{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/46.2-1030.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/46.2-1030.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/46.2-1030.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/46.2-1030.html"}],"law_id":74584,"edition_id":1,"section_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","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 46-275; Code 1950, \u00a7 46-275; 1956, c. 640; 1956, c. 640; 1956, c. 640; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-268; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-268; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-268; 1960, c. 156; 1960, c. 156; 1960, c. 156; 1970, c. 165; 1970, c. 165; 1970, c. 165; 1983, c. 132; 1983, c. 132; 1983, c. 132; 1987, c. 381; 1987, c. 381; 1987, c. 381; 1989, c. 727; 1989, c. 727; 1989, c. 727; 1992, c. 364; 1992, c. 364; 1992, c. 364; 1997, cc. 25, 589; 1997, cc. 25, 589; 1997, cc. 25, 589; 2016, cc. 195, 206; 2016, cc. 195, 206; 2016, cc. 195, 206; 2020, cc. 45, 45, 45; 2022, cc. 457, 458; 2023, cc. 88, 89; 2025, c. 252.","full_text":"A\n\nEvery vehicle in operation on a highway in the Commonwealth shall display lighted headlights and illuminating devices as required by this article (i) from sunset to sunrise; (ii) during any other time when, because of rain, smoke, fog, snow, sleet, insufficient light, or other unfavorable atmospheric conditions, visibility is reduced to a degree whereby persons or vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet; and (iii) whenever windshield wipers are in use as a result of fog, rain, sleet, or snow. The provisions of this subsection, however, shall not apply to instances when windshield wipers are used intermittently in misting rain, sleet, or snow.B\n\nNot more than four lights used to provide general illumination ahead of the vehicle, including at least two headlights and any other combination of fog lights or other auxiliary lights approved by the Superintendent, shall be lighted at any time. However, motorcycles may be equipped with and use not more than five approved lights in order to provide general illumination ahead of the motorcycle. These limitations shall not preclude the display of warning lights authorized in §§ 46.2-1020 through 46.2-1027, or other lights as may be authorized by the Superintendent.C\n\nVehicles equipped with warning lights authorized in §§ 46.2-1020 through 46.2-1027 shall display lighted warning lights as authorized in such sections at all times when responding to emergency calls, responding to traffic incidents, responding to metropolitan transit-related incidents, responding to mine rescue incidents, towing disabled vehicles, or constructing, repairing, and maintaining public highways or utilities on or along public highways, except that amber lights on vehicles designed with a ramp on wheels and a hydraulic lift with a capacity to haul or tow another vehicle, commonly referred to as “rollbacks,” need not be lit while the vehicle is in motion unless it is actually towing a vehicle.D\n\nThe failure to display lighted headlights and illuminating devices under the conditions set forth in clause (iii) of subsection A shall not constitute negligence per se, nor shall violation of clause (iii) of subsection A constitute a defense to any claim for personal injury or recovery of medical expenses for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.E\n\nNo demerit points shall be assessed for failure to display lighted headlights and illuminating devices during periods of fog, rain, sleet, or snow in violation of clause (iii) of subsection A.F\n\nNo citation for a violation of clause (iii) of subsection A shall be issued unless the officer issuing such citation has cause to stop or arrest the driver of such motor vehicle for the violation of some other provision of this Code or local ordinance relating to the operation, ownership, or maintenance of a motor vehicle or any criminal statute. No law-enforcement officer shall stop a motor vehicle for a violation of this section, except that a law-enforcement officer may stop a vehicle if it displays no lighted headlights during the time periods set forth in subsection A. No evidence discovered or obtained as the result of a stop in violation of this subsection, including evidence discovered or obtained with the operator’s consent, shall be admissible in any trial, hearing, or other proceeding.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":268047,"text":"Every vehicle in operation on a highway in the Commonwealth shall display lighted headlights and illuminating devices as required by this article (i) from sunset to sunrise; (ii) during any other time when, because of rain, smoke, fog, snow, sleet, insufficient light, or other unfavorable atmospheric conditions, visibility is reduced to a degree whereby persons or vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet; and (iii) whenever windshield wipers are in use as a result of fog, rain, sleet, or snow. The provisions of this subsection, however, shall not apply to instances when windshield wipers are used intermittently in misting rain, sleet, or snow.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":268048,"text":"Not more than four lights used to provide general illumination ahead of the vehicle, including at least two headlights and any other combination of fog lights or other auxiliary lights approved by the Superintendent, shall be lighted at any time. However, motorcycles may be equipped with and use not more than five approved lights in order to provide general illumination ahead of the motorcycle. These limitations shall not preclude the display of warning lights authorized in §§ 46.2-1020 through 46.2-1027, or other lights as may be authorized by the Superintendent.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":268049,"text":"Vehicles equipped with warning lights authorized in §§ 46.2-1020 through 46.2-1027 shall display lighted warning lights as authorized in such sections at all times when responding to emergency calls, responding to traffic incidents, responding to metropolitan transit-related incidents, responding to mine rescue incidents, towing disabled vehicles, or constructing, repairing, and maintaining public highways or utilities on or along public highways, except that amber lights on vehicles designed with a ramp on wheels and a hydraulic lift with a capacity to haul or tow another vehicle, commonly referred to as “rollbacks,” need not be lit while the vehicle is in motion unless it is actually towing a vehicle.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":268050,"text":"The failure to display lighted headlights and illuminating devices under the conditions set forth in clause (iii) of subsection A shall not constitute negligence per se, nor shall violation of clause (iii) of subsection A constitute a defense to any claim for personal injury or recovery of medical expenses for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":268051,"text":"No demerit points shall be assessed for failure to display lighted headlights and illuminating devices during periods of fog, rain, sleet, or snow in violation of clause (iii) of subsection A.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"5":{"id":268052,"text":"No citation for a violation of clause (iii) of subsection A shall be issued unless the officer issuing such citation has cause to stop or arrest the driver of such motor vehicle for the violation of some other provision of this Code or local ordinance relating to the operation, ownership, or maintenance of a motor vehicle or any criminal statute. No law-enforcement officer shall stop a motor vehicle for a violation of this section, except that a law-enforcement officer may stop a vehicle if it displays no lighted headlights during the time periods set forth in subsection A. No evidence discovered or obtained as the result of a stop in violation of this subsection, including evidence discovered or obtained with the operator’s consent, shall be admissible in any trial, hearing, or other proceeding.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E"}},"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":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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-1030\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 34 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 1956, chapter 640; in 1956, chapter 640; in 1956, chapter 640; in 1958, chapter 541; in 1958, chapter 541; in 1958, chapter 541; in 1960, chapter 156; in 1960, chapter 156; in 1960, chapter 156; in 1970, chapter 165; in 1970, chapter 165; in 1970, chapter 165; in 1983, chapter 132; in 1983, chapter 132; in 1983, chapter 132; in 1987, chapter 381; in 1987, chapter 381; in 1987, chapter 381; in 1989, chapter 727; in 1989, chapter 727; in 1989, chapter 727; in 1992, chapter 364; in 1992, chapter 364; in 1992, chapter 364; in 1997, chapters 25<\/a> and 589<\/a>; in 1997, chapters 25<\/a> and 589<\/a>; in 1997, chapters 25<\/a> and 589<\/a>; in 2016, chapters 195<\/a> and 206<\/a>; in 2016, chapters 195<\/a> and 206<\/a>; in 2016, chapters 195<\/a> and 206<\/a>; in 2020, chapters 45<\/a>, 45<\/a>, and 45<\/a>; in 2022, chapters 457<\/a> and 458<\/a>; in 2023, chapters 88<\/a> and 89<\/a>; in 2025, chapter 252<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":54238,"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","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1012\/"},{"id":84510,"section_number":"46.2-1029.1","catch_line":"Flashing of headlights on certain vehicles","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1029.1\/"},{"id":78142,"section_number":"46.2-111","catch_line":"Flares and other signals relating to stopped commercial motor vehicles","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-111\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":83551,"section_number":"46.2-1020","catch_line":"Other permissible lights","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1020\/"},{"id":76532,"section_number":"46.2-1027","catch_line":"Warning lights on certain demonstrator vehicles","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1027\/"}],"permalink":{"id":229519,"object_type":"law","relational_id":74584,"identifier":"46.2-1030","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1030","url":"\/46.2-1030\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-1030\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/3\/46.2-1030","dublin_core":{"Title":"When lights to be lighted; number of lights to be lighted at any time; use of warning lights","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-1030","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Every vehicle<\/span> in operation on a highway<\/span> in the Commonwealth shall display lighted headlights and illuminating devices as required by this article (i) from sunset to sunrise; (ii) during any other time when, because of rain, smoke, fog, snow, sleet, insufficient light<\/span>, or other unfavorable atmospheric conditions, visibility is reduced to a degree whereby persons or vehicles<\/span> on the highway<\/span> are not clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet; and (iii) whenever windshield wipers are in use as a result of fog, rain, sleet, or snow. The provisions of this subsection, however, shall not apply to instances when windshield wipers are used intermittently in misting rain, sleet, or snow. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Not more than four lights<\/span> used to provide general illumination ahead of the vehicle<\/span>, including at least two headlights and any other combination of fog lights<\/span> or other auxiliary lights<\/span> approved by the Superintendent<\/span>, shall be lighted at any time. However, motorcycles<\/span> may be equipped with and use not more than five approved lights<\/span> in order<\/span> to provide general illumination ahead of the motorcycle<\/span>. These limitations shall not preclude the display of warning lights<\/span> authorized in §§ 46.2-1020<\/a> through 46.2-1027<\/a>, or other lights<\/span> as may be authorized by the Superintendent<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Vehicles<\/span> equipped with warning lights<\/span> authorized in §§ 46.2-1020<\/a> through 46.2-1027<\/a> shall display lighted warning lights<\/span> as authorized in such sections at all times when responding to emergency calls, responding to traffic incidents, responding to metropolitan transit-related incidents, responding to mine rescue incidents, towing disabled vehicles<\/span>, or constructing, repairing, and maintaining public highways<\/span><\/span> or utilities on or along public highways<\/span><\/span>, except that amber lights<\/span> on vehicles<\/span> designed with a ramp on wheels and a hydraulic lift with a capacity to haul or tow another vehicle<\/span>, commonly referred to as “rollbacks,” need not be lit while the vehicle<\/span> is in motion<\/span> unless it is actually towing a vehicle<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The failure to display lighted headlights and illuminating devices under the conditions set forth in clause (iii) of subsection A shall not constitute negligence<\/span> per se, nor shall violation of clause (iii) of subsection A constitute a defense to any claim for personal injury or recovery of medical expenses for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle<\/span> accident. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> No demerit points shall be assessed for failure to display lighted headlights and illuminating devices during periods of fog, rain, sleet, or snow in violation of clause (iii) of subsection A. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> No citation<\/span> for a violation of clause (iii) of subsection A shall be issued unless the officer issuing such citation<\/span> has cause to stop or arrest<\/span> the driver<\/span> of such motor vehicle<\/span> for the violation of some other provision of this Code or local ordinance<\/span> relating to the operation, ownership, or maintenance of a motor vehicle<\/span> or any criminal statute<\/span>. No law<\/span>-enforcement officer<\/span> shall stop a motor vehicle<\/span> for a violation of this section, except that a law<\/span>-enforcement officer<\/span> may stop a vehicle if it displays no lighted headlights during the time periods set forth in subsection A. No evidence<\/span> discovered or obtained as the result of a stop in violation of this subsection, including evidence<\/span> discovered or obtained with the operator<\/span>’s consent, shall be admissible<\/span> in any trial<\/span>, hearing<\/span>, or other proceeding. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nWHEN LIGHTS TO BE LIGHTED; NUMBER OF LIGHTS TO BE LIGHTED AT ANY TIME; USE OF\nWARNING LIGHTS (\u00a7 46.2-1030)\n\nA. Every vehicle in operation on a highway in the Commonwealth shall display\nlighted headlights and illuminating devices as required by this article (i) from\nsunset to sunrise; (ii) during any other time when, because of rain, smoke, fog,\nsnow, sleet, insufficient light, or other unfavorable atmospheric conditions,\nvisibility is reduced to a degree whereby persons or vehicles on the highway are\nnot clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet; and (iii) whenever windshield\nwipers are in use as a result of fog, rain, sleet, or snow. The provisions of\nthis subsection, however, shall not apply to instances when windshield wipers\nare used intermittently in misting rain, sleet, or snow.\n\nB. Not more than four lights used to provide general illumination ahead of the\nvehicle, including at least two headlights and any other combination of fog\nlights or other auxiliary lights approved by the Superintendent, shall be\nlighted at any time. However, motorcycles may be equipped with and use not more\nthan five approved lights in order to provide general illumination ahead of the\nmotorcycle. These limitations shall not preclude the display of warning lights\nauthorized in §§ 46.2-1020 through 46.2-1027, or other lights as may\nbe authorized by the Superintendent.\n\nC. Vehicles equipped with warning lights authorized in §§ 46.2-1020\nthrough 46.2-1027 shall display lighted warning lights as authorized in such\nsections at all times when responding to emergency calls, responding to traffic\nincidents, responding to metropolitan transit-related incidents, responding to\nmine rescue incidents, towing disabled vehicles, or constructing, repairing, and\nmaintaining public highways or utilities on or along public highways, except\nthat amber lights on vehicles designed with a ramp on wheels and a hydraulic\nlift with a capacity to haul or tow another vehicle, commonly referred to as\n“rollbacks,” need not be lit while the vehicle is in motion unless\nit is actually towing a vehicle.\n\nD. The failure to display lighted headlights and illuminating devices under the\nconditions set forth in clause (iii) of subsection A shall not constitute\nnegligence per se, nor shall violation of clause (iii) of subsection A\nconstitute a defense to any claim for personal injury or recovery of medical\nexpenses for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.\n\nE. No demerit points shall be assessed for failure to display lighted headlights\nand illuminating devices during periods of fog, rain, sleet, or snow in\nviolation of clause (iii) of subsection A.\n\nF. No citation for a violation of clause (iii) of subsection A shall be issued\nunless the officer issuing such citation has cause to stop or arrest the driver\nof such motor vehicle for the violation of some other provision of this Code or\nlocal ordinance relating to the operation, ownership, or maintenance of a motor\nvehicle or any criminal statute. No law-enforcement officer shall stop a motor\nvehicle for a violation of this section, except that a law-enforcement officer\nmay stop a vehicle if it displays no lighted headlights during the time periods\nset forth in subsection A. No evidence discovered or obtained as the result of a\nstop in violation of this subsection, including evidence discovered or obtained\nwith the operator’s consent, shall be admissible in any trial, hearing, or\nother proceeding.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 46-275; Code 1950, \u00a7 46-275; 1956, c. 640; 1956, c. 640;\n1956, c. 640; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-268; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-268; 1958, c.\n541, \u00a7 46.1-268; 1960, c. 156; 1960, c. 156; 1960, c. 156; 1970, c. 165; 1970,\nc. 165; 1970, c. 165; 1983, c. 132; 1983, c. 132; 1983, c. 132; 1987, c. 381;\n1987, c. 381; 1987, c. 381; 1989, c. 727; 1989, c. 727; 1989, c. 727; 1992, c.\n364; 1992, c. 364; 1992, c. 364; 1997, cc. 25, 589; 1997, cc. 25, 589; 1997, cc.\n25, 589; 2016, cc. 195, 206; 2016, cc. 195, 206; 2016, cc. 195, 206; 2020, cc.\n45, 45, 45; 2022, cc. 457, 458; 2023, cc. 88, 89; 2025, c. 252.","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}}