dcrodriguez/Code-of-Virginia huggingface dataset:
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-697.1. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2003, c. 1042, cl. 12, effective May 1, 2003.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-697.2. (Contingent expiration date — see Editor's note) Additional fees for vehicles not designed or used for transportation of passengers.
A. In addition to the fees imposed pursuant to § 46.2-697, there is hereby imposed an additional fee for the registration of all motor vehicles not designed and used for the transportation of passengers. The additional fee shall be determined per thousand pounds by the gross weight of the vehicle or combination of vehicles in the same manner as the fees imposed pursuant to § 46.2-697, as follows:

1. For vehicles with a gross weight of 10,001 through 15,000 pounds, $6.00 per 1,000 pounds;

2. For vehicles with a gross weight of 15,001 through 25,000 pounds, $7.00 per 1,000 pounds;

3. For vehicles with a gross weight of 25,001 through 29,000 pounds, $9.00 per 1,000 pounds;

4. For vehicles with a gross weight of 29,001 through 40,000 pounds, $10.00 per 1,000 pounds; and

5. For vehicles with a gross weight of 40,001 pounds or more, an amount equal to the per 1,000 pound rate for for-rent or for-hire vehicles for such vehicle pursuant to § 46.2-697, provided that the total rate, including any base fees charged pursuant to § 46.2-697, shall not exceed $23.25 per 1,000 pounds.

B. The fee imposed by this section shall not be applicable to farm motor vehicles used exclusively for farm use, as defined in § 46.2-698.

C. Beginning July 1, 2019, the fee per thousand pounds of gross weight charged pursuant to § 46.2-697 for both private carriers and for-rent or for-hire carriers shall be based on the rate schedule for for-rent or for-hire carriers.

2019, cc. 837, 846.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-699. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1997, c. 283.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-700. Fees for vehicles for transporting well-drilling machinery and specialized mobile equipment.
A. The fee for registration of any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer on which well-drilling machinery is attached and which is permanently used solely for transporting the machinery shall be $15.

B. The fee for the registration of specialized mobile equipment shall be $15. "Specialized mobile equipment" shall mean any self-propelled motor vehicle manufactured for a specific purpose, other than for the transportation of passengers or property, which is used on a job site and whose movement on any highway is incidental to the purpose for which it was designed and manufactured. The vehicle must be constructed to fall within all size and weight requirements as contained in §§ 46.2-1105, 46.2-1110, 46.2-1113 and Article 17 (§ 46.2-1122 et seq.) of Chapter 10 and must be capable of maintaining sustained highway speeds of 40 miles per hour or more. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as prohibiting the transportation on specialized mobile equipment of safety equipment, including but not limited to highway traffic safety cones, to be used on a job site.

C. Specialized mobile equipment which cannot maintain a sustained highway speed in excess of 40 miles per hour, and trailers or semitrailers which are designed and manufactured for a specific purpose and whose movement on the highway is incidental to the purpose for which it was manufactured and which are not designed or used to transport persons or property, shall not be required to be registered under this chapter.

Code 1950, § 46-164; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-156; 1964, c. 218; 1979, c. 244; 1989, c. 727; 2004, c. 478; 2011, c. 283.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-701. Combinations of tractor trucks and semitrailers; five-year registration of certain trailer fleets.
A. Each vehicle of a combination of a truck or tractor truck and a trailer or semitrailer shall be registered as a separate vehicle, and separate vehicle license plates shall be issued for each vehicle, but, for the purpose of determining the gross weight group into which any vehicle falls pursuant to § 46.2-697, the combination of vehicles of which such vehicle constitutes a part shall be considered a unit, and the aggregate gross weight of the entire combination shall determine the gross weight group. The fee for the registration card and license plates for a trailer or semitrailer constituting a part of the combination shall be as provided in § 46.2-694.1.

B. In determining the fee to be paid for the registration of a truck or tractor truck constituting a part of such combination the fee shall be assessed on the total gross weight and the fee per 1,000 pounds applicable to the gross weight of the combination when loaded to the maximum capacity for which it is registered and licensed.

C. Existing five-year registrations for fleets of fifty or more trailers previously issued under this section shall remain valid through the five-year period, but shall not be renewable.

Code 1950, § 46-165; 1950, p. 249; 1956, c. 477; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-157; 1964, c. 218; 1979, cc. 61, 244; 1982, c. 157; 1989, c. 727; 1997, c. 283.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-702. Fees for service or wrecking vehicles.
For the purpose of determining the registration and license fees paid by the owners of motor vehicles used as service or wrecking cranes, these motor vehicles, when used in connection with the business of any person engaged in selling motor vehicles or repairing the same, shall be treated as private motor vehicles and not as motor vehicles operated for compensation or for hire.

Code 1950, § 46-174; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-163; 1960, c. 123; 1989, c. 727.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-702.1. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2020, cc. 1230 and 1275, cl. 4.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-702.1:1. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2020, cc. 1230 and 1275, cl. 4.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-702.2. Fees for registration of vehicles specially equipped to accommodate persons with disabilities.
In determining the fee to be charged for registration of any vehicle specially equipped to be driven by or to transport persons with disabilities, the weight of the vehicle upon which such fee is based shall be the weight of the vehicle prior to the installation of such special equipment for the accommodation of persons with disabilities.

2008, c. 130.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-703.1. Additional fee for fleets of vehicles registered under § 46.2-703.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-704. Prohibited operations; checking on weights; penalties.
A. No person shall operate or permit the operation of any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer for which the fee for registration is prescribed by § 46.2-697 on any highway in the Commonwealth, under any of the following circumstances:

1. Without first having paid the registration fee hereinabove prescribed.

2. If, at the time of the operation, the gross weight of the vehicle or of the combination of vehicles of which it is a part, is in excess of the gross weight on the basis of which it is registered. In any case where a pickup truck is used in combination with another vehicle, operation shall be unlawful only if the combined gross weight exceeds the combined gross weight on the basis of which each vehicle is registered.

B. Any officer authorized to enforce the motor vehicle laws, having reason to believe that the gross weight of any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer being operated on any highway in the Commonwealth exceeds that on the basis of which the vehicle is registered, may weigh the vehicle by whatever means the Superintendent may prescribe and the operator, or other person in possession of the vehicle, shall permit this weighing whenever requested by the officer.

C. Any person who violates any provision of this section or who operates or permits the operation of a trailer or semitrailer designed for the use of human beings as living quarters, on the highways in the Commonwealth without having first paid to the Commissioner the fee prescribed in subdivision 5 of subsection A of § 46.2-694 is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 46-167; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-159; 1962, c. 92; 1975, c. 18; 1982, c. 681; 1989, c. 727.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-705. Definitions.
For the purposes of this article, the following terms shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section:

"Motor vehicle" means a vehicle capable of self-propulsion which is either (i) required to be titled and licensed and for which a license fee is required to be paid by its owner, or (ii) owned by or assigned to a motor vehicle manufacturer, distributor, or dealer licensed in the Commonwealth. For the purposes of this article, "motor vehicle" does not include "moped" as defined in § 46.2-100.

"Insured motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle as to which there is bodily injury liability insurance and property damage liability insurance, both in the amounts specified in § 46.2-472, issued by an insurance carrier authorized to do business in the Commonwealth, or as to which a bond has been given or cash or securities delivered in lieu of the insurance; or as to which the owner has qualified as a self-insurer in accordance with the provisions of § 46.2-368.

"Uninsured motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle as to which there is no such bodily injury liability insurance and property damage liability insurance, or no such bond has been given or cash or securities delivered in lieu thereof, or the owner of which has not so qualified as a self-insurer.

1958, c. 407, § 46.1-167.2; 1960, c. 188; 1982, c. 638; 1988, c. 865; 1989, c. 727; 2013, c. 783.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-706.1. Insurance and surety companies to furnish certain insurance information.
A. Any liability insurance information relating to individually identified vehicles or persons, received from such companies under this section, shall be considered privileged information and not subject to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.).

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

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

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

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

1993, c. 949; 1996, cc. 474, 489; 2009, c. 419; 2019, cc. 149, 193.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-708. Suspension of driver's license and registration when uninsured motor vehicle is involved in reportable accident; hearing prior to suspension.
When it appears to the Commissioner from the records of his office or from a report submitted by an insurance company licensed to do business in the Commonwealth that an uninsured motor vehicle as defined in § 46.2-705, subject to registration in the Commonwealth, is involved in a reportable accident in the Commonwealth resulting in death, injury, or property damage, the Commissioner shall, in addition to enforcing the applicable provisions of Article 13 (§ 46.2-417 et seq.) of Chapter 3, suspend such owner's driver's license and all of his license plates and registration certificates until such person has complied with Article 13 of Chapter 3 and has paid to the Commissioner a noncompliance fee of $600, to be disposed of as provided by § 46.2-710, with respect to the motor vehicle involved in the accident and furnishes proof of financial responsibility in the future in the manner prescribed in Article 15 (§ 46.2-435 et seq.) of Chapter 3. However, no order of suspension required by this section shall become effective until the Commissioner has offered the person an opportunity for an administrative hearing to show cause why the order should not be enforced. Notice of the opportunity for an administrative hearing may be included in the order of suspension. Any request for an administrative hearing made by such person must be received by the Department within 180 days of the issuance date of the order of suspension unless the person presents to the Department evidence of military service as defined by the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. § 3901 et seq.), incarceration, commitment, hospitalization, or physical presence outside the United States at the time the order of suspension was issued.

However, when three years have elapsed from the effective date of the suspension herein required, the Commissioner may relieve such person of the requirement of furnishing proof of financial responsibility in the future. The presentation by a person subject to the provisions of this section of a certificate of insurance, executed by an agent or representative of an insurance company qualified to do business in this Commonwealth, showing that on the date and at the time of the accident the vehicle was an insured motor vehicle as herein defined shall be sufficient bar to the suspension provided for in this section.

1958, c. 407, § 46.1-167.4; 1960, c. 188; 1966, cc. 181, 548; 1970, c. 68; 1972, cc. 552, 638, 729; 1973, c. 25; 1974, c. 604; 1978, c. 563; 1981, c. 193; 1984, cc. 399, 780; 1988, c. 470; 1989, c. 727; 1998, c. 404; 2012, cc. 151, 471; 2019, cc. 149, 193; 2023, c. 538; 2025, cc. 163, 177.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-709. Requiring other proof of financial responsibility in the future; suspended driver's license, registration certificate and license plates to be returned to Commissioner; Commissioner may take possession thereof.
Whenever any proof of financial responsibility in the future filed by any person as required by this article no longer fulfills the purpose for which it is required, the Commissioner shall require other proof of financial responsibility in the future as required by this article and shall suspend such person's driver's license, registration certificates, and license plates and decals pending the furnishing of proof as required.

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

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

1958, c. 407, § 46.1-167.5; 1960, c. 188; 1972, cc. 435, 609; 1976, c. 156; 1978, c. 605; 1984, c. 780; 1989, cc. 705, 727; 2025, cc. 163, 177.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-710. Disposition of funds collected.
From every noncompliance fee collected by the Commissioner under the provisions of this article, the Commissioner shall retain $100 to be placed in a special fund in the state treasury to be used to meet the expenses of the Department. All other funds collected by the Commissioner under the provisions of this article shall be paid into the state treasury and held in a special fund to be known as the Uninsured Motorists Fund to be disbursed as provided by law. The Commissioner may expend moneys from such funds, for the administration of this article, in accordance with the general appropriation act.

1958, c. 407, § 46.1-167.6; 1989, c. 727; 2019, cc. 149, 193.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-711. Furnishing number and design of plates; displaying on vehicles required.
A. The Department shall furnish one license plate for every registered moped, motorcycle, autocycle, tractor truck, semitrailer, or trailer, and two license plates for every other registered motor vehicle, except to licensed motor vehicle dealers and persons delivering unladen vehicles who shall be furnished one license plate. The license plates for trailers, semitrailers, commercial vehicles, and trucks, other than license plates for dealers, may be of such design as to prevent removal without mutilating some part of the indicia forming a part of the license plate, when secured to the bracket.

B. The Department shall issue appropriately designated license plates for:

1. Passenger-carrying vehicles for rent or hire for the transportation of passengers for private trips, other than TNC partner vehicles as defined in § 46.2-2000 and emergency medical services vehicles pursuant to clause (iii) of § 46.2-649.1:1;

2. Taxicabs;

3. Passenger-carrying vehicles operated by common carriers or restricted common carriers;

4. Property-carrying motor vehicles registered pursuant to § 46.2-697 except pickup or panel trucks as defined in § 46.2-100;

5. Applicants, other than TNC partners as defined in § 46.2-2000 and emergency medical services vehicles pursuant to clause (iii) of § 46.2-649.1:1, who operate motor vehicles as passenger carriers for rent or hire;

6. Vehicles operated by nonemergency medical transportation carriers as defined in § 46.2-2000; and

7. Trailers and semitrailers.

C. The Department shall issue appropriately designated license plates for motor vehicles held for rental as defined in § 58.1-1735.

D. The Department shall issue appropriately designated license plates for low-speed vehicles.

E. The Department shall issue appropriately designated license plates for military surplus motor vehicles registered pursuant to § 46.2-730.1.

F. No vehicles shall be operated on the highways in the Commonwealth without displaying the license plates required by this chapter. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to vehicles used to collect and deliver the United States mail to the extent that their rear license plates may be covered by the "CAUTION, FREQUENT STOPS, U.S. MAIL" sign when the vehicle is engaged in the collection and delivery of the United States mail.

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

Code 1950, §§ 46-96, 46-160; 1950, p. 625; 1954, c. 211; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-99; 1974, cc. 150, 477; 1989, c. 727; 1993, c. 290; 1995, c. 46; 1997, cc. 774, 816; 2001, c. 596; 2005, c. 140; 2011, cc. 405, 639, 881, 889; 2013, c. 783; 2014, cc. 53, 256; 2015, cc. 2, 3; 2016, cc. 125, 133; 2017, cc. 670, 790, 815; 2018, c. 555.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-712. Requirements of license plates and decals.
A. Every license plate shall display the registration number assigned to the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer and to the owner thereof, the name of the Commonwealth, which may be abbreviated, and the year or the month and year, which may be abbreviated and in the form of decals, for which it is issued. Subject to the need for legibility, the size of the plate, the letters, numerals, and decals thereon, and the color of the plate, letters, numerals, and decals shall be in the discretion of the Commissioner. Decals shall be placed on the license plates in the manner prescribed by the Commissioner, and shall indicate the month and year of expiration. On the issuance of the decals, a new registration card shall be issued with the same date of expiration as the decals.

B. Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the Department may issue permanent license plates without decals and without a month and year of expiration for all trailers and semitrailers, regardless of weight; trucks and tractor trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds; taxicabs or other motor vehicles performing a taxicab service; and common carrier vehicles operated for hire, both of the latter as defined in § 46.2-2000 that are in compliance with the requirements of Chapter 20 (§ 46.2-2000 et seq.) of this title. In addition, the Department may issue permanent license plates without decals and without a month and year of expiration for trucks and tractor trucks with gross vehicle weight ratings or gross combination weight ratings of at least 7,501 pounds but not more than 26,000 pounds, provided that such vehicles are for business use only, and for farm vehicles registered with the Department pursuant to § 46.2-698.

C. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this section, any person who, pursuant to former § 56-304.3, repealed by Chapters 744 and 803 of the Acts of Assembly of 1995, obtained from the State Corporation Commission an exemption from the marker or decal requirements of former § 56-304, 56-304.1 or 56-304.2, and who has painted or, in the case of newly acquired vehicles, who paints an identifying number on the sides of any vehicle with respect to which such exemption applies and, in all other respects, continues to comply with the requirements of former § 56-304.3, shall be deemed to be in compliance with § 46.2-2011.23 and subdivision 18 of § 46.2-2011.24.

Code 1950, § 46-97; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-101; 1972, c. 609; 1974, c. 170; 1988, c. 701; 1989, c. 727; 1997, c. 283; 1999, c. 593; 2000, c. 133; 2005, c. 301.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-713. License plates and decals remain property of Department.
Every license plate and decal issued by the Department shall remain the property of the Department and shall be subject to be revoked, cancelled, and repossessed by the Department at any time as provided in this title.

Code 1950, § 46-98; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-102; 1972, c. 609; 1989, c. 727.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-714. Permanent license plates.
Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 46.2-711 and 46.2-712 the Department may, in its discretion, issue a type of license plate suitable for permanent use on motor vehicles, trailers, semitrailers, and motorcycles, together with decals, unless decals are not required under § 46.2-712, to be attached to the license plates to indicate the registration period for which such vehicles have been properly licensed. The design of the license plates and decals, when required, shall be determined by the Commissioner.

Every permanent license plate and decal, when required, shall be returned to the Department whenever the owner of a vehicle disposes of it by sale or otherwise and when not actually in use on a motor vehicle, except dealer's plates temporarily not in use. The person in whose name the license plate is registered may apply, during the registration period for which it is issued, for the return thereof if the license plate is intended to be used on a subsequently acquired motor vehicle.

Every permanent license plate and decal, when issued, shall be returned to the Department whenever the owner of a vehicle elects to garage the vehicle and discontinue the use of it on the highway. The person in whose name the license plate is registered may apply, during the registration period for which it is issued, for the return thereof if the vehicle is to be returned to use on the highway.

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

Code 1950, § 46-99; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-103; 1972, c. 609; 1989, c. 727; 1997, c. 283; 2013, c. 783.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-715. Display of license plates.
License plates assigned to a motor vehicle, other than a moped, motorcycle, autocycle, tractor truck, trailer, or semitrailer, or to persons licensed as motor vehicle dealers or transporters of unladen vehicles, shall be attached to the front and the rear of the vehicle. The license plate assigned to a moped, motorcycle, autocycle, trailer, or semitrailer shall be attached to the rear of the vehicle. The license plate assigned to a tractor truck shall be attached to the front of the vehicle. The license plates issued to licensed motor vehicle dealers and to persons licensed as transporters of unladen vehicles shall consist of one plate for each set issued and shall be attached to the rear of the vehicle to which it is assigned.

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

Code 1950, § 46-101; 1954, c. 210; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-106; 1972, c. 609; 1974, c. 150; 1989, c. 727; 2013, c. 783; 2014, cc. 53, 256; 2017, c. 670.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-716. How license plates fastened to vehicle; altering appearance of license plates.
A. Every license plate shall be securely fastened to the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer to which it is assigned:

1. So as to prevent the plate from swinging,

2. In a position to be clearly visible, and

3. In a condition to be clearly legible.

B. No colored glass, colored plastic, bracket, holder, mounting, frame, or any other type of covering shall be placed, mounted, or installed on, around, or over any license plate if such glass, plastic, bracket, holder, mounting, frame, or other type of covering in any way alters or obscures (i) the alpha-numeric information, (ii) the color of the license plate, (iii) the name or abbreviated name of the state wherein the vehicle is registered, or (iv) any character or characters, decal, stamp, or other device indicating the month or year in which the vehicle's registration expires. No insignia, emblems, or trailer hitches or couplings shall be mounted in such a way as to hide or obscure any portion of the license plate or render any portion of the license plate illegible.

C. The Superintendent may make such regulations as he may deem advisable to enforce the proper mounting and securing of the license plate on the vehicle.

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

Code 1950, § 46-102; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-107; 1960, c. 119; 1986, c. 186; 1989, c. 727; 2000, c. 258; 2001, c. 19; 2006, c. 549; 2017, c. 670.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-717. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1997, c. 486.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-718. Use of old license plates or decals after application for new.
An owner who has applied for renewal of registration of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer fifteen days prior to the day the registration period begins, but who has not received the license plates, decals, or registration card for the ensuing registration period shall be entitled to operate or permit the operation of the vehicle on the highways on displaying on the vehicle the license plates or decals issued for the preceding registration period for such time to be prescribed by the Department as it may find necessary to issue new license plates or decals.

Code 1950, § 46-104; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-109; 1972, c. 609; 1989, c. 727.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-719. Permit for emergency use of license plates.
A. The Commissioner may, in his discretion, grant a special permit for the use of license plates on a vehicle other than the vehicle for which the license plates were issued, when the vehicle for which the license plates were issued is undergoing repairs in a licensed motor vehicle dealer's repair shop and when the license plates are being used on a vehicle owned by the dealer in whose repair shop the vehicle is being repaired.

B. Application for the permit shall be made jointly by the dealer and the person whose vehicle is being repaired, on forms provided by the Department and shall show, in addition to whatever other information may be required by the Commissioner, that an emergency exists which would warrant the issuance of the permit.

C. The permit shall be evidenced by a certificate, issued by the Commissioner, which shall show the date of issuance, the person to whom issued, the motor number, serial number or identification number of the vehicle on which the license plates are to be used, and shall be in the immediate possession of the person operating the vehicle at all times while operating it. The certificate shall be valid for a period of five days from its issuance. On its expiration, application may be made for a renewal permit in the manner provided for the original permit, but only one renewal permit shall be issued to cover any one emergency.

D. The Commissioner may, subject to the limitations and conditions set forth in this section, authorize a motor vehicle dealer licensed in the Commonwealth to issue such permit on behalf of the Commissioner in accordance with the provisions of subsections A, B, and C of this section provided such permits are issued only with regard to the transfer in an emergency situation of license plates from a vehicle undergoing repairs in that dealer's repair shop. Any dealer to whom the authority is delegated by the Commissioner shall use the forms provided by the Commissioner and shall maintain in permanent form a record of all permits issued by him and any other relevant information that may be required by the Commissioner. Each record shall be kept by the dealer for not less than three years from the date of entry. The dealer shall allow full access to these records, during regular business hours, to duly authorized representatives of the Department and to law-enforcement officers. One copy of any permit of this kind issued by a dealer and the application form submitted for the permit shall be filed promptly by the dealer with the Department. The Commissioner, on determining that the provisions of this section or the directions of the Department are not being complied with by a dealer, may suspend the right of such dealer to issue license plate transfer permits.

Code 1950, § 46-104.1; 1952, c. 537; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-110; 1978, c. 289; 1989, c. 727.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-720. Use of license plates from another vehicle in certain circumstances.
The owner of a motor vehicle to which license plates have been assigned by the Department may remove the license plates from the motor vehicle and use them on another motor vehicle owned by a person operating a garage or owned by a motor vehicle dealer provided such use does not extend for more than five days and provided the use is limited to the time during which the first motor vehicle is being repaired or while the second motor vehicle is loaned to him for demonstration, as provided by § 46.2-719.

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

1960, c. 457, § 46.1-110.1; 1989, c. 727; 2013, c. 783.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-721. Application of liability insurance policy to vehicle carrying plates from insured vehicle.
The policy of liability insurance issued to the owner of a motor vehicle and covering the operation thereof shall extend to and be the primary insurance applicable to his operation of a motor vehicle on which he has placed license tags from another motor vehicle as provided in § 46.2-720.

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

1960, c. 457, § 46.1-110.2; 1989, c. 727; 2013, c. 783.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-722. Altered or forged license plates or decals; use as evidence of knowledge.
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.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-723. License plates for transporting mobile homes used as temporary offices at construction sites.
The Department shall issue to persons engaged in the business of transporting from one construction site to another mobile homes or house trailers used on those sites as temporary offices, license plates to be affixed to such mobile homes or house trailers while being transported. The plates shall not be issued or used to transport mobile homes or house trailers which exceed normally permissible load dimensions. The fee for each plate issued under this section shall be twenty-two dollars per year.

1986, c. 226, § 46.1-44.1; 1989, c. 727.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-724. Operation for hire of certain vehicles registered as not-for-hire; penalty.
If a motor vehicle of over 10,000 pounds registered gross weight that is registered to be operated exclusively not-for-hire is operated for-hire, the licensee shall be guilty of a traffic infraction. This penalty shall be in addition to the penalty prescribed by § 46.2-704.

Code 1950, § 46-168; 1950, p. 625; 1956, c. 477; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-160; 1978, c. 605; 1982, c. 672; 1989, c. 727; 1995, c. 46; 1997, cc. 774, 816.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-725.1. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1995, c. 747.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-725.3. Special license plates for recipients of certain military decorations.
A. No special license plate for recipients of a military decoration shall be considered by the General Assembly unless and until the person or entity seeking the authorization of such special plate has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the General Assembly the order of precedence of such military decoration as determined by the federal Department of Defense or other relevant federal agency.

B. Any special license plate for recipients of a military decoration falling below the Medal of Honor and above the Purple Heart in order of precedence shall be authorized for issuance by the Department with a $10 one-time fee in addition to the prescribed cost of state license plates. Any special license plate for recipients of a military decoration falling below the Purple Heart in the order of precedence shall be authorized for issuance by the Department with a $10 annual special license plate fee in addition to the prescribed cost of state license plates. Special license plates for recipients of the Purple Heart shall be issued as provided in § 46.2-742. The Department is authorized to issue an additional plate reflecting the "V" for Valor for any plate currently issued by the Department reflecting a military decoration that the federal Department of Defense or other relevant federal agency has determined is eligible for the "V" for Valor Device. The Department shall charge only the prescribed cost of state license plates for any plate design reflecting the "V" for Valor Device.

C. Notwithstanding § 46.2-725, special license plates for the recipients of a military decoration are exempt from subdivisions B 1 and 2 of § 46.2-725. Unremarried surviving spouses of individuals eligible to receive such special license plates are also authorized to receive such special license plates.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 145.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-726. License plates with reserved numbers or letters; fees.
The Commissioner may, in his discretion, reserve license plates with certain registration numbers or letters or combinations thereof for issuance to persons requesting license plates so numbered and lettered. However, no such reserved license plates shall be issued to or renewed for any owner or co-owner of a vehicle who is registered pursuant to the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry Act (§ 9.1-900 et seq.) if the requested registration numbers or letters or combination thereof could be read, interpreted, or understood to be a reference to children.

License plates with reserved numbers or letters may be issued for and displayed on emergency medical services vehicles operated by emergency medical services agencies.

The annual fee or, in the case of permanent license plates for trailers and semitrailers, the one-time fee, for the issuance of any license plates with reserved numbers or letters shall be $10 plus the prescribed fee for state license plates. If those license plates with reserved numbers or letters are subject to an additional fee beyond the prescribed fee for state license plates, the fee for such special license plates with reserved numbers or letters shall be $10 plus the additional fee for the special license plates plus the prescribed fee for state license plates.

The annual fee for reissuing license plates with the same combination of letters and numbers as license plates that were previously issued but not renewed shall be $10 plus the prescribed fee for state license plates. If those license plates are special license plates subject to an additional fee beyond the prescribed fee for state license plates, the fee shall be $10 plus the additional fee for the special license plates plus the prescribed fee for state license plates.

1972, c. 427, § 46.1-105.2; 1987, c. 696; 1989, c. 727; 1992, c. 141; 1995, c. 747; 1997, cc. 94, 283; 2000, c. 126; 2001, c. 20; 2015, cc. 502, 503; 2016, cc. 143, 430.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-727. Bicentennial license plates and decals; fees.
Bicentennial license plates and decals issued to any properly registered passenger motor vehicle from January 1, 1976, through December 31, 1981, may continue in use for a period determined by the Commissioner if the proper fee is paid as required in § 46.2-694.

1975, c. 206, § 46.1-105.5; 1980, c. 24; 1989, c. 727.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-728. Special license plates incorporating the Great Seal of Virginia; fees.
On receipt of an application, the Commissioner shall issue license plates incorporating the Great Seal of Virginia. 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 twenty-five dollars.

1985, c. 547, § 46.1-105.14; 1987, c. 696; 1989, c. 727.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-728.1. Special license plates incorporating the official bird and the floral emblem of the Commonwealth; fee.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-728.2. Special license plates displaying a scenic design of Virginia; fees.
On receipt of an application, the Commissioner shall issue license plates displaying a scenic design of Virginia. 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.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-728.3. Special license plates displaying the official insect of the Commonwealth; fees.
On receipt of an application, the Commissioner shall issue license plates displaying the official insect of the Commonwealth as designated by § 1-510.

1994, c. 183; 1995, c. 747; 2005, c. 839.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-729. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1995, c. 747.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-729.1. Presidential inauguration license plates.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, presidential inauguration license plates duly issued by the District of Columbia may be displayed on any motor vehicle duly registered and licensed in Virginia in lieu of license plates assigned to that motor vehicle. Such presidential license plates shall not be displayed except for the period beginning January 1 through the last day of March in the year of such inauguration.

1997, cc. 774, 816.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-731. Disabled parking license plates; owners of vehicles specially equipped and used to transport persons with disabilities; fees.
On receipt of an application, the Commissioner shall issue appropriately designed disabled parking license plates to persons with physical disabilities that limit or impair their ability to walk or that create a concern for his safety while walking or to the parents or legal guardians of such persons. The Commissioner shall request that the application be accompanied by a certification signed by a licensed physician, licensed podiatrist, licensed chiropractor, licensed advanced practice registered nurse, or licensed physician assistant that the applicant meets the definition of "person with a disability that limits or impairs his ability to walk" contained in § 46.2-1240. The issuance of a disabled parking license plate shall not preclude the issuance of a permanent removable windshield placard.

On application of an organization, the Commissioner shall issue disabled parking license plates for vehicles registered in the applicant's name if the vehicles are primarily used to transport persons with disabilities. The application shall include a certification by the applicant, under criteria determined by the Commissioner, that the vehicle is primarily used to transport persons with disabilities that limit or impair their ability to walk, as defined in § 46.2-1240.

The fee for the issuance of a disabled parking license plate under this section may not exceed the fee charged for a similar license plate for the same class vehicle.

1972, c. 473, § 46.1-104.1; 1973, c. 182; 1974, cc. 46, 410; 1976, cc. 410, 460; 1978, cc. 185, 605; 1982, c. 88; 1983, c. 38; 1986, c. 144; 1989, c. 727; 1993, c. 566; 1994, cc. 225, 866; 1995, cc. 776, 805; 1997, cc. 783, 904; 2004, c. 692; 2007, c. 715; 2023, c. 183.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-732. Special license plates and decals for the deaf; fees.
On receipt of an application, the Commissioner shall issue appropriately designed license plates to deaf persons. For purposes of this section, a deaf person shall be defined as a person who cannot hear and understand normal speech. The fee for these license plates shall be as provided in § 46.2-694.

The Commissioner shall also issue to any deaf person a removable decal, to be used on any passenger car, pickup or panel truck operated by such person. The decals shall be of a design determined by the Commissioner and shall be displayed in a manner determined by the Superintendent of State Police. A reasonable fee to be determined by the Commissioner shall be charged each person issued a decal under this section, but no fee shall be charged any person exempted from fees by § 46.2-739.

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 plates or decal.

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

1979, c. 74, § 46.1-104.2; 1989, c. 727; 1995, c. 747.