{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/46.2-1012.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/46.2-1012.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/46.2-1012.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/46.2-1012.html"}],"law_id":54238,"edition_id":1,"section_id":54238,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1012","catch_line":"Headlights, auxiliary headlights, tail lights, brake lights, auxiliary lights, and illumination of license plates on motorcycles or autocycles","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 46-266; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-261; 1983, c. 132; 1989, c. 727; 1991, c. 165; 2003, c. 964; 2009, c. 79; 2014, cc. 53, 256; 2015, c. 405; 2018, c. 763; 2020, c. 393; 2023, c. 689.","full_text":"Every motorcycle or autocycle shall be equipped with at least one headlight which shall be of a type that has been approved by the Superintendent and shall be capable of projecting sufficient light to the front of such motorcycle or autocycle to render discernible a person or object at a distance of 200 feet. In addition, each motorcycle or autocycle may be equipped with not more than two auxiliary headlights of a type approved by the Superintendent except as otherwise provided in this section. However, headlights shall not (i) project a glaring or dazzling light to persons approaching such motorcycles or autocycles or (ii) have any aftermarket modifications that cause such headlights to appear as a blue light. Such prohibition shall not be construed to prohibit the installation and use of headlights of types approved by the Superintendent.\n\t\tMotorcycles or autocycles may be equipped with means of modulating the high beam of their headlights between high and low beam at a rate of 200 to 280 flashes per minute. Such headlights shall not be so modulated during periods when headlights would ordinarily be required to be lighted under \u00a7 46.2-1030.\n\t\tNotwithstanding \u00a7 46.2-1002, motorcycles or autocycles may be equipped with standard bulb running lights or light-emitting diode (LED) pods or strips as auxiliary lighting. Such lighting shall be (i) either red or amber in color, (ii) directed toward the ground in such a manner that no part of the beam will strike the level of the surface on which the motorcycle or autocycle stands at a distance of more than 10 feet from the vehicle, and (iii) designed for vehicular use. Such lighting shall not (a) project a beam of light of an intensity greater than 25 candlepower or 314.25 lumens or its equivalent from a single lamp or bulb; (b) be blinking, flashing, oscillating, or rotating; or (c) be attached to the wheels of the motorcycle or autocycle.\n\t\tEvery motorcycle or autocycle registered in the Commonwealth and operated on the highways of the Commonwealth shall be equipped with at least one brake light of a type approved by the Superintendent. Motorcycles or autocycles may be equipped with one or more auxiliary brake lights of a type approved by the Superintendent. The Superintendent may by regulation prescribe or limit the size, number, location, and configuration of such auxiliary brake lights.\n\t\tEvery motorcycle or autocycle shall carry at the rear at least one or more red lights plainly visible in clear weather from a distance of 500 feet to the rear of such vehicle. Such tail lights shall be constructed and so mounted in their relation to the rear license plate as to illuminate the license plate with a white light so that the same may be read from a distance of 50 feet to the rear of such vehicle. Alternatively, a separate white light shall be so mounted as to illuminate the rear license plate from a distance of 50 feet to the rear of such vehicle. Any such tail lights or special white light shall be of a type approved by the Superintendent.\n\t\tMotorcycles 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.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":199178,"text":"Every motorcycle or autocycle shall be equipped with at least one headlight which shall be of a type that has been approved by the Superintendent and shall be capable of projecting sufficient light to the front of such motorcycle or autocycle to render discernible a person or object at a distance of 200 feet. In addition, each motorcycle or autocycle may be equipped with not more than two auxiliary headlights of a type approved by the Superintendent except as otherwise provided in this section. However, headlights shall not (i) project a glaring or dazzling light to persons approaching such motorcycles or autocycles or (ii) have any aftermarket modifications that cause such headlights to appear as a blue light. Such prohibition shall not be construed to prohibit the installation and use of headlights of types approved by the Superintendent.\n\t\tMotorcycles or autocycles may be equipped with means of modulating the high beam of their headlights between high and low beam at a rate of 200 to 280 flashes per minute. Such headlights shall not be so modulated during periods when headlights would ordinarily be required to be lighted under \u00a7 46.2-1030.\n\t\tNotwithstanding \u00a7 46.2-1002, motorcycles or autocycles may be equipped with standard bulb running lights or light-emitting diode (LED) pods or strips as auxiliary lighting. Such lighting shall be (i) either red or amber in color, (ii) directed toward the ground in such a manner that no part of the beam will strike the level of the surface on which the motorcycle or autocycle stands at a distance of more than 10 feet from the vehicle, and (iii) designed for vehicular use. Such lighting shall not (a) project a beam of light of an intensity greater than 25 candlepower or 314.25 lumens or its equivalent from a single lamp or bulb; (b) be blinking, flashing, oscillating, or rotating; or (c) be attached to the wheels of the motorcycle or autocycle.\n\t\tEvery motorcycle or autocycle registered in the Commonwealth and operated on the highways of the Commonwealth shall be equipped with at least one brake light of a type approved by the Superintendent. Motorcycles or autocycles may be equipped with one or more auxiliary brake lights of a type approved by the Superintendent. The Superintendent may by regulation prescribe or limit the size, number, location, and configuration of such auxiliary brake lights.\n\t\tEvery motorcycle or autocycle shall carry at the rear at least one or more red lights plainly visible in clear weather from a distance of 500 feet to the rear of such vehicle. Such tail lights shall be constructed and so mounted in their relation to the rear license plate as to illuminate the license plate with a white light so that the same may be read from a distance of 50 feet to the rear of such vehicle. Alternatively, a separate white light shall be so mounted as to illuminate the rear license plate from a distance of 50 feet to the rear of such vehicle. Any such tail lights or special white light shall be of a type approved by the Superintendent.\n\t\tMotorcycles 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.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":13233,"edition_id":1,"name":"Lights and Turn Signals","identifier":"3","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12828,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:29","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:29","permalink":{"id":229409,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13233,"identifier":"3","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3","url":"\/46.2\/III\/10\/3\/","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":86642,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1010","catch_line":"Equipment required","url":"\/46.2-1010\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1010","metadata":false},{"id":54889,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1011","catch_line":"Headlights on motor vehicles","url":"\/46.2-1011\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1011","metadata":false},{"id":54238,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1012","catch_line":"Headlights, auxiliary headlights, tail lights, brake lights, auxiliary lights, and illumination of license plates on motorcycles or autocycles","url":"\/46.2-1012\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1012","metadata":false},{"id":82249,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1013","catch_line":"Tail lights","url":"\/46.2-1013\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1013","metadata":false},{"id":55516,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1014","catch_line":"Brake lights","url":"\/46.2-1014\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1014","metadata":false},{"id":85762,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1014.1","catch_line":"Supplemental high mount stop light","url":"\/46.2-1014.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1014.1","metadata":false},{"id":70500,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1015","catch_line":"Lights on bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, personal delivery devices, electric power-assisted bicycles, mopeds, and motorized skateboards or scooters","url":"\/46.2-1015\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1015","metadata":false},{"id":64768,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1016","catch_line":"Lights on other vehicles; reflectors","url":"\/46.2-1016\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1016","metadata":false},{"id":58032,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1017","catch_line":"Dimension or marker lights and reflectors, generally","url":"\/46.2-1017\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1017","metadata":false},{"id":68583,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1018","catch_line":"Marker lights on vehicles or loads exceeding thirty-five feet","url":"\/46.2-1018\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1018","metadata":false},{"id":74725,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1019","catch_line":"Spotlights","url":"\/46.2-1019\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1019","metadata":false},{"id":83551,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1020","catch_line":"Other permissible lights","url":"\/46.2-1020\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1020","metadata":false},{"id":66212,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1021","catch_line":"Additional lights permitted on certain commercial vehicles","url":"\/46.2-1021\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1021","metadata":false},{"id":78667,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1021.1","catch_line":"Additional lights permitted on certain privately owned cars","url":"\/46.2-1021.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1021.1","metadata":false},{"id":60736,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1022","catch_line":"Flashing or steady-burning blue or red, flashing red and blue or blue and white, or red, white, and blue warning lights","url":"\/46.2-1022\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1022","metadata":false},{"id":78077,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1023","catch_line":"Flashing red or red and white warning lights","url":"\/46.2-1023\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1023","metadata":false},{"id":68894,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1024","catch_line":"Flashing or steady-burning red or red and white warning light units","url":"\/46.2-1024\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1024","metadata":false},{"id":61251,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1025","catch_line":"Flashing amber, purple, or green warning lights","url":"\/46.2-1025\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1025","metadata":false},{"id":69248,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1025.1","catch_line":"Flashing amber warning lights on certain fox hunting vehicles","url":"\/46.2-1025.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1025.1","metadata":false},{"id":79262,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1026","catch_line":"Flashing high-intensity amber warning lights","url":"\/46.2-1026\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1026","metadata":false},{"id":76532,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1027","catch_line":"Warning lights on certain demonstrator vehicles","url":"\/46.2-1027\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1027","metadata":false},{"id":85600,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1028","catch_line":"Auxiliary lights on firefighting, Virginia Department of Transportation, and other emergency vehicles","url":"\/46.2-1028\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1028","metadata":false},{"id":77393,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1028.1","catch_line":"Illuminated identification systems on certain emergency vehicles","url":"\/46.2-1028.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1028.1","metadata":false},{"id":63456,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1028.2","catch_line":"Auxiliary lights on public utility vehicles","url":"\/46.2-1028.2\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1028.2","metadata":false},{"id":70664,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1029","catch_line":"Auxiliary lights on law-enforcement vehicles","url":"\/46.2-1029\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1029","metadata":false},{"id":84510,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1029.1","catch_line":"Flashing of headlights on certain vehicles","url":"\/46.2-1029.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1029.1","metadata":false},{"id":72396,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1029.2","catch_line":"Certain vehicles may be equipped with secondary warning lights","url":"\/46.2-1029.2\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1029.2","metadata":false},{"id":74584,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1030","catch_line":"When lights to be lighted; number of lights to be lighted at any time; use of warning lights","url":"\/46.2-1030\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1030","metadata":false},{"id":61103,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1031","catch_line":"Requirements as to single-beam head lights","url":"\/46.2-1031\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1031","metadata":false},{"id":65624,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1032","catch_line":"Requirements as to multiple-beam headlights","url":"\/46.2-1032\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1032","metadata":false},{"id":54466,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1033","catch_line":"Indicator light required","url":"\/46.2-1033\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1033","metadata":false},{"id":73407,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1034","catch_line":"When dimming headlights required","url":"\/46.2-1034\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1034","metadata":false},{"id":75546,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1035","catch_line":"Dimming headlights on parked vehicles","url":"\/46.2-1035\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1035","metadata":false},{"id":62842,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1036","catch_line":"Acetylene lights on antique motor vehicles","url":"\/46.2-1036\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1036","metadata":false},{"id":81417,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1037","catch_line":"Lights on parked vehicles","url":"\/46.2-1037\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1037","metadata":false},{"id":80603,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1038","catch_line":"When turn signals required; exceptions","url":"\/46.2-1038\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1038","metadata":false},{"id":68552,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1039","catch_line":"Requirements of turn signals; regulations","url":"\/46.2-1039\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1039","metadata":false},{"id":77922,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1040","catch_line":"Hazard lights","url":"\/46.2-1040\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1040","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":54889,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1011","catch_line":"Headlights on motor vehicles","url":"\/46.2-1011\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1011","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":82249,"structure_id":13233,"section_number":"46.2-1013","catch_line":"Tail lights","url":"\/46.2-1013\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1013","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-1012\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 11 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1958, chapter 541; in 1983, chapter 132; in 1989, chapter 727; in 1991, chapter 165; in 2003, chapter 964<\/a>; in 2009, chapter 79<\/a>; in 2014, chapters 53<\/a> and 256<\/a>; in 2015, chapter 405<\/a>; in 2018, chapter 763<\/a>; in 2020, chapter 393<\/a>; in 2023, chapter 689<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":70555,"section_number":"46.2-1002","catch_line":"Illegal possession or sale of certain unapproved equipment","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1002\/"},{"id":74584,"section_number":"46.2-1030","catch_line":"When lights to be lighted; number of lights to be lighted at any time; use of warning lights","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1030\/"}],"permalink":{"id":229419,"object_type":"law","relational_id":54238,"identifier":"46.2-1012","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1012","url":"\/46.2-1012\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-1012\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1012","dublin_core":{"Title":"Headlights, auxiliary headlights, tail lights, brake lights, auxiliary lights, and illumination of license plates on motorcycles or autocycles","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-1012","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Every motorcycle<\/span> or autocycle<\/span> shall be equipped with at least one headlight which shall be of a type that has been approved by the Superintendent<\/span> and shall be capable of projecting sufficient light<\/span> to the front of such motorcycle<\/span> or autocycle<\/span> to render discernible a person or object<\/span> at a distance of 200 feet. In addition, each motorcycle<\/span> or autocycle<\/span> may be equipped with not more than two auxiliary headlights of a type approved by the Superintendent<\/span> except as otherwise provided in this section. However, headlights shall not (i) project a glaring or dazzling light<\/span> to persons approaching such motorcycles<\/span> or autocycles<\/span> or (ii) have any aftermarket modifications that cause such headlights to appear as a blue light<\/span>. Such prohibition shall not be construed to prohibit the installation and use of headlights of types approved by the Superintendent<\/span>.\n\t\tMotorcycles<\/span> or autocycles<\/span> may be equipped with means of modulating the high beam of their headlights between high and low beam at a rate of 200 to 280 flashes per minute. Such headlights shall not be so modulated during periods when headlights would ordinarily be required to be lighted under \u00a7 46.2-1030<\/a>.\n\t\tNotwithstanding \u00a7 46.2-1002<\/a>, motorcycles<\/span> or autocycles<\/span> may be equipped with standard bulb running lights<\/span> or light<\/span>-emitting diode (LED) pods or strips as auxiliary lighting. Such lighting shall be (i) either red or amber in color, (ii) directed toward the ground in such a manner that no part of the beam will strike the level of the surface on which the motorcycle<\/span> or autocycle<\/span> stands at a distance of more than 10 feet from the vehicle<\/span>, and (iii) designed for vehicular use. Such lighting shall not (a) project a beam of light<\/span> of an intensity greater than 25 candlepower or 314.25 lumens or its equivalent from a single lamp or bulb; (b) be blinking, flashing, oscillating, or rotating; or (c) be attached to the wheels of the motorcycle<\/span> or autocycle<\/span>.\n\t\tEvery motorcycle<\/span> or autocycle<\/span> registered in the Commonwealth and operated on the highways<\/span><\/span> of the Commonwealth shall be equipped with at least one brake light<\/span> of a type approved by the Superintendent<\/span>. Motorcycles<\/span> or autocycles<\/span> may be equipped with one or more auxiliary brake lights<\/span> of a type approved by the Superintendent<\/span>. The Superintendent<\/span> may by regulation prescribe or limit the size, number, location, and configuration of such auxiliary brake lights<\/span>.\n\t\tEvery motorcycle<\/span> or autocycle<\/span> shall carry at the rear at least one or more red lights<\/span> plainly visible in clear weather from a distance of 500 feet to the rear of such vehicle<\/span>. Such tail lights<\/span> shall be constructed and so mounted in their relation to the rear license plate<\/span> as to illuminate the license plate<\/span> with a white light<\/span> so that the same may be read from a distance of 50 feet to the rear of such vehicle<\/span>. Alternatively, a separate white light<\/span> shall be so mounted as to illuminate the rear license plate<\/span> from a distance of 50 feet to the rear of such vehicle<\/span>. Any such tail lights<\/span> or special white light<\/span> shall be of a type approved by the Superintendent<\/span>.\n\t\tMotorcycles<\/span> or autocycles<\/span> may be equipped with a means of varying the brightness of the vehicle<\/span>’s brake light<\/span> upon application of the vehicle<\/span>’s brakes.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nHEADLIGHTS, AUXILIARY HEADLIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, AUXILIARY LIGHTS,\nAND ILLUMINATION OF LICENSE PLATES ON MOTORCYCLES OR AUTOCYCLES (\u00a7 46.2-1012)\n\nEvery motorcycle or autocycle shall be equipped with at least one headlight\nwhich shall be of a type that has been approved by the Superintendent and shall\nbe capable of projecting sufficient light to the front of such motorcycle or\nautocycle to render discernible a person or object at a distance of 200 feet. In\naddition, each motorcycle or autocycle may be equipped with not more than two\nauxiliary headlights of a type approved by the Superintendent except as\notherwise provided in this section. However, headlights shall not (i) project a\nglaring or dazzling light to persons approaching such motorcycles or autocycles\nor (ii) have any aftermarket modifications that cause such headlights to appear\nas a blue light. Such prohibition shall not be construed to prohibit the\ninstallation and use of headlights of types approved by the Superintendent.\n\t\tMotorcycles or autocycles may be equipped with means of modulating the high\nbeam of their headlights between high and low beam at a rate of 200 to 280\nflashes per minute. Such headlights shall not be so modulated during periods\nwhen headlights would ordinarily be required to be lighted under \u00a7 46.2-1030.\n\t\tNotwithstanding \u00a7 46.2-1002, motorcycles or autocycles may be equipped with\nstandard bulb running lights or light-emitting diode (LED) pods or strips as\nauxiliary lighting. Such lighting shall be (i) either red or amber in color,\n(ii) directed toward the ground in such a manner that no part of the beam will\nstrike the level of the surface on which the motorcycle or autocycle stands at a\ndistance of more than 10 feet from the vehicle, and (iii) designed for vehicular\nuse. Such lighting shall not (a) project a beam of light of an intensity greater\nthan 25 candlepower or 314.25 lumens or its equivalent from a single lamp or\nbulb; (b) be blinking, flashing, oscillating, or rotating; or (c) be attached to\nthe wheels of the motorcycle or autocycle.\n\t\tEvery motorcycle or autocycle registered in the Commonwealth and operated on\nthe highways of the Commonwealth shall be equipped with at least one brake light\nof a type approved by the Superintendent. Motorcycles or autocycles may be\nequipped with one or more auxiliary brake lights of a type approved by the\nSuperintendent. The Superintendent may by regulation prescribe or limit the\nsize, number, location, and configuration of such auxiliary brake lights.\n\t\tEvery motorcycle or autocycle shall carry at the rear at least one or more red\nlights plainly visible in clear weather from a distance of 500 feet to the rear\nof such vehicle. Such tail lights shall be constructed and so mounted in their\nrelation to the rear license plate as to illuminate the license plate with a\nwhite light so that the same may be read from a distance of 50 feet to the rear\nof such vehicle. Alternatively, a separate white light shall be so mounted as to\nilluminate the rear license plate from a distance of 50 feet to the rear of such\nvehicle. Any such tail lights or special white light shall be of a type approved\nby the Superintendent.\n\t\tMotorcycles or autocycles may be equipped with a means of varying the\nbrightness of the vehicle’s brake light upon application of the\nvehicle’s brakes.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 46-266; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-261; 1983, c. 132; 1989, c.\n727; 1991, c. 165; 2003, c. 964; 2009, c. 79; 2014, cc. 53, 256; 2015, c. 405;\n2018, c. 763; 2020, c. 393; 2023, c. 689.","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}}