No motor vehicle longer than 40 feet shall be operated on any highway in the Commonwealth except for buses and motor homes. The actual length of any combination of vehicles, including motor homes and buses, coupled together including any load thereon shall not exceed a total of 65 feet. However, the length of a tractor truck semitrailer combination may exceed 65 feet in length, provided the semitrailer does not exceed 53 feet in length and the distance between the kingpin of the semitrailer and the rearmost axle or a point midway between the rear tandem axles does not exceed 41 feet. The Commissioner of Highways may impose restrictions on the operation of vehicles exceeding 65 feet in length on certain roads, based on a safety and engineering analysis. No bus or motor home longer than 45 feet shall be operated on any highway in the Commonwealth. No tolerance shall be allowed that exceeds 12 inches.
The Commissioner, however, when good cause is shown, may issue a special permit for combinations either in excess of 65 feet, including any load thereon, or where the object or objects to be carried cannot be moved otherwise. Such permits may also be issued by the Department when the total number of otherwise overdimensional loads of modular housing of no more than two units may be reduced by permitting the use of an overlength trailer not exceeding 54 feet. No permit shall be issued by the Commissioner until an engineering analysis of a proposed routing has been conducted by the Commissioner of Highways to assess the ability of the roadway to be traversed to sustain the vehicle's size.
No overall length restrictions, however, shall be imposed on any tractor truck semitrailer combinations drawing one trailer or any tractor truck semitrailer combinations when operated on any interstate highway or on any highway as designated by the Commonwealth Transportation Board. No such designation shall be made, however, until notice of any proposed designation has been provided by the Commissioner of Highways to the governing body of every locality wherein any highway affected by the proposed designation is located.
No individual semitrailer or trailer being drawn in a tractor truck semitrailer trailer combination, however, shall exceed 28 1/2 feet in length, and no semitrailer being operated in a tractor truck semitrailer combination shall exceed 48 feet in length, except when semitrailers have a distance of not more than 41 feet between the kingpin of the semitrailer and the rearmost axle or a point midway between the rear tandem axles, such semitrailer shall be allowed not more than 53 feet in length.
The length limitations on semitrailers and trailers in the foregoing provisions of this section shall be exclusive of safety and energy conservation devices, steps and handholds for entry and egress, rubber dock guards, flexible fender extensions, mudflaps, refrigeration units, and air compressors. The Commissioner of Highways shall designate reasonable access to terminals, facilities for food, fuel, repairs and rest. Household goods carriers and any tractor truck semitrailer combination in which the semitrailer has a length of no more than 28 1/2 feet shall not be denied reasonable access to points of loading and unloading, except as designated, based on safety considerations, by the Commissioner of Highways.
Any person operating a vehicle whose length is not in conformity with the provisions of this chapter on a two-lane highway where passing is permitted shall be guilty of a traffic infraction and fined $250.
Code 1950, § 46-328; 1950, p. 665; 1952, c. 342; 1956, cc. 476, 483; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-330; 1962, c. 113; 1966, c. 59; 1972, c. 446; 1974, c. 664; 1975, c. 104; 1978, c. 254; 1983, c. 515; 1985, c. 426; 1986, c. 417; 1989, cc. 644, 645, 727; 1993, c. 984; 1994, c. 456; 1995, c. 71; 1997, c. 773; 2001, c. 151; 2003, c. 314; 2005, c. 262; 2006, cc. 210, 232; 2013, cc. 585, 646; 2016, c. 122.
Structure Code of Virginia
Chapter 10 - Motor Vehicle and Equipment Safety
§ 46.2-1001. Removal of unsafe vehicles; penalty
§ 46.2-1001.1. Special equipment required for converted electric vehicles
§ 46.2-1002. Illegal possession or sale of certain unapproved equipment
§ 46.2-1003. Illegal use of defective and unsafe equipment
§ 46.2-1004. Trademark or name and instructions required
§ 46.2-1005. Procedure for approval of equipment
§ 46.2-1005.1. Auxiliary lights on motorcycles
§ 46.2-1006. Approval of brake and head light testing methods and equipment
§ 46.2-1007. Retesting of devices and revocation of approval certificates
§ 46.2-1008. Fees for approval certificates
§ 46.2-1010. Equipment required
§ 46.2-1011. Headlights on motor vehicles
§ 46.2-1014.1. Supplemental high mount stop light
§ 46.2-1016. Lights on other vehicles; reflectors
§ 46.2-1017. Dimension or marker lights and reflectors, generally
§ 46.2-1018. Marker lights on vehicles or loads exceeding thirty-five feet
§ 46.2-1020. Other permissible lights
§ 46.2-1021. Additional lights permitted on certain commercial vehicles
§ 46.2-1021.1. Additional lights permitted on certain privately owned cars
§ 46.2-1023. Flashing red or red and white warning lights
§ 46.2-1024. Flashing or steady-burning red or red and white warning light units
§ 46.2-1025. Flashing amber, purple, or green warning lights
§ 46.2-1026. Flashing high-intensity amber warning lights
§ 46.2-1027. Warning lights on certain demonstrator vehicles
§ 46.2-1028.1. Illuminated identification systems on certain emergency vehicles
§ 46.2-1028.2. Auxiliary lights on public utility vehicles
§ 46.2-1029. Auxiliary lights on law-enforcement vehicles
§ 46.2-1029.1. Flashing of headlights on certain vehicles
§ 46.2-1029.2. Certain vehicles may be equipped with secondary warning lights
§ 46.2-1031. Requirements as to single-beam head lights
§ 46.2-1032. Requirements as to multiple-beam headlights
§ 46.2-1033. Indicator light required
§ 46.2-1034. When dimming headlights required
§ 46.2-1035. Dimming headlights on parked vehicles
§ 46.2-1036. Acetylene lights on antique motor vehicles
§ 46.2-1037. Lights on parked vehicles
§ 46.2-1038. When turn signals required; exceptions
§ 46.2-1039. Requirements of turn signals; regulations
§ 46.2-1041. Restrictions as to solid rubber tires
§ 46.2-1042. Standard for vehicle tire; sale of certain tires prohibited; penalty
§ 46.2-1044. Cleats, etc., on tires; chains; tires with studs
§ 46.2-1045. Sale of tires having cleats, etc., prohibited; studded tires excepted
§ 46.2-1046. Traction engines and tractors
§ 46.2-1047. Muffler cutout, etc., illegal
§ 46.2-1048. Pollution control systems or devices
§ 46.2-1049. Exhaust system in good working order
§ 46.2-1050. Mufflers on motorcycles
§ 46.2-1051. Local ordinances; vehicle exhaust
§ 46.2-1052. Tinting films, signs, decals, and stickers on windshields, etc.; penalties
§ 46.2-1053. Equipping certain motor vehicles with sun-shading or tinting films or applications
§ 46.2-1054. Suspension of objects or alteration of vehicle so as to obstruct driver's view
§ 46.2-1055. Windshield wipers
§ 46.2-1055.1. Windshield defroster or defogger
§ 46.2-1056. When safety glass required
§ 46.2-1058. Replacement of glass in vehicle
§ 46.2-1060. Illegal sirens, whistles, etc.; unlawful use of warning devices; exceptions
§ 46.2-1061. Sirens or exhaust whistles on emergency vehicles
§ 46.2-1062. Approval of warning devices
§ 46.2-1063. Alteration of suspension system; bumper height limits; raising body above frame rail
§ 46.2-1064. Modification of front-end suspension by use of lift blocks
§ 46.2-1067. Within what distances brakes should stop vehicle
§ 46.2-1068. Emergency or parking brakes
§ 46.2-1069. Brakes on motorcycles
§ 46.2-1070. Brakes on trailers
§ 46.2-1071. Requirements for parking
§ 46.2-1073. Engine or serial number illegible, removed, or obliterated
§ 46.2-1075. Possession of vehicles with serial numbers removed or altered
§ 46.2-1075.1. Tampering with gross vehicle weight ratings; penalty
§ 46.2-1076. Lettering on certain vehicles
§ 46.2-1077.01. Display of certain visual material in motor vehicles prohibited; penalty
§ 46.2-1077.1. Mobile infrared transmitters; demerit points not to be awarded
§ 46.2-1079. Radar detectors; demerit points not to be awarded
§ 46.2-1080. Speedometer in good working order
§ 46.2-1081. Slow-moving vehicle emblems
§ 46.2-1083. Rear fenders, flaps, or guards required for certain motor vehicles
§ 46.2-1084. Vehicle to have securely affixed seat for driver; location of such seat
§ 46.2-1086. Devices for emission of smoke screens, gas projectors or flame throwers; prohibited
§ 46.2-1087. Forfeiture of vehicles equipped with smoke projectors, etc.
§ 46.2-1088. Air conditioning units
§ 46.2-1088.2. Warning devices required on certain vehicles
§ 46.2-1088.4. Devices used to supply nitrous oxide to the engines of motor vehicles
§ 46.2-1088.5. Reflectors or reflectorized material required on rear end of certain trailers
§ 46.2-1088.6. Motor vehicle recording devices
§ 46.2-1089. Paint and lettering on school bus
§ 46.2-1089.1. Signs and markings on school buses using alternative fuels
§ 46.2-1090. Warning devices on school buses; other buses; use thereof; penalties
§ 46.2-1090.1. Warning lights on school buses
§ 46.2-1091. Safety belts to be worn by certain bus drivers
§ 46.2-1093. Requirements for safety lap belts, shoulder harnesses and combinations thereof
§ 46.2-1096. Exceptions for certain children
§ 46.2-1097. Child restraint devices; special fund created
§ 46.2-1098. Penalties; violations not negligence per se
§ 46.2-1099. Further exemptions
§ 46.2-1100. Use of standard seat belts permitted for certain children
§ 46.2-1101. Limitations applicable throughout Commonwealth; alteration by local authorities
§ 46.2-1103. Greater size, weight, and load limits permitted by interstate commerce regulations
§ 46.2-1104. Reduction of limits by Commissioner of Highways and local authorities; penalties
§ 46.2-1105. Width of vehicles generally; exceptions
§ 46.2-1108. Bus widths to comply with federal law
§ 46.2-1109. Widths of commercial vehicles
§ 46.2-1110. Height of vehicles; damage to overhead obstruction; penalty
§ 46.2-1111. Extension of loads beyond line of fender or body
§ 46.2-1113. Length exceptions for certain passenger buses and motor homes
§ 46.2-1114. Length of watercraft transporters; operation on certain highways
§ 46.2-1114.1. Length of automobile transporters; operation on certain highways
§ 46.2-1115. Lengths of manufactured homes or house trailers
§ 46.2-1116. Vehicles having more than one trailer, etc., attached thereto; exceptions
§ 46.2-1117.1. Commercial delivery of towaway trailers
§ 46.2-1119. Tow dolly and converter gear
§ 46.2-1120. Extension of loads beyond front of vehicles
§ 46.2-1121. (Effective until July 1, 2023) Flag or light at end of load
§ 46.2-1121. (Effective July 1, 2023) Flag or light at end of load
§ 46.2-1123. Weight of vehicles and loads
§ 46.2-1124. Maximum single axle weight, generally; maximum weight per inch of tire width
§ 46.2-1125. Maximum tandem axle weight, generally
§ 46.2-1126. Maximum gross weight, generally
§ 46.2-1127. Weight limits for vehicles using interstate highways
§ 46.2-1127.1. Weight limit exception for certain emergency vehicles using the interstate highways
§ 46.2-1128. Extensions of weight limits; fees
§ 46.2-1131. Penalty for violation of weight limits
§ 46.2-1132. Service of process in weight violation cases
§ 46.2-1133. Special processing provisions for overweight violations
§ 46.2-1134. Special overweight seizure provisions; penalty
§ 46.2-1136. Procedures for issuing and serving process in overweight vehicle cases
§ 46.2-1138.1. City ordinances fixing weight limits on certain roads
§ 46.2-1138.2. Town ordinances concerning weight limits on certain roads
§ 46.2-1139. Permits for excessive size and weight generally; penalty
§ 46.2-1139.1. Delegation of permitting authority
§ 46.2-1140. Authority to use certain streets and highways in cities and towns
§ 46.2-1140.1. Annual overweight permits; fees
§ 46.2-1141. Overweight permits for containerized freight and fluid milk
§ 46.2-1142. Overweight permits for concrete haulers
§ 46.2-1143.1. Overweight permits for haulers of excavated material
§ 46.2-1144. Overweight permits for solid waste haulers
§ 46.2-1144.1. Overweight permits for tank wagons
§ 46.2-1144.2. Overweight permits for haulers of farm animal feed
§ 46.2-1145. Overweight permits for certain trucks operated by Arlington County
§ 46.2-1146. Excess height and length permits for haulers of certain imported goods
§ 46.2-1147. Permits for excessive size and weight for articulated buses
§ 46.2-1148. Overweight permit for hauling Virginia-grown farm produce
§ 46.2-1148.1. Overweight permit for hauling forest products
§ 46.2-1149.1. Excess tandem axle weight permits for cotton module haulers
§ 46.2-1149.2. Permit authorizing transportation of tree-length logs
§ 46.2-1149.3. Payment of fees into special fund
§ 46.2-1149.4. Overweight permits for specialized mobile equipment
§ 46.2-1149.6. Permits for truck cranes
§ 46.2-1149.7. Specialized construction equipment; permits; engineering analysis; costs
§ 46.2-1149.8. Excess width permits for vehicles transporting watercraft
§ 46.2-1150. Towing certain unlicensed or uninspected vehicles
§ 46.2-1151. Weight limit exception as to vehicles designed for towing disabled vehicles
§ 46.2-1151.1. Weight limit exception for covered heavy duty tow and recovery vehicles
§ 46.2-1152. Certain tow trucks need not be weighed
§ 46.2-1153. Permissible lengths of combination vehicles being towed in emergencies
§ 46.2-1154. Length of vehicles; exceptions in case of breakdown
§ 46.2-1155. Fastening load of logs, barrels, etc.
§ 46.2-1157. Inspection of motor vehicles required
§ 46.2-1158. Frequency of inspection; scope of inspection
§ 46.2-1158.01. Exceptions to motor vehicle inspection requirement
§ 46.2-1158.02. Penalty for failure to have motor vehicle inspection
§ 46.2-1159. Logtrailers defined; exempt from inspection under certain conditions
§ 46.2-1160. Towed vehicle defined; exempt from inspection requirement
§ 46.2-1161.1. Inspections of trailers and semitrailers equipped with heating or cooking appliances
§ 46.2-1162. Inspection of certain trailers
§ 46.2-1165. Regulations for inspection of vehicles; posting
§ 46.2-1166. Minimum standards required for inspection stations; appointments
§ 46.2-1167. Charges for inspection and reinspection; exemption
§ 46.2-1168. Additional registration fee
§ 46.2-1169. Inspection defined; making of repairs or adjustments
§ 46.2-1170. Advertising, etc., of official inspection station when not authorized
§ 46.2-1171. Penalties for violation of article
§ 46.2-1172. Unauthorized taking, possession, or use of inspection stickers, etc.; penalty
§ 46.2-1173. Imitation or counterfeit inspection stickers
§ 46.2-1175.1. Inspection of certain refuse collection and highway maintenance vehicles
§ 46.2-1177. Emissions inspection program
§ 46.2-1177.1. Inspection program coordinator; agreement for services
§ 46.2-1178. Administration and scope of emissions inspection program
§ 46.2-1179. Board to adopt emissions standards
§ 46.2-1179.1. Board to adopt clean alternative fuel fleet standards for motor vehicles; penalty
§ 46.2-1180. Board to adopt regulations; exemption of certain motor vehicles
§ 46.2-1181. Emissions inspection; cost of repairs; waivers
§ 46.2-1182. Emissions inspection fees; exemption
§ 46.2-1182.1. Additional registration fee; exemption
§ 46.2-1182.2. Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program Fund established; use of moneys
§ 46.2-1183. Emissions inspection required prior to registration of certain vehicles; records
§ 46.2-1184. Fleet emissions inspection stations
§ 46.2-1186. False certificate
§ 46.2-1187.2. Compelling compliance with regulations and order of Board; penalty
§ 46.2-1187.3. Vehicles used for investigations
§ 46.2-1188. Motorcycle rider safety training courses
§ 46.2-1189. Authority of the Department of Motor Vehicles
§ 46.2-1190. Regional motorcycle rider safety training centers; requirements
§ 46.2-1190.1. Curricula requirements
§ 46.2-1190.2. Facilities and equipment; requirements and approval
§ 46.2-1190.3. Instructor qualifications
§ 46.2-1190.4. Administrative and reporting requirements
§ 46.2-1190.5. Penalties and remedies for violations of article
§ 46.2-1190.6. Other grounds for denying, suspending, or revoking licenses
§ 46.2-1190.7. Civil penalties
§ 46.2-1191. Motorcycle Rider Safety Training Program Fund
§ 46.2-1192. Issuance and renewal of licenses by Department; payments to regional training centers