MOTORCYCLE LAWS IN VIRGINIA:
Virginia requires helmets for all riders approved by either Snell, ANSI or the Federal DOT (Virginia Code Section 46.2-910).
The definition of motorcycle includes three wheelers (like trikes and Can Am Spyders) but does not include autocycles (like the Polaris Slingshot) (Virginia Code Section 46.2-100).
Motorcycles may use HOV lanes regardless of number of passengers and do not pay any fees for HOT Lanes(Virginia Code Section 33.2-501).
You must have a valid motorcycle license (or motorcycle learners permit) to operate a motorcycle on the roads of Virginia (Virginia Code Section 46.2-328).
Law enforcement officers may not conduct motorcycle only checkpoints (Virginia Code Section 46.2-103).
Virginia does not allow lane splitting but TWO wheeled motorcycles may travel abreast in a single lane (Virginia Code Section 46.2-857).
Motorcycles may proceed through a red light provided they have stopped for either two minutes or two light cycles (whichever is less)(Virginia Code Section 46.2-833 B.).
Localities may pass noise ordinances in regard to non OEM or non approved aftermarket exhausts (Virginia Code Section 15.2-919).
MOPED LAWS IN VIRGINIA:
The laws regarding moped usage in Virginia have changed recently. Mopeds offer a good opportunity for people who cannot get licensed a mode of transportation to get to work or school. Here are some need to know provisions about mopeds from the Virginia Code:
“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. 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 (Virginia Code Section 46.2-100).
You do not need a valid driver’s license to ride a moped (Virginia Code Section 46.2-301).
PLEASE BE AWARE that many mopeds sold today show paperwork and stickers that indicate a top speed of 35 mph but are actually capable of higher speeds. If you are caught riding over 35 mph, you will be considered riding a motorcycle (that means you need a valid drivers license).
You must wear a helmet and eye protection to ride a moped (Virginia Code Section 46.2-915.2).
Mopeds must be registered and have a certificate of title (Virginia Code Section 46.2-600).
Mopeds must follow all of the provisions of Virginia Code Section 46.2-800 to 46.2-947. These laws regulate traffic, like speed limit signs, lane directional arrows, traffic lights et. cetera. (You must follow the “Rules of the Road” [with a few limited exceptions]).
Mopeds cannot be used on highways.
You cannot ride a moped while intoxicated (Virginia Code Section 18.2-266).
Virginia requires helmets for all riders approved by either Snell, ANSI or the Federal DOT (Virginia Code Section 46.2-910).
The definition of motorcycle includes three wheelers (like trikes and Can Am Spyders) but does not include autocycles (like the Polaris Slingshot) (Virginia Code Section 46.2-100).
Motorcycles may use HOV lanes regardless of number of passengers and do not pay any fees for HOT Lanes(Virginia Code Section 33.2-501).
You must have a valid motorcycle license (or motorcycle learners permit) to operate a motorcycle on the roads of Virginia (Virginia Code Section 46.2-328).
Law enforcement officers may not conduct motorcycle only checkpoints (Virginia Code Section 46.2-103).
Virginia does not allow lane splitting but TWO wheeled motorcycles may travel abreast in a single lane (Virginia Code Section 46.2-857).
Motorcycles may proceed through a red light provided they have stopped for either two minutes or two light cycles (whichever is less)(Virginia Code Section 46.2-833 B.).
Localities may pass noise ordinances in regard to non OEM or non approved aftermarket exhausts (Virginia Code Section 15.2-919).
MOPED LAWS IN VIRGINIA:
The laws regarding moped usage in Virginia have changed recently. Mopeds offer a good opportunity for people who cannot get licensed a mode of transportation to get to work or school. Here are some need to know provisions about mopeds from the Virginia Code:
“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. 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 (Virginia Code Section 46.2-100).
You do not need a valid driver’s license to ride a moped (Virginia Code Section 46.2-301).
PLEASE BE AWARE that many mopeds sold today show paperwork and stickers that indicate a top speed of 35 mph but are actually capable of higher speeds. If you are caught riding over 35 mph, you will be considered riding a motorcycle (that means you need a valid drivers license).
You must wear a helmet and eye protection to ride a moped (Virginia Code Section 46.2-915.2).
Mopeds must be registered and have a certificate of title (Virginia Code Section 46.2-600).
Mopeds must follow all of the provisions of Virginia Code Section 46.2-800 to 46.2-947. These laws regulate traffic, like speed limit signs, lane directional arrows, traffic lights et. cetera. (You must follow the “Rules of the Road” [with a few limited exceptions]).
Mopeds cannot be used on highways.
You cannot ride a moped while intoxicated (Virginia Code Section 18.2-266).