{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/46.2-1001.1.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/46.2-1001.1.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/46.2-1001.1.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/46.2-1001.1.html"}],"law_id":82819,"edition_id":1,"section_id":82819,"structure_id":14848,"section_number":"46.2-1001.1","catch_line":"Special equipment required for converted electric vehicles","history":"2012, c. 177.","full_text":"In addition to any other equipment required by this chapter, no converted electric vehicle may be registered in or operated on the highways of the Commonwealth without the following:\n\n1\n\nOrange-colored high voltage cables and high voltage markings on all conduit containing high voltage cables. No high voltage cables may be attached to the chassis of the vehicle in such a way as to cause the chassis to be used to ground the electric current;2\n\nA breaker or fuse in the high voltage circuit that contains the traction battery pack and the motor controller. Such breaker or fuse must be rated to interrupt the expected maximum current at or above the battery pack voltage;3\n\nAn externally mounted switch to open the high voltage circuit in case of an emergency. Such switch must be located where the fuel tank filler cap was located prior to conversion. Any cover protecting the switch must be able to be opened from the outside of the vehicle;4\n\nTraction batteries mounted in secure nonconductive enclosures that provide for limited access. Multiple enclosures may be used but must be connected by high voltage cables encased in conduit made of metal, composite, or other materials of comparable strength, crush, and abrasion resistance to metal or composite;5\n\nIf batteries other than lead acid batteries are used as traction batteries, a temperature monitoring system that monitors the temperature of at least one battery in each battery enclosure. Such system must warn the driver of the vehicle if the temperature of the battery is rising rapidly or is above safe levels;6\n\nConduit made of metal, composite, or other materials of comparable strength, crush, and abrasion resistance to metal or composite, encasing any high voltage cables running under or outside of the vehicle. Such conduit must be secured to the vehicle chassis and must not violate the ground clearance provisions of § 46.2-1063;7\n\nA vacuum system and pump, or comparable equipment, to maintain proper brake function and capacity, as required by this chapter; and8\n\nLabeling on three sides of the vehicle identifying such vehicle as “CONVERTED ELECTRIC.” Each label shall be at least six inches long and consist of lettering at least three inches tall.\n\t\t\tAt such time as the federal government establishes minimum equipment and safety standards, including any related to synthetic vehicle sounds, for converted electric vehicles, to the extent that such standards are different from the standards established by this section, the federal standards shall apply to converted electric vehicles in the Commonwealth. If any federal standard conflicts with a standard set forth by this section, the stricter standard shall prevail.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":296901,"text":"In addition to any other equipment required by this chapter, no converted electric vehicle may be registered in or operated on the highways of the Commonwealth without the following:","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"1"},"1":{"id":296902,"text":"Orange-colored high voltage cables and high voltage markings on all conduit containing high voltage cables. No high voltage cables may be attached to the chassis of the vehicle in such a way as to cause the chassis to be used to ground the electric current;","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"2"},"2":{"id":296903,"text":"A breaker or fuse in the high voltage circuit that contains the traction battery pack and the motor controller. Such breaker or fuse must be rated to interrupt the expected maximum current at or above the battery pack voltage;","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"3":{"id":296904,"text":"An externally mounted switch to open the high voltage circuit in case of an emergency. Such switch must be located where the fuel tank filler cap was located prior to conversion. Any cover protecting the switch must be able to be opened from the outside of the vehicle;","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"4":{"id":296905,"text":"Traction batteries mounted in secure nonconductive enclosures that provide for limited access. Multiple enclosures may be used but must be connected by high voltage cables encased in conduit made of metal, composite, or other materials of comparable strength, crush, and abrasion resistance to metal or composite;","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"5":{"id":296906,"text":"If batteries other than lead acid batteries are used as traction batteries, a temperature monitoring system that monitors the temperature of at least one battery in each battery enclosure. Such system must warn the driver of the vehicle if the temperature of the battery is rising rapidly or is above safe levels;","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"6"},"6":{"id":296907,"text":"Conduit made of metal, composite, or other materials of comparable strength, crush, and abrasion resistance to metal or composite, encasing any high voltage cables running under or outside of the vehicle. Such conduit must be secured to the vehicle chassis and must not violate the ground clearance provisions of § 46.2-1063;","type":"section","prefixes":["6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"6","prefix_anchor":"6","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5","next_prefix":"7"},"7":{"id":296908,"text":"A vacuum system and pump, or comparable equipment, to maintain proper brake function and capacity, as required by this chapter; and","type":"section","prefixes":["7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"7","prefix_anchor":"7","level":1,"prior_prefix":"6","next_prefix":"8"},"8":{"id":296909,"text":"Labeling on three sides of the vehicle identifying such vehicle as “CONVERTED ELECTRIC.” Each label shall be at least six inches long and consist of lettering at least three inches tall.\n\t\t\tAt such time as the federal government establishes minimum equipment and safety standards, including any related to synthetic vehicle sounds, for converted electric vehicles, to the extent that such standards are different from the standards established by this section, the federal standards shall apply to converted electric vehicles in the Commonwealth. If any federal standard conflicts with a standard set forth by this section, the stricter standard shall prevail.","type":"section","prefixes":["8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"8","prefix_anchor":"8","level":1,"prior_prefix":"7"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14848,"edition_id":1,"name":"Vehicle and Equipment Safety, Generally","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12828,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:50:23","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:50:23","permalink":{"id":228601,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14848,"identifier":"1","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/1","url":"\/46.2\/III\/10\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12828,"edition_id":1,"name":"Motor Vehicle and Equipment Safety","identifier":"10","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12827,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","permalink":{"id":228599,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12828,"identifier":"10","token":"46.2\/III\/10","url":"\/46.2\/III\/10\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12827,"edition_id":1,"name":"Operation","identifier":"III","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12770,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","permalink":{"id":228597,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12827,"identifier":"III","token":"46.2\/III","url":"\/46.2\/III\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12770,"edition_id":1,"name":"Motor Vehicles","identifier":"46.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":225289,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12770,"identifier":"46.2","token":"46.2","url":"\/46.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":56760,"structure_id":14848,"section_number":"46.2-1000","catch_line":"Department to suspend registration of vehicles lacking certain equipment; officer to take possession of registration card, license plates and decals when observing defect in motor vehicle; when to be returned","url":"\/46.2-1000\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/1\/46.2-1000","metadata":false},{"id":79566,"structure_id":14848,"section_number":"46.2-1001","catch_line":"Removal of unsafe vehicles; penalty","url":"\/46.2-1001\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/1\/46.2-1001","metadata":false},{"id":82819,"structure_id":14848,"section_number":"46.2-1001.1","catch_line":"Special equipment required for converted electric vehicles","url":"\/46.2-1001.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/1\/46.2-1001.1","metadata":false},{"id":70555,"structure_id":14848,"section_number":"46.2-1002","catch_line":"Illegal possession or sale of certain unapproved equipment","url":"\/46.2-1002\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/1\/46.2-1002","metadata":false},{"id":86371,"structure_id":14848,"section_number":"46.2-1003","catch_line":"Illegal use of defective and unsafe equipment","url":"\/46.2-1003\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/1\/46.2-1003","metadata":false},{"id":71468,"structure_id":14848,"section_number":"46.2-1004","catch_line":"Trademark or name and instructions required","url":"\/46.2-1004\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/1\/46.2-1004","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":79566,"structure_id":14848,"section_number":"46.2-1001","catch_line":"Removal of unsafe vehicles; penalty","url":"\/46.2-1001\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/1\/46.2-1001","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":70555,"structure_id":14848,"section_number":"46.2-1002","catch_line":"Illegal possession or sale of certain unapproved equipment","url":"\/46.2-1002\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/1\/46.2-1002","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-1001.1\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2012. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 177<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":79311,"section_number":"46.2-1063","catch_line":"Alteration of suspension system; bumper height limits; raising body above frame rail","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1063\/"}],"permalink":{"id":228611,"object_type":"law","relational_id":82819,"identifier":"46.2-1001.1","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/1\/46.2-1001.1","url":"\/46.2-1001.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-1001.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/1\/46.2-1001.1","dublin_core":{"Title":"Special equipment required for converted electric vehicles","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-1001.1","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

In addition to any other equipment required by this chapter, no converted electric vehicle<\/span> may be registered in or operated on the highways<\/span><\/span> of the Commonwealth without the following:<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Orange-colored high voltage cables and high voltage markings on all conduit containing high voltage cables. No high voltage cables may be attached to the chassis of the vehicle in such a way as to cause the chassis to be used to ground the electric current; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> A breaker or fuse in the high voltage circuit<\/span> that contains the traction battery<\/span> pack and the motor controller. Such breaker or fuse must be rated to interrupt the expected maximum current at or above the battery<\/span> pack voltage; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> An externally mounted switch to open the high voltage circuit<\/span> in case of an emergency. Such switch must be located where the fuel tank filler cap was located prior to conversion. Any cover protecting the switch must be able to be opened from the outside of the vehicle; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Traction batteries mounted in secure nonconductive enclosures that provide for limited access. Multiple enclosures may be used but must be connected by high voltage cables encased in conduit made of metal, composite, or other materials<\/span> of comparable strength, crush, and abrasion resistance to metal or composite; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> If batteries other than lead acid batteries are used as traction batteries, a temperature monitoring system that monitors the temperature of at least one battery<\/span> in each battery<\/span> enclosure. Such system must warn the driver<\/span> of the vehicle if the temperature of the battery<\/span> is rising rapidly or is above safe levels; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Conduit made of metal, composite, or other materials<\/span> of comparable strength, crush, and abrasion resistance to metal or composite, encasing any high voltage cables running under or outside of the vehicle. Such conduit must be secured to the vehicle chassis and must not violate the ground clearance provisions of § 46.2-1063<\/a>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> A vacuum system and pump, or comparable equipment, to maintain proper brake function and capacity, as required by this chapter; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> Labeling on three sides of the vehicle identifying such vehicle as “CONVERTED ELECTRIC.” Each label shall be at least six inches long and consist of lettering at least three inches tall.\n\t\t\tAt such time as the federal government establishes minimum equipment and safety standards, including any related to synthetic vehicle sounds, for converted electric vehicles<\/span>, to the extent that such standards are different from the standards established by this section, the federal standards shall apply to converted electric vehicles<\/span> in the Commonwealth. If any federal standard conflicts with a standard set forth by this section, the stricter standard shall prevail. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nSPECIAL EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR CONVERTED ELECTRIC VEHICLES (\u00a7 46.2-1001.1)\n\nIn addition to any other equipment required by this chapter, no converted\nelectric vehicle may be registered in or operated on the highways of the\nCommonwealth without the following:\n\n1. Orange-colored high voltage cables and high voltage markings on all conduit\ncontaining high voltage cables. No high voltage cables may be attached to the\nchassis of the vehicle in such a way as to cause the chassis to be used to\nground the electric current;\n\n2. A breaker or fuse in the high voltage circuit that contains the traction\nbattery pack and the motor controller. Such breaker or fuse must be rated to\ninterrupt the expected maximum current at or above the battery pack voltage;\n\n3. An externally mounted switch to open the high voltage circuit in case of an\nemergency. Such switch must be located where the fuel tank filler cap was\nlocated prior to conversion. Any cover protecting the switch must be able to be\nopened from the outside of the vehicle;\n\n4. Traction batteries mounted in secure nonconductive enclosures that provide\nfor limited access. Multiple enclosures may be used but must be connected by\nhigh voltage cables encased in conduit made of metal, composite, or other\nmaterials of comparable strength, crush, and abrasion resistance to metal or\ncomposite;\n\n5. If batteries other than lead acid batteries are used as traction batteries, a\ntemperature monitoring system that monitors the temperature of at least one\nbattery in each battery enclosure. Such system must warn the driver of the\nvehicle if the temperature of the battery is rising rapidly or is above safe\nlevels;\n\n6. Conduit made of metal, composite, or other materials of comparable strength,\ncrush, and abrasion resistance to metal or composite, encasing any high voltage\ncables running under or outside of the vehicle. Such conduit must be secured to\nthe vehicle chassis and must not violate the ground clearance provisions of\n§ 46.2-1063;\n\n7. A vacuum system and pump, or comparable equipment, to maintain proper brake\nfunction and capacity, as required by this chapter; and\n\n8. Labeling on three sides of the vehicle identifying such vehicle as\n“CONVERTED ELECTRIC.” Each label shall be at least six inches long\nand consist of lettering at least three inches tall.\n\t\t\tAt such time as the federal government establishes minimum equipment and\nsafety standards, including any related to synthetic vehicle sounds, for\nconverted electric vehicles, to the extent that such standards are different\nfrom the standards established by this section, the federal standards shall\napply to converted electric vehicles in the Commonwealth. If any federal\nstandard conflicts with a standard set forth by this section, the stricter\nstandard shall prevail.\n\nHISTORY: 2012, c. 177.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}