this title.

C. If any law-enforcement officer finds that a vehicle bearing Virginia license plates or temporary transport plates is in violation of subsection A or B, such law-enforcement officer may remove the license plate or plates and registration card. If a law-enforcement officer removes a license plate or registration card, he shall forward such license plate and registration card to the Department.

D. When informed that a motor carrier vehicle is being operated in violation of this section, the driver shall drive the vehicle to a nearby location off the public highways and not remove it or allow it to be moved until the motor carrier is in compliance with all provisions of this chapter.

2001, c. 596 ; 2015, c. 258 ; 2017, cc. 790 , 815 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2093 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 20 / Article 6 / Section 46.2-2093
Joint tariffs; power of attorney
Status: in_force

A. A common carrier regulated pursuant to this article may authorize an agent or may join with another carrier or carriers in the publication of a joint tariff, supplement or amendment, and, where such authority is given, shall file with the Department prior to publication power of attorney or notice of concurrence, which shall specifically set out the authority given.

B. Where a carrier issues a power of attorney to an agent or a concurrence to another carrier for the publication of tariffs, such power of attorney or concurrence may not be revoked except upon sixty days' notice to the Department and the agent or carrier to which the power of attorney or concurrence was issued, except upon special permission of the Department.

2001, c. 596 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-613.2 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-613.2
Service of process in civil penalty cases for violation of license, registration, and tax requirements and vehicle size limitations
Status: in_force

Any person, whether resident or nonresident, who permits the operation of a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth by his agent or employee shall be deemed to have appointed the operator of such motor vehicle his statutory agent for the purpose of service of process in any proceeding against such person growing out of any violation under § 46.2-613.1 . Acceptance by a nonresident of the rights and privileges conferred by Article 5 (§ 46.2-655 et seq.) of Chapter 6 shall have the same effect under this section as operation of such motor vehicle by such nonresident, his agent, or his employee.

2011, cc. 62 , 73 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1541 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-1541
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 1995, cc. 767 and 816 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1217.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 12 / Article 3 / Section 46.2-1217.1
Towing of certain large vehicles; civil penalty
Status: in_force

On any invoice charging $10,000 or more for towing and recovery services rendered pursuant to a lawful request for towing by a law-enforcement officer or other uniformed employee of a law-enforcement agency who specifically is authorized to make a request for towing by the chief law-enforcement officer or his designee for the towing and recovery of a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of greater than 26,000 pounds, the towing and recovery operator shall include the telephone number and website address for the Division of Consumer Counsel within the Office of the Attorney General.

Any towing and recovery operator in violation of the provisions of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty of $1,000 per violation.

2022, c. 567 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2127 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-2127
Freight bill violation
Status: in_force

Any motor carrier that consistently submits a freight bill to a shipper for services rendered, which bill is more than ten percent above the written estimate of charges for such services, shall be subject to penalties and/or revocation or suspension of certificate as provided in this chapter.

2001, c. 596 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2136 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-2136
Suspension, revocation, and refusal to renew permit or certificate; notice and hearing
Status: in_force

A. Except as provided in subsection D, unless otherwise provided in this chapter, no permit or certificate of fitness issued under this chapter shall be suspended or revoked, or renewal thereof refused, unless the permittee or certificate holder has been furnished a written copy of the complaint against him and the grounds upon which the action is taken and has been offered an opportunity for an administrative hearing to show cause why such action should not be taken.

B. The order suspending, revoking, or denying renewal of a permit or certificate of fitness shall not become effective until the permittee or certificate holder has, after notice of the opportunity for a hearing, had 30 days to make a written request for such a hearing. If no hearing has been requested within such 30-day period, the order shall become effective and no hearing shall thereafter be held. A timely request for a hearing shall automatically stay operation of the order until after the hearing.

C. Notice of an order suspending, revoking, or denying renewal of a permit or certificate of fitness and an opportunity for a hearing shall be mailed to the permittee or certificate holder by registered or certified mail at the address as shown on the permit or certificate or other record of information in possession of the Department and shall be considered served when mailed.

D. If the Department makes a finding, after conducting a preliminary investigation, that the conduct of a permittee or certificate holder (i) is in violation of this chapter or regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter and (ii) such violation constitutes a danger to public safety, the Department may issue an order suspending the permit or certificate. Notice of the suspension shall be in writing and mailed in accordance with subsection C. Upon receipt of a request for a hearing appealing the suspension, the permittee or certificate holder shall be afforded the opportunity for a hearing within 30 days. The suspension shall remain in effect pending the outcome of the hearing.

2001, c. 596 ; 2011, cc. 881 , 889 ; 2017, cc. 790 , 815 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.46 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.46
Special license plates; naval aviators
Status: in_force

On receipt of an application and written evidence that the applicant is or has been a naval aviator, the Commissioner shall issue to the applicant special license plates.

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

2000, c. 766 ; 2023, c. 539 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1237 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 12 / Article 3 / Section 46.2-1237
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 1997, cc. 783 and 904 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2140 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-2140
Title to plates
Status: in_force

All registration cards and license plates issued by the Department shall remain the property of the Department.

2001, c. 596 ; 2017, cc. 790 , 815 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1245 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 12.1 / Section 46.2-1245
Four hours' free parking in time-restricted or metered spaces; local option
Status: in_force

A. The disabled person, vehicle owner, or volunteer for an institution or organization to which disabled parking license plates, organizational removable windshield placards, permanent windshield placards, or temporary removable windshield placards are issued or any person to whom disabled parking license plates have been issued under subsection B of § 46.2-739 shall be allowed to park the vehicle on which such license plates or placards are displayed for up to four hours in metered or unmetered parking zones restricted as to length of parking time permitted and shall be exempted from paying parking meter fees of any county, city, or town.

B. This section shall not apply to any local ordinance which creates zones where stopping, standing, or parking is prohibited, or which creates parking zones for special types of vehicles, nor shall it apply to any local ordinance which prohibits parking during heavy traffic periods, during specified rush hours, or where parking would clearly present a traffic hazard.

C. The governing body of any county, city, or town may by ordinance provide that this section shall not apply within the boundaries or within any designated portion of such county, city, or town. Any county, city, or town adopting an ordinance pursuant to this subsection shall indicate by signs or other reasonable notice that the provisions of this section do not apply in such county, city, or town or designated portion thereof.

1997, cc. 783 , 904 ; 2012, cc. 17 , 286 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-742.1:1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-742.1:1
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2011, c. 21 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-746.15 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-746.15
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2002, c. 90 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1012 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 3 / Section 46.2-1012
Headlights, auxiliary headlights, tail lights, brake lights, auxiliary lights, and illumination of license plates on motorcycles or autocycles
Status: in_force

Every motorcycle or autocycle shall be equipped with at least one headlight which shall be of a type that has been approved by the Superintendent and shall be capable of projecting sufficient light to the front of such motorcycle or autocycle to render discernible a person or object at a distance of 200 feet. In addition, each motorcycle or autocycle may be equipped with not more than two auxiliary headlights of a type approved by the Superintendent except as otherwise provided in this section. However, headlights shall not (i) project a glaring or dazzling light to persons approaching such motorcycles or autocycles or (ii) have any aftermarket modifications that cause such headlights to appear as a blue light. Such prohibition shall not be construed to prohibit the installation and use of headlights of types approved by the Superintendent.

Motorcycles or autocycles may be equipped with means of modulating the high beam of their headlights between high and low beam at a rate of 200 to 280 flashes per minute. Such headlights shall not be so modulated during periods when headlights would ordinarily be required to be lighted under § 46.2-1030 .

Notwithstanding § 46.2-1002 , motorcycles or autocycles may be equipped with standard bulb running lights or light-emitting diode (LED) pods or strips as auxiliary lighting. Such lighting shall be (i) either red or amber in color, (ii) directed toward the ground in such a manner that no part of the beam will strike the level of the surface on which the motorcycle or autocycle stands at a distance of more than 10 feet from the vehicle, and (iii) designed for vehicular use. Such lighting shall not (a) project a beam of light of an intensity greater than 25 candlepower or 314.25 lumens or its equivalent from a single lamp or bulb; (b) be blinking, flashing, oscillating, or rotating; or (c) be attached to the wheels of the motorcycle or autocycle.

Every motorcycle or autocycle registered in the Commonwealth and operated on the highways of the Commonwealth shall be equipped with at least one brake light of a type approved by the Superintendent. Motorcycles or autocycles may be equipped with one or more auxiliary brake lights of a type approved by the Superintendent. The Superintendent may by regulation prescribe or limit the size, number, location, and configuration of such auxiliary brake lights.

Every motorcycle or autocycle shall carry at the rear at least one or more red lights plainly visible in clear weather from a distance of 500 feet to the rear of such vehicle. Such tail lights shall be constructed and so mounted in their relation to the rear license plate as to illuminate the license plate with a white light so that the same may be read from a distance of 50 feet to the rear of such vehicle. Alternatively, a separate white light shall be so mounted as to illuminate the rear license plate from a distance of 50 feet to the rear of such vehicle. Any such tail lights or special white light shall be of a type approved by the Superintendent.

Motorcycles or autocycles may be equipped with a means of varying the brightness of the vehicle's brake light upon application of the vehicle's brakes.

Code 1950, § 46-266; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-261; 1983, c. 132; 1989, c. 727; 1991, c. 165; 2003, c. 964 ; 2009, c. 79 ; 2014, cc. 53 , 256 ; 2015, c. 405 ; 2018, c. 763 ; 2020, c. 393 ; 2023, c. 689 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-819.6 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 1.1 / Section 46.2-819.6
Invoice for unpaid toll
Status: in_force

A. The operator of a toll facility shall send an invoice for the unpaid toll pursuant to subsection C to the registered owner of the vehicle. An invoice for the unpaid toll shall contain the following:

1. The name and address of the registered owner alleged to be liable under this section;

2. The registration number of the motor vehicle involved in such violation or information obtained from an automatic vehicle identification system if the vehicle is identified by an automatic vehicle identification system for the purpose of violation detection;

3. The location where such violation took place;

4. The date and time of such violation;

5. The amount of the toll not paid;

6. The amount of the administrative fee;

7. The date by which the toll and administrative fee must be paid;

8. The statutory defenses available under this chapter, including a notice of (i) the summoned person's ability to provide the name and address of the vehicle operator at the time of the violation through the filing of an affidavit as provided in § 33.2-503 , 46.2-819.1 , or 46.2-819.3:1 and (ii) instructions for filing such affidavit, including the address to which the affidavit is to be sent;

9. A warning describing the penalties for nonpayment of the invoice for the unpaid toll or failure to file a notice to contest liability for the unpaid toll; and

10. The procedures and time limits for filing a notice to contest liability for an unpaid toll as provided in subsection C of § 46.2-819.3:1 .

B. The toll facility operator shall include with the invoice a form to be used by the registered owner or operator of the vehicle to contest liability for an unpaid toll. This form shall include the mailing address to which it should be sent.

C. Whenever an invoice for an unpaid toll is to be provided to any person by the toll facility operator, it may be executed by mailing by first-class mail a copy of the invoice to the address of the owner of the vehicle as shown on the records of the Department.

2011, c. 736 ; 2016, c. 753 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.98 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.98
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2004, cc. 717 and 984 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-341.20:5 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 6.1 / Section 46.2-341.20:5
Prohibition on texting and use of handheld mobile telephone; penalties
Status: in_force

A. No person driving a commercial motor vehicle shall text or use a handheld mobile telephone while driving such vehicle. A driver who violates this section is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $2,750. Civil penalties collected under this section shall be deposited into the Highway Maintenance and Operating Fund established pursuant to § 33.2-1530 . Pursuant to 49 C.F.R. § 386.81, the determination of the actual civil penalties assessed is based on consideration of information available at the time the claim is made concerning the nature and gravity of the violation and, with respect to the violator, the degree of culpability, history of prior offenses, ability to pay, effect on ability to continue to do business, and such other matters as justice and public safety may require.

B. Notwithstanding the definition of commercial motor vehicle in § 46.2-341.4 , this section shall apply to any driver who drives a vehicle designed or used to transport between nine and 15 passengers, including the driver, not for direct compensation.

C. The provisions of this section shall not apply to drivers who are texting or using a handheld mobile telephone when necessary to communicate with law-enforcement officials or other emergency services.

D. The following words and phrases when used in this section only shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section except in those instances where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

"Driving" means operating a commercial motor vehicle on a highway, including while temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic control device, or other momentary delays. Driving does not include operating a commercial motor vehicle when the driver has moved the vehicle to the side of or off a highway and has halted in a location where the vehicle can safely remain stationary.

"Mobile telephone" means a mobile communication device that falls under or uses any commercial mobile radio service, as defined in regulations of the Federal Communications Commission, 47 C.F.R. § 20.3. "Mobile telephone" does not include two-way or citizens band radio services.

"Texting" means manually entering alphanumeric text into, or reading text from, an electronic device. This action includes, but is not limited to, short message service, emailing, instant messaging, a command or request to access a website, pressing more than a single button to initiate or terminate a voice communication using a mobile telephone, or engaging in any other form of electronic text retrieval or entry for present or future communication. "Texting" does not include inputting, selecting, or reading information on a global positioning system or navigation system; pressing a single button to initiate or terminate a voice communication using a telephone; or using a device capable of performing multiple functions (e.g., fleet management systems, dispatching devices, smartphones, citizens band radios, music players, etc.) for a purpose that is not otherwise prohibited in this section.

"Use a handheld mobile telephone" means using at least one hand to hold a mobile telephone to conduct a voice communication; dialing or answering a mobile telephone by pressing more than a single button; or reaching for a mobile telephone in a manner that requires a driver to maneuver so that he is no longer in a seated driving position, restrained by a seat belt that is installed in accordance with 49 C.F.R. § 393.93 and adjusted in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's instructions.

2013, cc. 165 , 582 ; 2014, cc. 77 , 803 ; 2020, cc. 1230 , 1275 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-644.01 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-644.01
Lien of keeper of vehicles
Status: in_force

A. For purposes of this section, "keeper of vehicles" means a garage keeper; a person keeping any vehicles, including a self-storage facility; and a tow truck driver or towing and recovery operator furnishing services involving the towing and recovery of vehicles or clean up related to vehicle collisions.

B. Every keeper of vehicles shall have a lien upon such vehicles for the amount that may be due him for the towing, storage, recovery, and care thereof, until such amount is paid. In the case of a tow truck driver or towing and recovery operator furnishing services to a truck, tractor truck, or combination of vehicles, any such lien held shall apply to any power unit, tractor, trailer, or semitrailer in the combination.

Such lien shall be in addition to any lien under § 46.2-644.02 . Any garage keeper to whom a vehicle has been delivered pursuant to § 46.2-1209 , 46.2-1213 , or 46.2-1215 shall, within 30 days from the date of delivery, have a lien upon such vehicle pursuant to this section, provided that action has not been taken pursuant to such sections for the sale of the vehicle.

C. In the case of any vehicle for which the title shows an existing lien, the keeper of vehicles shall have a lien upon the vehicle for his reasonable charges for storage under this section not to exceed $500; however, the keeper of vehicles shall also be entitled to a lien against any proceeds remaining after the satisfaction of all prior security interests or liens. In addition, any tow truck driver or towing and recovery operator shall have a lien for all normal costs incident to any towing and recovery services furnished for the vehicle.

In the case of any vehicle not subject to an existing lien on the title, the keeper of vehicles shall have a lien thereon for his reasonable charges for storage under this section, alone or in combination with a lien under § 46.2-644.02 not to exceed the value of the vehicle as determined by the provisions of § 8.01-419.1 .

D. The keeper of vehicles, or the authorized agents of such, shall ascertain from the Department whether the certificate of title for the vehicle shows a lien in accordance with the provisions of § 46.2-644.03 within seven business days of taking possession of the vehicle. The owner or lienholder shall have 10 business days from the date of the notice sent by the Department pursuant to § 46.2-644.03 to reclaim the vehicle. The terms for such reclamation shall be the payment of the amount due to the keeper of the vehicles or other amount as agreed by the parties. If the vehicle remains unclaimed, the keeper of the vehicles may enforce the lien under the provisions of § 46.2-644.03 or relinquish the lien under the provisions of § 46.2-644.04 .

For purposes of this subsection, the date of possession for a garage keeper to whom a vehicle has been delivered pursuant to § 46.2-1209 , 46.2-1213 , or 46.2-1215 shall be the date such lien attaches, and the date of possession for a self-storage facility shall be the date on which the facility owner learns that a leased space subject to default contains a motor vehicle.

E. Any lien created under this section shall not extend to any personal property or cargo that is not attached to or considered to be necessary for the proper operation of any motor vehicle, and it shall be the duty of any keeper of vehicles to permit the owner of the vehicle or cargo to access the vehicle in order to recover his personal property or cargo, provided that the owner claims and retrieves the items at least two business days prior to the auction date. The keeper of vehicles may dispose of any unclaimed personal property or cargo.

F. For the purposes of this section, in the case of a truck or combination of vehicles, the owner, or in the case of a rented or leased vehicle, the lessee of the truck or tractor truck, shall be liable for the costs of the towing, recovery, and storage of the cargo and of any trailer or semitrailer in the combination, and the keeper of vehicles of any such vehicle shall have an immediate lien upon any truck, tractor truck, or combination of vehicles, including any power unit, tractor, trailer, or semitrailer in the combination. Nothing in this subsection, however, shall bar the owner of the truck or tractor truck from subsequently seeking to recover from the owner of any trailer, semitrailer, or cargo all or any portion of these towing, recovery, and storage costs.

2009, c. 664 ; 2016, c. 397 ; 2019, c. 561 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 374 ; 2023, c. 317 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1251 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 12.1 / Section 46.2-1251
Fraudulently obtaining a disabled parking license plate or placard; penalty
Status: in_force

A. Any person who makes a false statement of material fact to obtain or assist an individual in obtaining a disabled parking license plate, DV disabled parking license plate which has been issued under subsection B of § 46.2-739 , organizational removable windshield placard, permanent removable windshield placard, or temporary removable windshield placard shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

B. The local governing body of any county, city, or town may by ordinance incorporate this provision by reference.

1997, cc. 783 , 904 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1701 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 17 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-1701
Licenses required for school and instructor; fees
Status: in_force

No driver training school shall be established or continue operation unless the school obtains from the Commissioner a license authorizing the school to operate within the Commonwealth. The application for such license shall identify all driver training school owners and separately identify each manager and instructor employed by the driver training school. If such driver training school is an entity required to register with the Commission under Title 13.1, such application shall include evidence of such registration.

No instructor shall perform the actions enumerated in the definition of "instructor" in § 46.2-1700 unless he obtains from the Commissioner a license authorizing him to act as driving instructor. Such license shall be valid for a period of two years. A nonrefundable license fee of $75 shall be paid to the Department by a person applying for an instructor license. The first license issued to an instructor shall expire on the same date the driver training school's license expires, and the first license fee may be prorated on a monthly basis. Thereafter, the renewal period for the instructor shall match that of the school. The Commissioner may require instructor applicants to complete training on the administration of any behind-the-wheel examination and may require such applicants to exhibit proficiency in the administration of such examinations.

The Commissioner shall have authority to set and collect school and instructor licensing fees. All licensing fees collected by the Commissioner under this chapter shall be paid into the state treasury and set aside as a special fund to meet the expenses of the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Upon application of a driver training school licensed in accordance with this chapter, the Commissioner may license such driver training school using criteria established by the Commissioner pursuant to § 46.2-1702 to provide computer-based driver education courses using curricula approved by the Commissioner.

The Commissioner may issue a two-year license to driver training schools, including computer-based driver education providers. A nonrefundable license fee of $150 shall be required with each such application. Such licensing fee shall be in addition to fees permitted under this chapter.

1990, c. 466; 2004, c. 587 ; 2016, c. 437 ; 2023, cc. 308 , 309 ; 2025, c. 79 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-703.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 7 / Section 46.2-703.1
Additional fee for fleets of vehicles registered under § 46.2-703
Status: in_force

In addition to any other fees required to be paid for vehicles registered under the provisions of § 46.2-703 , the Department shall charge an administrative fee of one dollar per year per fleet for each application processed. All fees collected under this section shall be used exclusively for the administration and support of reciprocity activities described in § 46.2-703 .

1993, c. 83.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1144 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 18 / Section 46.2-1144
Overweight permits for solid waste haulers
Status: in_force

The Commissioner, upon written application by the owner or operator of vehicles used exclusively for hauling solid waste other than hazardous waste, shall issue a permit authorizing the operation on the highway of such vehicles at gross weights in excess of those set forth in § 46.2-1126 .

No permit issued under this section shall authorize a single axle weight of more than 20,000 pounds or a tandem axle weight of more than 40,000 pounds. No such permit shall be issued for a total gross weight in excess of 40,000 pounds for a two-axle vehicle, or of more than 60,000 pounds for a three-axle vehicle. Such permit shall be obtained annually at the time the vehicle is registered. The Commissioner may promulgate regulations governing such permits.

No such permit shall authorize the operation of any vehicle enumerated in this section beyond the boundary of the county or city where it is principally garaged or for a distance of more than 25 miles from the place where it is principally garaged, whichever is greater. However, 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.

The fee for a permit issued under this section shall be as provided in § 46.2-1140.1 .

For the purposes of this section, the terms "solid waste" and "hazardous waste" shall have the meanings provided in § 10.1-1400 .

1973, c. 62, § 46.1-343.3; 1989, c. 727; 1996, cc. 36 , 87 ; 2003, c. 314 ; 2012, c. 443 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-749.31 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-749.31
Special license plates; Virginia lighthouses
Status: in_force

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

1999, c. 883 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-221.3 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 2 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-221.3
Grace period for business credentialing for armed forces personnel returning from duty outside the United States
Status: in_force

Owners or operators of businesses and other persons licensed or credentialed in the Commonwealth by the Department who have served outside of the United States in the armed services of the United States shall have a 60-day grace period, beginning on the date they are no longer serving outside the United States, during which they may reopen the business or again perform credentialed activities prior to complying with the business license, certificate, permit, or other such business and professional credential requirements of this title.

To be eligible for the grace period, persons qualifying under this section shall:

1. Have held a valid license, permit, certificate, or other such business or professional credential issued by the Department at the time the person began service in the armed forces outside of the United States; and

2. Not operate the business or perform credentialed activities during the period of the person's military service.

Prior to reopening the business or again performing credentialed activities during the 60-day grace period, persons qualifying under this section shall notify the Department of their intentions and verify that they are in compliance with all other requirements established by the Department and set forth in this title relating to their business or profession. Such persons shall have in their possession, while operating the business or performing credentialed activities, (i) orders or other military documentation demonstrating that they are entitled to the benefits of this section, and (ii) the latest license, certificate, permit, or other such business or professional credential issued to them by the Department.

For the purposes of this section "service in the armed services" includes active duty service with the regular Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard or other reserve component.

2004, c. 975 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-927 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 16 / Section 46.2-927
Boarding or alighting from buses
Status: in_force

When actually boarding or alighting from buses, pedestrians shall have the right-of-way over vehicles, but shall not, in order to board or alight from buses, step into the highway sooner or remain there longer than is absolutely necessary.

Code 1950, § 46-246; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-233; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-906 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 12 / Section 46.2-906
Carrying articles or passengers on bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, electric power-assisted bicycles, and mopeds
Status: in_force

No person operating a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped on a highway shall carry any package, bundle, or article that prevents the driver from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars.

No bicycle or moped shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number of persons for which it was designed or is equipped, except that an adult bicycle rider may carry a child less than six years old if such child is securely attached to the bicycle in a seat or trailer designed for carrying children.

1974, c. 347, § 46.1-229.2; 1981, c. 585; 1989, c. 727; 2001, c. 834 ; 2002, c. 254 ; 2003, cc. 29 , 46 ; 2006, cc. 529 , 538 ; 2007, cc. 209 , 366 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-351 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 9 / Section 46.2-351
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 1999, cc. 945 , 987 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-369 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-369
Commissioner to administer and enforce chapter; regulations; summoning witnesses and taking testimony
Status: in_force

The Commissioner shall administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter and he may adopt regulations for its administration. He may issue subpoenas for witnesses to attend, administer oaths, and take testimony in, the hearings provided in this chapter for the purpose of finding whether driver's licenses, license plates, or registrations should be suspended or revoked. If any person fails or refuses to obey the subpoena, or to give testimony, the Commissioner shall notify the circuit or district court of the county or city in which the hearing is or was to have been held. On receipt of the notice, the court shall, by appropriate process, compel his attendance or testimony or both, to the same extent that it could be required in a proceeding in the court.

Code 1950, § 46-394; 1952, c. 670; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-396; 1984, c. 780; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1171 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 21 / Section 46.2-1171
Penalties for violation of article
Status: in_force

Any person violating this article shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor for the first offense and guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor for each subsequent offense except as otherwise provided in this article. If the violation of this article or regulations of the Superintendent made pursuant thereto is by an official inspection station in addition to or in lieu of such fine imposed by a court the Superintendent may, whether or not the violation is a first offense against this article or regulation of the Superintendent, suspend the appointment of the inspection station or, if in his opinion after a hearing, the facts warrant such action, the Superintendent may revoke the designation of such inspection station.

Code 1950, § 46-322; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-324; 1989, c. 727.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-810.1 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-810.1
Smoking in vehicle with a minor present; civil penalty
Status: in_force

A. For the purposes of this section, "smoke" means to carry or hold any lighted pipe, cigar, or cigarette of any kind or any other lighted smoking equipment or to light or inhale or exhale smoke from a pipe, cigar, or cigarette of any kind or any other lighted smoking equipment.

B. It is unlawful for a person to smoke in a motor vehicle, whether in motion or at rest, when a minor under the age of 15 is present in the motor vehicle. A violation of this section is punishable by a civil penalty of $100 to be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Literary Fund. No demerit points shall be assigned under Article 19 (§ 46.2-489 et seq.) of Chapter 3 and no court costs shall be assessed for a violation of this section. A violation of this section may be charged on the uniform traffic summons form.

C. No law-enforcement officer shall stop a motor vehicle for a violation of this section. No evidence discovered or obtained as the result of a stop in violation of this subsection, including evidence discovered or obtained with the operator's consent, shall be admissible in any trial, hearing, or other proceeding.

2016, c. 515 ; 2020, c. 972 ; 2020, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 45 , 51 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1241 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 12.1 / Section 46.2-1241
Issuance of disabled parking placards
Status: in_force

A. Upon application of a person with a disability that limits or impairs his ability to walk or that creates a concern for his safety while walking, the Commissioner shall issue a permanent removable windshield placard for use on a passenger car or pickup or panel truck. The Commissioner shall require that each original application be accompanied by a certification signed by a licensed physician, licensed podiatrist, licensed chiropractor, licensed advanced practice registered nurse, or licensed physician assistant on forms prescribed by the Commissioner that the applicant meets the definition of "person with a disability that limits or impairs his ability to walk or that creates a concern for his safety while walking" contained in § 46.2-1240 .

1. The Commissioner shall provide for the renewal of such placards every five years. Applications for renewals may require the applicant to certify that his disability is a permanent disability, but renewal applications need not be accompanied by a physician's, a podiatrist's, a chiropractor's, an advanced practice registered nurse's, or a physician assistant's certification of the applicant's disability. The Commissioner shall work in consultation with the Medical Advisory Board for the Department to develop a definition of "permanent disability" as used in this subdivision. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this chapter, no physician's, podiatrist's, chiropractor's, advanced practice registered nurse's, or physician assistant's certification of an applicant's disability shall be required for the renewal of any disabled parking placard of an applicant to whom disabled parking license plates have been issued under § 46.2-731 .

2. The placards shall be of a design approved by the Commissioner pursuant to the specifications and definitions contained in § 46.2-1240 .

B. Upon the application of a person with a disability that limits or impairs his ability to walk or creates a concern for his safety while walking and whose disability is temporary, the Commissioner shall issue a temporary removable windshield placard. The application for a temporary removable windshield placard shall be accompanied by a certification signed by a licensed physician, an advanced practice registered nurse, a physician assistant, a podiatrist, or a chiropractor on forms prescribed by the Commissioner that the applicant meets the definition of "person with a condition that limits or impairs his ability to walk or creates a concern for his safety while walking" contained in § 46.2-1240 and shall also include the period of time that the physician, podiatrist, or chiropractor determines the applicant will have the disability, not to exceed 12 months.

1. A licensed physician, an advanced practice registered nurse, a physician assistant, a podiatrist, or a chiropractor may certify up to 15 days in advance of an applicant's medical procedure that an applicant will meet the definition of "person with a condition that limits or impairs his ability to walk or creates a concern for his safety while walking" and that the disability will be temporary. Any licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse, physician assistant, podiatrist, or chiropractor who certifies an applicant's disability in advance of a medical procedure shall provide the period of time for which the physician, advanced practice registered nurse, physician assistant, podiatrist, or chiropractor has determined that the applicant will have the disability, not to exceed 12 months. The Commissioner will mail the temporary placard to the applicant.

2. The temporary removable windshield placard shall be valid for the period of time for which the physician, podiatrist, or chiropractor has determined that the applicant will have the disability, not to exceed 12 months from the date of issuance.

3. The placards shall be of a design approved by the Commissioner pursuant to the specifications and definitions contained in § 46.2-1240 .

C. On application, the Commissioner shall issue to hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, and other institutions and organizations meeting criteria determined by the Commissioner organizational removable windshield placards, as provided for in the foregoing provisions of this section, for use by volunteers when transporting disabled persons in passenger vehicles and pickup or panel trucks owned by such volunteers. The provisions of this section relating to other windshield placards issued under this section shall also apply, mutatis mutandis, to windshield placards issued to these institutions and organizations, except that windshield placards issued to institutions and agencies, in addition to their expiration date, shall bear the name of the institution or organization whose volunteers will be using the windshield placards rather than the name, age, and sex of the person to whom issued.

1. The Commissioner shall provide for the renewal of such placards every five years.

2. The placards shall be of a design approved by the Commissioner pursuant to the specifications and definitions contained in § 46.2-1240 .

D. No person shall use or display an organizational removable windshield placard, permanent removable windshield placard or temporary removable windshield placard beyond its expiration date.

E. Organizational removable windshield placards, permanent removable windshield placards and temporary removable windshield placards shall be displayed in such a manner that they may be viewed from the front and rear of the vehicle and be hanging from the rearview mirror of a vehicle utilizing a parking space reserved for persons with disabilities that limit or impair their ability to walk or create a concern for their safety while walking. When there is no rearview mirror, the placard shall be displayed on the vehicle's dashboard. No placard shall be displayed from the rearview mirror while a vehicle is in motion.

1997, cc. 783 , 904 ; 2001, c. 136 ; 2002, c. 133 ; 2003, c. 992 ; 2005, c. 276 ; 2007, c. 715 ; 2013, c. 137 ; 2023, c. 183 ; 2024, c. 411 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-800 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-800
Riding bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, electric power-assisted bicycles, mopeds, or motorized skateboards or scooters; riding or driving animals
Status: in_force

Every person riding a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, moped, motorized skateboard or scooter, or animal or driving an animal on a highway shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter and shall have all of the rights and duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle, unless the context of the provision clearly indicates otherwise.

The provisions of subsections A and C of § 46.2-920 applicable to operation of emergency vehicles under emergency conditions shall also apply, mutatis mutandis, to bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, electric power-assisted bicycles, mopeds, and motorized skateboards or scooters operated under similar emergency conditions by law-enforcement officers.

Code 1950, § 46-183; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-171; 1980, c. 456; 1981, c. 585; 1989, c. 727; 1994, c. 176 ; 2001, c. 834 ; 2002, c. 254 ; 2019, c. 780 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-2143 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 21 / Article 2 / Section 46.2-2143
Surety bonds, insurance, letter of credit or securities required prior to issuance of registration
Status: in_force

No certificate of fitness, permit, registration card, or license plate shall be issued by the Department to any motor carrier or for any vehicle operated by or on behalf of a motor carrier until the motor carrier certifies to the Department that the vehicle is covered by one or more of the following, in the amount or amounts set forth in § 46.2-2143.1 :

1. An insurance policy or bond;

2. A certificate of insurance in lieu of the insurance policy or bond, certifying that such policy or bond covers the liability of such motor carrier in accordance with the provisions of this article, is issued by an authorized insurer, or in the case of bonds, is in an amount approved by the Department. The bonds may be issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia, the United States of America, or any municipality in the Commonwealth. Such bonds shall be deposited with the State Treasurer and the surety shall not be reduced except in accordance with an order of the Department;

3. An unconditional letter of credit, issued by a bank doing business in Virginia, for an amount approved by the Department. The letter of credit shall be in effect so long as the motor carrier operates motor vehicles in the Commonwealth; or

4. In the case of a lessor who acts as a registrant for purposes of consolidating lessees' vehicle registration applications, a statement that the registrant has, before leasing a vehicle, obtained from the lessee an insurance policy, bond, or certificate of insurance in lieu of the insurance policy or bond and can make available said proof of insurance coverage upon demand.

Vehicles belonging to carriers who have filed proof of financial responsibility in accordance with the unified carrier registration system authorized by 49 U.S.C. § 14504a are deemed to have fulfilled the requirements of this article for insurance purposes. The Department is further authorized to register any qualified carrier under the unified carrier registration system as well as to collect and disperse the fees for registration under that system.

2001, c. 596 ; 2006, c. 208 ; 2011, cc. 881 , 889 ; 2012, c. 638 ; 2017, cc. 790 , 815 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1503.5 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 1 / Section 46.2-1503.5
Biennial report
Status: in_force

The Board shall submit a biennial report to the Governor and General Assembly on or before November 1 of each even-numbered year. The biennial report shall contain, at a minimum, the following information: (i) a summary of the Board's fiscal affairs, (ii) a description of the Board's activities, (iii) statistical information regarding the administrative hearings and decisions of the Board, and (iv) a general summary of all complaints received against licensees and the procedures used to resolve the complaints.

1995, cc. 767 , 816 ; 2004, c. 650 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1158.01 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 21 / Section 46.2-1158.01
Exceptions to motor vehicle inspection requirement
Status: in_force

A. The following shall be exempt from inspection as required by § 46.2-1157 :

1. Four-wheel vehicles weighing less than 500 pounds and having less than 6 horsepower;

2. Boat, utility, or travel trailers that are not equipped with brakes;

3. Antique motor vehicles or antique trailers as defined in § 46.2-100 and licensed pursuant to § 46.2-730 ;

4. Any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer that is outside the Commonwealth at the time its inspection expires when operated by the most direct route to the owner's or operator's place of residence or the owner's legal place of business in the Commonwealth;

5. A truck, tractor truck, trailer, or semitrailer for which the period fixed for inspection has expired while the vehicle was outside the Commonwealth (i) from a point outside the Commonwealth to the place where such vehicle is kept or garaged within the Commonwealth or (ii) to a destination within the Commonwealth where such vehicle will be (a) unloaded within 24 hours of entering the Commonwealth, (b) inspected within such 24-hour period, and (c) operated, after being unloaded, only to an inspection station or to the place where it is kept or garaged within the Commonwealth;

6. New motor vehicles, new trailers, or new semitrailers operated upon the highways of the Commonwealth for the purpose of delivery from the place of manufacture to the dealer's or distributor's designated place of business or between places of business if such manufacturer, dealer, or distributor has more than one place of business; dealers or distributors may take delivery and operate upon the highways of the Commonwealth new motor vehicles, new trailers, or new semitrailers from another dealer or distributor provided a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer shall not be considered new if driven upon the highways for any purpose other than the delivery of the vehicle;

7. New motor vehicles, new trailers, or new semitrailers bearing a manufacturer's license operated for test purposes by the manufacturer;

8. Motor vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers operated for test purposes by a certified inspector during the performance of an official inspection;

9. New motor vehicles, new trailers, or new semitrailers operated upon the highways of the Commonwealth over the most direct route to a location for installation of a permanent body;

10. Motor vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers purchased outside the Commonwealth driven to the purchaser's place of residence or the dealer's or distributor's designated place of business;

11. Prior to purchase from auto auctions, motor vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers operated upon the highways not to exceed a 10-mile radius of such auction by prospective purchasers only for the purpose of road testing and motor vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers purchased from auto auctions operated upon the highways from such auction to (i) an official safety inspection station provided that (a) the inspection station is located between the auto auction and the purchaser's residence or place of business or within a 10-mile radius of such residence or business and (b) the vehicle is taken to the inspection station on the same day the purchaser removes the vehicle from the auto auction or (ii) the purchaser's place of residence or business;

12. Motor vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers, after the expiration of a period fixed for the inspection thereof, (i) operated over the most direct route between the place where such vehicle is kept or garaged and an official inspection station or (ii) parked on a highway and that have been submitted for a motor vehicle safety inspection to an official inspection station, for the purpose of having the same inspected pursuant to a prior appointment with such station;

13. Any vehicle for transporting well-drilling machinery and mobile equipment as defined in § 46.2-700 ;

14. Motor vehicles being towed in a legal manner as exempted under § 46.2-1150 ;

15. Logtrailers as exempted under § 46.2-1159 ;

16. Motor vehicles designed or altered and used exclusively for racing or other exhibition purposes as exempted under § 46.2-1160 ;

17. Any tow dolly or converter gear as defined in § 46.2-1119 ;

18. A new motor vehicle, as defined in § 46.2-1500 , that has been inspected in accordance with an inspection requirement of the manufacturer or distributor of the new motor vehicle by an employee who customarily performs such inspection on behalf of a motor vehicle dealer licensed pursuant to § 46.2-1508 . Such inspection shall be deemed to be the first inspection for the purpose of § 46.2-1158 , and an inspection approval sticker furnished by the Department of State Police at the uniform price paid by all official inspection stations to the Department of State Police for an inspection approval sticker may be affixed to the vehicle as required by § 46.2-1163 ;

19. Mopeds;

20. Low-speed vehicles;

21. Vehicles exempt from registration pursuant to Article 6 (§ 46.2-662 et seq.) of Chapter 6; and

22. Military surplus motor vehicles as defined in § 46.2-100 and licensed pursuant to § 46.2-730.1 .

B. The following shall be exempt from inspection as required by § 46.2-1157 , provided that (i) the commercial motor vehicle operates in interstate commerce; (ii) the commercial motor vehicle has been inspected in accordance with the federal requirements for annual inspection by complying with the periodic inspection requirements in 49 C.F.R. § 396.17; (iii) the inspection has been determined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to be comparable to or as effective as the requirements of 49 C.F.R. § 396.3(a); and (iv) documentation of such determination as provided for in 49 C.F.R. § 396.3(b) is available for review by law-enforcement officials to verify that the inspection is current:

1. Any commercial motor vehicle operating in interstate commerce that is subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations;

2. Any trailer or semitrailer being operated in interstate commerce that is subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

2011, c. 283 ; 2016, cc. 128 , 702 ; 2018, c. 555 ; 2019, c. 69 ; 2023, cc. 394 , 395 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1536 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-1536
Coercing purchaser to provide insurance coverage on motor vehicle; penalty
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any dealer or salesperson or any employee of a dealer or representative of either to coerce or offer anything of value to any purchaser of a motor vehicle to provide any type of insurance coverage on the motor vehicle.

Nothing in this section shall prohibit a dealer from requiring that a retail customer obtain automobile physical damage insurance to protect collateral secured by an installment sales contract. Any person found guilty of violating any of the provisions of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Nothing in this section shall prohibit a dealer from informing the retail customer of the Commonwealth's insurance requirements.

Code 1950, § 46-536; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-548; 1988, c. 865; 1989, c. 727; 1995, cc. 767 , 816 ; 2015, c. 615 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1530.2 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 15 / Article 4 / Section 46.2-1530.2
Dealer's manual transaction fee; use in special fund
Status: in_force

Every dealer licensed under this chapter shall pay to the Department a fee of $15 for each manual transaction in excess of 20 transactions per month. For purposes of this section, a "manual transaction" shall be any transaction that is not conducted electronically or at a location run by an agent authorized to act on behalf of the Department pursuant to subsection B of § 46.2-205 . Such fee shall be in addition to any fees charged by the Department pursuant to this title for the processing of an application for a new certificate of title or registration of a vehicle. The dealer's manual transaction fee authorized by this section shall not apply to any transaction for which there is no Department-approved remote electronic filing option available. Any dealer who has been charged a dealer's manual transaction fee shall not collect such transaction fee from the purchaser of the vehicle. All fees collected under the provisions of this section shall be paid into the state treasury and set aside as a special fund to meet the expenses of the Department.

2003, c. 997 ; 2006, c. 536 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-419 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 3 / Article 13 / Section 46.2-419
When judgment satisfied
Status: in_force

A. For all policies effective on or after January 1, 2022, but prior to January 1, 2025, every judgment for damages in any motor vehicle accident referred to in this chapter shall, for the purpose of this chapter, be satisfied:

1. When paid in full or when $30,000 has been credited upon any judgment or judgments rendered in excess of that amount because of bodily injury to or death of one person as the result of any one accident;

2. When, subject to the limit of $30,000 because of bodily injury to or death of one person, the judgment has been paid in full or when the sum of $60,000 has been credited upon any judgment or judgments rendered in excess of that amount because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons as the result of any one accident;

3. When the judgment has been paid in full or when $20,000 has been credited upon any judgment or judgments rendered in excess of that amount because of injury to or destruction of property of others as a result of any one accident; or

4. When the judgment has been discharged in bankruptcy.

B. For all policies effective on or after January 1, 2025, every judgment for damages in any motor vehicle accident referred to in this chapter shall, for the purposes of this chapter, be satisfied:

1. When paid in full or when $50,000 has been credited upon any judgment or judgments rendered in excess of that amount because of bodily injury to or death of one person as the result of any one accident;

2. When, subject to the limit of $50,000 because of bodily injury to or death of one person, the judgment has been paid in full or when the sum of $100,000 has been credited upon any judgment or judgments rendered in excess of that amount because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons as the result of any one accident;

3. When the judgment has been paid in full or when $25,000 has been credited upon any judgment or judgments rendered in excess of that amount because of injury to or destruction of property of others as a result of any one accident; or

4. When the judgment has been discharged in bankruptcy.

C. Payments made in settlement of any claims because of bodily injury, death or property damage arising from a motor vehicle accident shall be credited in reduction of the amount provided in this section.

Code 1950, § 46-431; 1954, c. 378; 1958, cc. 501, 541, § 46.1-444; 1968, c. 685; 1970, c. 272; 1972, cc. 47, 433; 1975, c. 382; 1978, c. 550; 1989, cc. 621, 727; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 273 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1129 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 10 / Article 17 / Section 46.2-1129
Further extensions of weight limits for certain vehicles hauling Virginia-grown farm or forest products
Status: in_force

The owner of any motor vehicle used for hauling Virginia-grown forest or farm products, as defined in § 3.2-4709 , from the place where they are first produced, cut, harvested, or felled to the location where they are first processed may obtain from the Commissioner an extension for such vehicle of the single axle, tandem axle, and gross weight limits set forth in this title. The permit shall extend the single axle, tandem axle, and gross weight limits set forth in this title. The permit shall extend the single axle, tandem axle, and gross weight limits based on axle spacing and number of axles on such vehicle by five percent, respectively. However, no such permit shall authorize the operation of a motor vehicle whose gross weight exceeds 84,000 pounds.

No permit issued under this section shall permit the operation on an interstate highway of any vehicle with (i) a single axle weight in excess of 20,000 pounds, or (ii) a tandem axle weight in excess of 34,000 pounds, or (iii) a gross weight, based on axle spacing, greater than that permitted in § 46.2-1126 , or (iv) a gross weight, regardless of axle spacing, in excess of 80,000 pounds. The Commissioner may promulgate regulations governing such permits.

Weight extensions provided in this section shall be in addition to those provided in § 46.2-1128 , but no weights beyond those permitted by the combination of the extensions provided in this section and § 46.2-1128 shall be tolerated.

Vehicles that are registered as farm use vehicles as provided in § 46.2-698 may operate as authorized under this section; provided, however, that should such vehicle violate the weight limits permitted by this section and § 46.2-1128 , such vehicle shall no longer be permitted to operate as authorized in this section.

1988, c. 669, § 46.1-339.02; 1989, c. 727; 1997, c. 283 ; 2006, c. 534 ; 2012, c. 443 .
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-741 — Virginia Code / Title 46.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 46.2-741
Special license plates for survivors of attack on Pearl Harbor; fees
Status: in_force

On receipt of an application and written evidence that the applicant is an honorably discharged former member of one of the armed forces of the United States and, while serving in the armed forces of the United States, was present during the attack on the island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, on December 7, 1941, between the hours of 7:55 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., Hawaii time, the Commissioner shall issue to the applicant special license plates identifying the vehicle as registered to a Pearl Harbor survivor.

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

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

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

1987, c. 467, § 46.1-105.16; 1989, c. 727; 1995, c. 747 ; 1997, cc. 774 , 816 ; 2023, c. 539 .