Virginia Lift Laws and Vehicle Equipment Laws

Code

The Virginia street legal laws are covered in the Code of Virginia (CV).

CV Title 46.2

Dimensions

Vehicle size in Virginia is restricted to a maximum width of 102 inches, a maximum height of 13 feet 6 inches, and a maximum single vehicle length of 40 feet.

CV 46.2-1105
CV 46.2-1110
CV 46.2-1112

Tires

All tires on vehicles driven in Virginia must be without any bulges or exposed cords. There is a minimum tire tread depth requirement of 1/16 inch. Only tires that are specifically manufactured for grooving can be re-grooved.

CV 46.2-1042
CV 46.2-1043

Wheels

Virginia's code does not have any regulations on wheels.

Brakes

Virginia requires that cars and trucks have brakes capable of stopping the vehicle from a speed of 20 mph within 25 feet. A secondary, mechanical, parking brake is also required.

CV 46.2-1067

Steering

Steering systems are not covered in Virginia's code.

Suspension

Virginia's laws prohibit the use of front lift blocks.

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CV 46.2-1064

Frame

Virginia does not have a frame height limit, however, the floor of a vehicle's body cannot be more than 3 inches above the frame.

CV 46.2-1063

Bumpers

Any vehicle registered in Virginia as a passenger vehicle has a maximum allowed bumper height depending on the vehicle's GVWR.

Vehicle GVWR	Max. Bumper Height
Under 4,501	Front: 28 inches | Rear: 28 inches
4,501 to 7,500	Front: 29 inches | Rear: 30 inches
7,501 to 15,000	Front: 30 inches | Rear: 31 inches

( Measured to the bottom of the bumper. )

CV 46.2-1063

Fenders

Virginia only requires fenders and mud flaps on commercial vehicles.

CV 46.2-1083

Lights

In addition to headlights and tail lights, vehicles in Virginia are allowed to have extra lights installed. The maximum number of lights that can be turned on at the front of a vehicle while driving is 4.

CV 46.2-1011
CV 46.2-1013
CV 46.2-1019
CV 46.2-1020
CV 46.2-1020

Windows

The laws in Virginia require vehicles to have windshields as well as windshield wipers.

CV 46.2-1055
CV 46.2-1057

Exhaust

In Virginia, vehicles are required to be equipped with mufflers and they cannot have any kind of exhaust cutout or bypass.

CV 46.2-1049
CV 46.2-1047

Engine

Virginia has a maximum hood scoop size of 1.125 inches tall, 38 inches wide, and 50.5 inches long.

CV 46.2-1088

Emissions

10 counties and cities in Virginia currently require emissions testing.

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