Source: https://motorcyclelawgroup.com/motorcycle-statutes/virginia/
Timestamp: 2020-08-07 21:50:27
Document Index: 566537923

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 33', '§ 33', '§ 46', '§ 46', '§ 46', '§ 46', '§ 46', '§ 46', '§ 46', '§ 46', '§ 46', '§ 46', '§ 46', '§ 46', '§ 46', '§ 46', '§ 46', '§ 46', '§ 46', '§ 46']

Virginia has several laws and statutes that relate directly to motorcyclists, including licensure, inspections, use of public roads, as well as statues and laws relating directly to helmets, the use of high occupancy lanes, and more. Use the links below to quickly navigate to the Virginia motorcycle statute that relates to your issue.
If you have a question about any specific motorcycle law in Virginia or feel that your rights have been violated call us at 1-800-321-8968 and speak with one of our attorneys who practice in Virginia and are familiar with current Virginia motorcycle laws.
Use of Highways by Motorcycles
Use of High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes
Stopping vehicles for inspection or to secure information
Licenses, endorsements, classifications, and restrictions authorizing operation of certain vehicles
Motorcycle License, Examinations, and Road Tests
Traffic Lights & Penalties
Riding two abreast in a single lane
General riding regulations
Motorcycle headlights, horns, rearview mirror
Possession of unapproved equipment
Mufflers on motorcycles
Official Inspection stations and approval stickers
Policy of the Commonwealth regarding use of highways by motorcycles; discrimination by political subdivisions prohibited (§ 33.2-109).
Designation of high-occupancy vehicle lanes; use of such lanes; penalties (§ 33.2-501, edited; for expiration date, see editor’s note).
Comment: The change allowing motorcycles to use HOV lanes reflects the original fight that we made on behalf of Virginia Motorcyclists. Motorcycles may be operated on HOV lanes in Virginia. In addition, motorcycles are not required to be equipped with a transponder in order to use Virginia’s HOV/HOT lanes.
Definitions (§ 46.2-100, edited).
Autocycle” means a three-wheeled motor vehicle that has a steering wheel and seating that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride and is manufactured to comply with federal safety requirements for motorcycles. Except as otherwise provided, an autocycle shall not be deemed to be a motorcycle.
“Bicycle” means a device propelled solely by human power, upon which a person may ride either on or astride a regular seat attached thereto, having two or more wheels in tandem, including children’s bicycles, except a toy vehicle intended for use by young children. For purposes of Chapter 8 (§ 46.2-800 et seq.) of this title, a bicycle shall be a vehicle while operated on the highway
“Bicycle lane” means that portion of a roadway designated by signs and/or pavement markings for the preferential use of bicycles, electric power-assisted bicycles, motorized skateboards or scooters, and mopeds.
“Moped” means every vehicle that travels on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground that (i) has a seat that is no less than 24 inches in height, measured from the middle of the seat perpendicular to the ground; (ii) has a gasoline, electric, or hybrid motor that (a) displaces 50 cubic centimeters or less or (b) has an input of 1500 watts or less; (iii) is power-driven, with or without pedals that allow propulsion by human power; and (iv) is not operated at speeds in excess of 35 miles per hour. “Moped” does not include a motorized skateboard or scooter. For purposes of this title, a moped shall be a motorcycle when operated at speeds in excess of 35 miles per hour. For purposes of Chapter 8 (§ 46.2-800 et seq.), a moped shall be a vehicle while operated on a highway.
“Motorcycle” means every motor vehicle designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground and is capable of traveling at speeds in excess of 35 miles per hour. “Motorcycle” does not include any “autocycle,” “electric personal assistive mobility device,” “electric power-assisted bicycle,” “farm tractor,” “golf cart,” “moped,” “motorized skateboard or scooter,” “utility vehicle,” or “wheelchair or wheelchair conveyance” as defined in this section.
“Motorized skateboard or scooter” means every vehicle, regardless of the number of its wheels in contact with the ground, that (i) is designed to allow an operator to sit or stand, (ii) has no manufacturer-issued vehicle identification number, (iii) is powered in whole or in part by an electric motor, (iv) weighs less than 100 pounds, and (iv) has a speed of no more than 20 miles per hour on a paved level surface when powered solely by the electric motor. “Motorized skateboard or scooter” includes vehicles with or without handlebars but does not include “electric personal assistive mobility devices.” “Off-road motorcycle” means every motorcycle designed exclusively for off-road use by an individual rider with not more than two wheels in contact with the ground. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, for the purposes of this chapter off-road motorcycles shall be deemed to be “motorcycles.”
Stopping vehicles for inspection or to secure information (§ 46.2-103).
Department to issue licenses; endorsements, classifications, and restrictions authorizing operation of certain vehicles (§ 46.2-328).
Examination and road test required for license to operate motorcycle; regulations (§ 46.2-337).
Display of license plates (§ 46.2-715).
Traffic lights; penalty (§ 46.2-833).
Signals required on backing, stopping, or turning (§ 46.2-848).
Driving two abreast in a single lane (§ 46.2-857).
Riding on motorcycles, generally (§ 46.2-909).
Comment: The rule is that if you have a passenger you must have a seat and footrests for them. A two up seat is fine. Contrary to popular belief there is no requirement that the passengers use the footrests or even be able to reach them. However, the bike must be equipped with separate footrests for your passenger if you wish to ride with one.
Motorcyclist to wear helmets, etc.; certain sales prohibited; penalty (§ 46.2-910).
Operating motorcycle without headlight, horn or rearview mirror (§ 46.2-912).
Illegal possession or sale of certain unapproved equipment (§ 46.2-1002).
Comment: We are often asked about the legality of the LED type auxiliary lighting that people install in order to be more visible from the side at night. Most such lighting has not been approved by the Society of Automotive Engineers, the American National Standards Institute, Incorporated or the federal Department of Transportation.
It shall be unlawful for any person to possess with intent to sell or offer for sale, either separately or as a part of the equipment of a motor vehicle, or to use or have as equipment on a motor vehicle operated on a highway any lighting device, warning device, signal device, safety glass, or other equipment for which approval is required by any provision of this chapter or any part or parts tending to change or alter the operation of such device, glass, or other equipment unless of a type that has been submitted to and approved by the Superintendent or meets or exceeds the standards and specifications of the Society of Automotive Engineers, the American National Standards Institute, Incorporated or the federal Department of Transportation.
Headlights, auxiliary headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and illumination of license plates on motorcycles (§ 46.2-1012).
Comment: Both modulating headlights and brake lights are legal in Virginia subject to the conditions of this statute.
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.
Exhaust system in good working order (§ 46.2-1049).
Comment: Note that the above statute does not set a decibel level. It states that the exhaust must be stock or comparable to stock. Keep in mind that according to State Code, localities may adopt ordinances regulating noise from motorcycles which are not equipped with mufflers and an exhaust system which conform to the above statute.
Mufflers on motorcycles (§ 46.2-1050).
Official inspection stations; safety inspection approval stickers; actions of Superintendent subject to the Administrative Process Act (§ 46.2-1163).