{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/46.2-1072.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/46.2-1072.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/46.2-1072.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/46.2-1072.html"}],"law_id":71538,"edition_id":1,"section_id":71538,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1072","catch_line":"Operation of vehicle without serial or identification number; requirements for stamping, cutting, or embossing numbers; regulations","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 46-11; 1952, c. 545; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-84; 1978, c. 294; 1989, c. 727; 1997, c. 96.","full_text":"It shall be unlawful to sell or to drive on any highway in the Commonwealth any motor vehicle which does not have stamped on or cut into its motor its motor number or which does not bear a permanent serial or other identification number assigned by the manufacturer or by the Commissioner, or any trailer or semitrailer which does not bear a permanent serial or other identification number assigned by its manufacturer or the Commissioner. The number shall be stamped, cut, embossed, or attached in such a manner that it cannot be changed, altered, or removed without plainly showing evidence which would be readily detectable or which would destroy the attached plate. The number shall be die stamped, cut, or embossed into or attached to a permanent part of the vehicle which is easily accessible for verification. However, nonresident owners who are permitted to operate motor vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers without registration, under the registration provision relating to nonresidents contained in \u00a7\u00a7 46.2-655 through 46.2-661 shall not be required to comply with this section before operating a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer on the highways in the Commonwealth.\n\t\tThe Commissioner may adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":257862,"text":"It shall be unlawful to sell or to drive on any highway in the Commonwealth any motor vehicle which does not have stamped on or cut into its motor its motor number or which does not bear a permanent serial or other identification number assigned by the manufacturer or by the Commissioner, or any trailer or semitrailer which does not bear a permanent serial or other identification number assigned by its manufacturer or the Commissioner. The number shall be stamped, cut, embossed, or attached in such a manner that it cannot be changed, altered, or removed without plainly showing evidence which would be readily detectable or which would destroy the attached plate. The number shall be die stamped, cut, or embossed into or attached to a permanent part of the vehicle which is easily accessible for verification. However, nonresident owners who are permitted to operate motor vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers without registration, under the registration provision relating to nonresidents contained in \u00a7\u00a7 46.2-655 through 46.2-661 shall not be required to comply with this section before operating a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer on the highways in the Commonwealth.\n\t\tThe Commissioner may adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":13067,"edition_id":1,"name":"Miscellaneous Equipment","identifier":"10","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12828,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:13","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:13","permalink":{"id":228627,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13067,"identifier":"10","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10","url":"\/46.2\/III\/10\/10\/","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":71538,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1072","catch_line":"Operation of vehicle without serial or identification number; requirements for stamping, cutting, or embossing numbers; regulations","url":"\/46.2-1072\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1072","metadata":false},{"id":69545,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1072.1","catch_line":"Fees","url":"\/46.2-1072.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1072.1","metadata":false},{"id":68338,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1073","catch_line":"Engine or serial number illegible, removed, or obliterated","url":"\/46.2-1073\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1073","metadata":false},{"id":70675,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1074","catch_line":"Removing or altering serial or identification numbers, decals and devices without consent of Department","url":"\/46.2-1074\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1074","metadata":false},{"id":63514,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1075","catch_line":"Possession of vehicles with serial numbers removed or altered","url":"\/46.2-1075\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1075","metadata":false},{"id":69052,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1075.1","catch_line":"Tampering with gross vehicle weight ratings; penalty","url":"\/46.2-1075.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1075.1","metadata":false},{"id":80519,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1076","catch_line":"Lettering on certain vehicles","url":"\/46.2-1076\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1076","metadata":false},{"id":64520,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1077","catch_line":"Motor vehicles not to be equipped with television within view of driver; viewing motion pictures or similar displays while driving","url":"\/46.2-1077\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1077","metadata":false},{"id":65557,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1077.01","catch_line":"Display of certain visual material in motor vehicles prohibited; penalty","url":"\/46.2-1077.01\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1077.01","metadata":false},{"id":69626,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1077.1","catch_line":"Mobile infrared transmitters; demerit points not to be awarded","url":"\/46.2-1077.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1077.1","metadata":false},{"id":77671,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1078","catch_line":"Unlawful to operate motor vehicle, bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped while using earphones","url":"\/46.2-1078\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1078","metadata":false},{"id":76449,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1078.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/46.2-1078.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1078.1","metadata":false},{"id":54120,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1079","catch_line":"Radar detectors; demerit points not to be awarded","url":"\/46.2-1079\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1079","metadata":false},{"id":71880,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1080","catch_line":"Speedometer in good working order","url":"\/46.2-1080\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1080","metadata":false},{"id":61953,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1081","catch_line":"Slow-moving vehicle emblems","url":"\/46.2-1081\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1081","metadata":false},{"id":75724,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1082","catch_line":"Mirrors","url":"\/46.2-1082\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1082","metadata":false},{"id":68022,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1083","catch_line":"Rear fenders, flaps, or guards required for certain motor vehicles","url":"\/46.2-1083\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1083","metadata":false},{"id":63854,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1084","catch_line":"Vehicle to have securely affixed seat for driver; location of such seat","url":"\/46.2-1084\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1084","metadata":false},{"id":86512,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1085","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/46.2-1085\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1085","metadata":false},{"id":86884,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1086","catch_line":"Devices for emission of smoke screens, gas projectors or flame throwers; prohibited","url":"\/46.2-1086\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1086","metadata":false},{"id":60282,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1087","catch_line":"Forfeiture of vehicles equipped with smoke projectors, etc","url":"\/46.2-1087\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1087","metadata":false},{"id":59414,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1088","catch_line":"Air conditioning units","url":"\/46.2-1088\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1088","metadata":false},{"id":57104,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1088.1","catch_line":"Hood scoops","url":"\/46.2-1088.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1088.1","metadata":false},{"id":84273,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1088.2","catch_line":"Warning devices required on certain vehicles","url":"\/46.2-1088.2\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1088.2","metadata":false},{"id":63966,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1088.3","catch_line":"Air bags; installation of other object in lieu of air bag prohibited; manufacture, sale, etc., of counterfeit or nonfunctional air bag prohibited; notice of installation of previously installed air bag required; penalties","url":"\/46.2-1088.3\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1088.3","metadata":false},{"id":60637,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1088.4","catch_line":"Devices used to supply nitrous oxide to the engines of motor vehicles","url":"\/46.2-1088.4\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1088.4","metadata":false},{"id":58944,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1088.5","catch_line":"Reflectors or reflectorized material required on rear end of certain trailers","url":"\/46.2-1088.5\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1088.5","metadata":false},{"id":64068,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1088.6","catch_line":"Motor vehicle recording devices","url":"\/46.2-1088.6\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1088.6","metadata":false}],"next_section":{"id":69545,"structure_id":13067,"section_number":"46.2-1072.1","catch_line":"Fees","url":"\/46.2-1072.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1072.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-1072\/","history_text":"<p>The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 5 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 1952, chapter 545; in 1958, chapter 541; in 1978, chapter 294; in 1989, chapter 727; in 1997, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?971+ful+CHAP0096\">96<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":74495,"section_number":"46.2-655","catch_line":"Reciprocity required","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-655\/"},{"id":84388,"section_number":"46.2-661","catch_line":"Extension of reciprocal privileges","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-661\/"}],"permalink":{"id":228629,"object_type":"law","relational_id":71538,"identifier":"46.2-1072","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1072","url":"\/46.2-1072\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-1072\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/10\/46.2-1072","dublin_core":{"Title":"Operation of vehicle without serial or identification number; requirements for stamping, cutting, or embossing numbers; regulations","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-1072","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>It shall be unlawful to sell or to drive on any <span class=\"dictionary\">highway<\/span> in the Commonwealth any <span class=\"dictionary\">motor vehicle<\/span> which does not have stamped on or cut into its motor its motor number or which does not bear a permanent serial or other identification number assigned by the manufacturer or by the <span class=\"dictionary\">Commissioner<\/span>, or any <span class=\"dictionary\">trailer<\/span> or <span class=\"dictionary\">semitrailer<\/span> which does not bear a permanent serial or other identification number assigned by its manufacturer or the <span class=\"dictionary\">Commissioner<\/span>. The number shall be stamped, cut, embossed, or attached in such a manner that it cannot be changed, altered, or removed without plainly showing <span class=\"dictionary\">evidence<\/span> which would be readily detectable or which would destroy the attached plate. The number shall be die stamped, cut, or embossed into or attached to a permanent part of the vehicle which is easily accessible for verification. However, <span class=\"dictionary\">nonresident<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">owners<\/span> who are permitted to operate <span class=\"dictionary\">motor vehicles<\/span>, <span class=\"dictionary\">trailers<\/span>, or <span class=\"dictionary\">semitrailers<\/span> without registration, under the registration provision relating to <span class=\"dictionary\">nonresidents<\/span> contained in \u00a7\u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"Reciprocity required\" href=\"\/46.2-655\/\">46.2-655<\/a> through <a class=\"law\" title=\"Extension of reciprocal privileges\" href=\"\/46.2-661\/\">46.2-661<\/a> shall not be required to comply with this section before operating a <span class=\"dictionary\">motor vehicle<\/span>, <span class=\"dictionary\">trailer<\/span>, or <span class=\"dictionary\">semitrailer<\/span> on the <span class=\"dictionary\"><span class=\"dictionary\">highways<\/span><\/span> in the Commonwealth.\n\t\tThe <span class=\"dictionary\">Commissioner<\/span> may adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nOPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT SERIAL OR IDENTIFICATION NUMBER; REQUIREMENTS FOR\nSTAMPING, CUTTING, OR EMBOSSING NUMBERS; REGULATIONS (\u00a7 46.2-1072)\n\nIt shall be unlawful to sell or to drive on any highway in the Commonwealth any\nmotor vehicle which does not have stamped on or cut into its motor its motor\nnumber or which does not bear a permanent serial or other identification number\nassigned by the manufacturer or by the Commissioner, or any trailer or\nsemitrailer which does not bear a permanent serial or other identification\nnumber assigned by its manufacturer or the Commissioner. The number shall be\nstamped, cut, embossed, or attached in such a manner that it cannot be changed,\naltered, or removed without plainly showing evidence which would be readily\ndetectable or which would destroy the attached plate. The number shall be die\nstamped, cut, or embossed into or attached to a permanent part of the vehicle\nwhich is easily accessible for verification. However, nonresident owners who are\npermitted to operate motor vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers without\nregistration, under the registration provision relating to nonresidents\ncontained in \u00a7\u00a7 46.2-655 through 46.2-661 shall not be required to comply with\nthis section before operating a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer on the\nhighways in the Commonwealth.\n\t\tThe Commissioner may adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this\nsection.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 46-11; 1952, c. 545; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-84; 1978, c.\n294; 1989, c. 727; 1997, c. 96.","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}}