{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/46.2-111.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/46.2-111.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/46.2-111.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/46.2-111.html"}],"law_id":78142,"edition_id":1,"section_id":78142,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-111","catch_line":"Flares and other signals relating to stopped commercial motor vehicles","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 46-260, 46-261, 46-262; 1950, p. 698; 1956, c. 56; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7\u00a7 46.1-255 to 46.1-257; 1960, c. 156; 1966, c. 122; 1968, c. 155; 1970, c. 190; 1989, c. 727; 1999, c. 77; 2003, c. 971.","full_text":"A\n\nWhenever any commercial motor vehicle as defined in § 46.2-341.4 is stopped on any roadway or on the shoulder of any highway in the Commonwealth at any time for any cause other than stops necessary to comply with traffic control devices, lawfully installed signs, or signals of law-enforcement officers, the operator of such vehicle shall immediately activate the vehicular hazard warning signal flashers and as soon as possible, but in any event within 10 minutes of stopping, place or cause to be placed on the roadway or shoulder three red reflectorized triangular warning devices of a type approved by the Superintendent. One of the red reflectorized triangular warning devices shall be placed in the center of the lane of traffic or shoulder occupied by the stopped vehicle and not less than 100 feet therefrom in the direction of traffic approaching in that lane, a second not less than 100 feet from such vehicle in the opposite direction and a third at the traffic side of such vehicle not closer than 10 feet from its front or rear. However, if such vehicle is stopped within 500 feet of a curve or crest of a hill, or other obstruction to view, the red reflectorized triangular warning devices in that direction shall be so placed as to afford ample warning to other users of the highway, but in no case less than 500 feet from the stopped vehicle. Vehicular hazard warning signal flashers shall continue to flash until the operator has placed the three red reflectorized triangular warning devices required in this subsection. The placement of red reflectorized triangular warning devices is not required within the corporate limits of cities unless, during the time which lights are required to be illuminated on motor vehicles by § 46.2-1030, the street or highway lighting is insufficient to make such vehicle clearly discernable at a distance of 500 feet to a person on the highway. Flares or torches of a type approved by the Superintendent may be used in lieu of red reflectorized warning devices. In the event that the operator of the stopped vehicle elects to use flares or torches in lieu of red reflectorized triangular warning devices, the operator shall ensure that at least one flare or torch remains lighted at each of the prescribed locations as long as the vehicle is stopped. If gasoline or any other flammable liquid or combustible liquid or gas seeps or leaks from a fuel container or a commercial motor vehicle stopped upon a highway, no emergency warning signal producing a flame shall be lighted or placed except at such a distance from any such liquid or gas as will ensure the prevention of a fire or explosion.\n\t\t\tThe exception provided in this subsection with respect to highways within the corporate limits of cities shall not apply to any portion of any interstate highway within the corporate limits of any city. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any vehicle in a work zone protected by flagmen or approved temporary traffic control channeling devices, as required by the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual or to any vehicle displaying a flashing amber light authorized by § 46.2-1025 when such vehicle is (i) used for the principal purpose of towing or servicing disabled vehicles, or (ii) engaged in road or utility construction or maintenance.B\n\nIf any such vehicle is used for the transportation of flammable liquids in bulk, whether loaded or empty, or for transporting inflammable gases, red reflectorized triangular warning devices or red electric lanterns of a type approved by the Superintendent of State Police shall be used. Such reflectors or lanterns shall be lighted and placed on the roadway in the manner provided in subsection A of this section.C\n\n[Repealed.]","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":280114,"text":"Whenever any commercial motor vehicle as defined in § 46.2-341.4 is stopped on any roadway or on the shoulder of any highway in the Commonwealth at any time for any cause other than stops necessary to comply with traffic control devices, lawfully installed signs, or signals of law-enforcement officers, the operator of such vehicle shall immediately activate the vehicular hazard warning signal flashers and as soon as possible, but in any event within 10 minutes of stopping, place or cause to be placed on the roadway or shoulder three red reflectorized triangular warning devices of a type approved by the Superintendent. One of the red reflectorized triangular warning devices shall be placed in the center of the lane of traffic or shoulder occupied by the stopped vehicle and not less than 100 feet therefrom in the direction of traffic approaching in that lane, a second not less than 100 feet from such vehicle in the opposite direction and a third at the traffic side of such vehicle not closer than 10 feet from its front or rear. However, if such vehicle is stopped within 500 feet of a curve or crest of a hill, or other obstruction to view, the red reflectorized triangular warning devices in that direction shall be so placed as to afford ample warning to other users of the highway, but in no case less than 500 feet from the stopped vehicle. Vehicular hazard warning signal flashers shall continue to flash until the operator has placed the three red reflectorized triangular warning devices required in this subsection. The placement of red reflectorized triangular warning devices is not required within the corporate limits of cities unless, during the time which lights are required to be illuminated on motor vehicles by § 46.2-1030, the street or highway lighting is insufficient to make such vehicle clearly discernable at a distance of 500 feet to a person on the highway. Flares or torches of a type approved by the Superintendent may be used in lieu of red reflectorized warning devices. In the event that the operator of the stopped vehicle elects to use flares or torches in lieu of red reflectorized triangular warning devices, the operator shall ensure that at least one flare or torch remains lighted at each of the prescribed locations as long as the vehicle is stopped. If gasoline or any other flammable liquid or combustible liquid or gas seeps or leaks from a fuel container or a commercial motor vehicle stopped upon a highway, no emergency warning signal producing a flame shall be lighted or placed except at such a distance from any such liquid or gas as will ensure the prevention of a fire or explosion.\n\t\t\tThe exception provided in this subsection with respect to highways within the corporate limits of cities shall not apply to any portion of any interstate highway within the corporate limits of any city. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any vehicle in a work zone protected by flagmen or approved temporary traffic control channeling devices, as required by the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual or to any vehicle displaying a flashing amber light authorized by § 46.2-1025 when such vehicle is (i) used for the principal purpose of towing or servicing disabled vehicles, or (ii) engaged in road or utility construction or maintenance.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":280115,"text":"If any such vehicle is used for the transportation of flammable liquids in bulk, whether loaded or empty, or for transporting inflammable gases, red reflectorized triangular warning devices or red electric lanterns of a type approved by the Superintendent of State Police shall be used. Such reflectors or lanterns shall be lighted and placed on the roadway in the manner provided in subsection A of this section.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":280116,"text":"[Repealed.]","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14128,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions","identifier":"1","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13270,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:57","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:57","permalink":{"id":225293,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14128,"identifier":"1","token":"46.2\/I\/1","url":"\/46.2\/I\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13270,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions; Department of Motor Vehicles","identifier":"I","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12770,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:33","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:33","permalink":{"id":225291,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13270,"identifier":"I","token":"46.2\/I","url":"\/46.2\/I\/","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":82691,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-100","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/46.2-100\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-100","metadata":false},{"id":79952,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-100.1","catch_line":"Certified mail; subsequent mail or notices may be sent by regular mail","url":"\/46.2-100.1\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-100.1","metadata":false},{"id":66965,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-101","catch_line":"Applicability of title to vehicles on certain toll roads and parking facilities","url":"\/46.2-101\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-101","metadata":false},{"id":73192,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-102","catch_line":"Enforcement by law-enforcement officers; officers to be uniformed; officers to be paid fixed salaries","url":"\/46.2-102\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-102","metadata":false},{"id":58256,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-103","catch_line":"Stopping vehicles for inspection or to secure information","url":"\/46.2-103\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-103","metadata":false},{"id":59128,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-104","catch_line":"Possession of registration cards; exhibiting registration card and licenses; failure to carry license or registration card","url":"\/46.2-104\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-104","metadata":false},{"id":66134,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-105","catch_line":"Making false affidavit or swearing falsely, perjury","url":"\/46.2-105\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-105","metadata":false},{"id":56208,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-105.1","catch_line":"Unlawful procurement of certificate, license, or permit; unauthorized possession of examination or answers; unlawful distribution of false operator's license; penalty","url":"\/46.2-105.1\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-105.1","metadata":false},{"id":68909,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-105.2","catch_line":"Obtaining documents from the Department when not entitled thereto; penalty","url":"\/46.2-105.2\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-105.2","metadata":false},{"id":57524,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-106","catch_line":"Reciprocal agreements entered into by Governor","url":"\/46.2-106\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-106","metadata":false},{"id":82668,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-107","catch_line":"Lists of vehicles used for rent or hire, or by contract carriers","url":"\/46.2-107\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-107","metadata":false},{"id":87378,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-108","catch_line":"Records required of persons renting motor vehicles without drivers; inspections; insurance","url":"\/46.2-108\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-108","metadata":false},{"id":78969,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-109","catch_line":"Reports by persons in charge of garages and repair shops; vehicles equipped with bullet-proof glass or smoke projectors or struck by bullets","url":"\/46.2-109\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-109","metadata":false},{"id":74372,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-110","catch_line":"Right to inspect vehicles in garages","url":"\/46.2-110\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-110","metadata":false},{"id":78142,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-111","catch_line":"Flares and other signals relating to stopped commercial motor vehicles","url":"\/46.2-111\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-111","metadata":false},{"id":86621,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-112","catch_line":"Tampering with odometer; penalty; civil liability","url":"\/46.2-112\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-112","metadata":false},{"id":56620,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-113","catch_line":"Violations of this title; penalties","url":"\/46.2-113\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-113","metadata":false},{"id":63404,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-114","catch_line":"Disposition of fines and forfeitures","url":"\/46.2-114\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-114","metadata":false},{"id":83135,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-115","catch_line":"Inapplicability of title on Tangier Island; adoption of local ordinances; penalties","url":"\/46.2-115\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-115","metadata":false},{"id":55270,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-116","catch_line":"Registration with Department of Criminal Justice Services required for tow truck drivers; penalty","url":"\/46.2-116\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-116","metadata":false},{"id":84528,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-117","catch_line":"Revocation and suspension of registration of tow truck driver; notice and hearing; assessment of costs","url":"\/46.2-117\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-117","metadata":false},{"id":82474,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-118","catch_line":"Prohibited acts by tow truck drivers and towing and recovery operators","url":"\/46.2-118\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-118","metadata":false},{"id":84696,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-119","catch_line":"Complaints against tow truck drivers or towing and recovery operators; enforcement by the Office of the Attorney General","url":"\/46.2-119\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-119","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":74372,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-110","catch_line":"Right to inspect vehicles in garages","url":"\/46.2-110\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-110","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":86621,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-112","catch_line":"Tampering with odometer; penalty; civil liability","url":"\/46.2-112\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-112","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-111\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 9 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 56; in 1958, chapter 541; in 1960, chapter 156; in 1966, chapter 122; in 1968, chapter 155; in 1970, chapter 190; in 1989, chapter 727; in 1999, chapter 77<\/a>; in 2003, chapter 971<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":61251,"section_number":"46.2-1025","catch_line":"Flashing amber, purple, or green warning lights","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1025\/"},{"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\/"},{"id":66116,"section_number":"46.2-341.4","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-341.4\/"}],"permalink":{"id":225351,"object_type":"law","relational_id":78142,"identifier":"46.2-111","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-111","url":"\/46.2-111\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-111\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-111","dublin_core":{"Title":"Flares and other signals relating to stopped commercial motor vehicles","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-111","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Whenever any commercial motor vehicle<\/span> as defined in § 46.2-341.4<\/a> is stopped on any roadway<\/span> or on the shoulder<\/span> of any highway<\/span> in the Commonwealth at any time for any cause other than stops necessary to comply with traffic control devices<\/span>, lawfully installed signs, or signals of law<\/span>-enforcement officers<\/span>, the operator<\/span> of such vehicle shall immediately activate the vehicular hazard warning signal flashers and as soon as possible, but in any event within 10 minutes of stopping, place or cause to be placed on the roadway<\/span> or shoulder<\/span> three red reflectorized triangular warning devices of a type approved by the Superintendent<\/span>. One of the red reflectorized triangular warning devices shall be placed in the center of the lane<\/span> of traffic or shoulder<\/span> occupied by the stopped vehicle and not less than 100 feet therefrom in the direction of traffic approaching in that lane<\/span>, a second not less than 100 feet from such vehicle in the opposite direction and a third at the traffic side of such vehicle not closer than 10 feet from its front or rear. However, if such vehicle is stopped within 500 feet of a curve or crest of a hill, or other obstruction to view, the red reflectorized triangular warning devices in that direction shall be so placed as to afford ample warning to other users of the highway<\/span>, but in no case less than 500 feet from the stopped vehicle. Vehicular hazard warning signal flashers shall continue to flash until the operator<\/span> has placed the three red reflectorized triangular warning devices required in this subsection. The placement of red reflectorized triangular warning devices is not required within the corporate limits of cities unless, during the time which lights<\/span> are required to be illuminated on motor vehicles<\/span> by § 46.2-1030<\/a>, the street or highway<\/span> lighting is insufficient to make such vehicle clearly discernable at a distance of 500 feet to a person on the highway<\/span>. Flares or torches of a type approved by the Superintendent<\/span> may be used in lieu of red reflectorized warning devices. In the event that the operator<\/span> of the stopped vehicle elects to use flares or torches in lieu of red reflectorized triangular warning devices, the operator<\/span> shall ensure that at least one flare or torch remains lighted at each of the prescribed locations as long as the vehicle is stopped. If gasoline or any other flammable liquid or combustible liquid or gas seeps or leaks from a fuel container or a commercial motor vehicle<\/span> stopped upon a highway<\/span>, no emergency warning signal producing a flame shall be lighted or placed except at such a distance from any such liquid or gas as will ensure the prevention of a fire or explosion.\n\t\t\tThe exception provided in this subsection with respect to highways<\/span><\/span> within the corporate limits of cities shall not apply to any portion of any interstate highway<\/span> within the corporate limits of any city. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any vehicle in a work zone protected by flagmen or approved temporary traffic control channeling devices, as required by the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual or to any vehicle displaying a flashing amber light<\/span> authorized by § 46.2-1025<\/a> when such vehicle is (i) used for the principal purpose of towing or servicing disabled vehicles, or (ii) engaged in road or utility construction or maintenance. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> If any such vehicle is used for the transportation of flammable liquids in bulk, whether loaded or empty, or for transporting inflammable gases, red reflectorized triangular warning devices or red electric lanterns of a type approved by the Superintendent<\/span> of State Police shall be used. Such reflectors or lanterns shall be lighted and placed on the roadway<\/span> in the manner provided in subsection A of this section. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> [Repealed.] <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nFLARES AND OTHER SIGNALS RELATING TO STOPPED COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLES (\u00a7\n46.2-111)\n\nA. Whenever any commercial motor vehicle as defined in § 46.2-341.4 is\nstopped on any roadway or on the shoulder of any highway in the Commonwealth at\nany time for any cause other than stops necessary to comply with traffic control\ndevices, lawfully installed signs, or signals of law-enforcement officers, the\noperator of such vehicle shall immediately activate the vehicular hazard warning\nsignal flashers and as soon as possible, but in any event within 10 minutes of\nstopping, place or cause to be placed on the roadway or shoulder three red\nreflectorized triangular warning devices of a type approved by the\nSuperintendent. One of the red reflectorized triangular warning devices shall be\nplaced in the center of the lane of traffic or shoulder occupied by the stopped\nvehicle and not less than 100 feet therefrom in the direction of traffic\napproaching in that lane, a second not less than 100 feet from such vehicle in\nthe opposite direction and a third at the traffic side of such vehicle not\ncloser than 10 feet from its front or rear. However, if such vehicle is stopped\nwithin 500 feet of a curve or crest of a hill, or other obstruction to view, the\nred reflectorized triangular warning devices in that direction shall be so\nplaced as to afford ample warning to other users of the highway, but in no case\nless than 500 feet from the stopped vehicle. Vehicular hazard warning signal\nflashers shall continue to flash until the operator has placed the three red\nreflectorized triangular warning devices required in this subsection. The\nplacement of red reflectorized triangular warning devices is not required within\nthe corporate limits of cities unless, during the time which lights are required\nto be illuminated on motor vehicles by § 46.2-1030, the street or highway\nlighting is insufficient to make such vehicle clearly discernable at a distance\nof 500 feet to a person on the highway. Flares or torches of a type approved by\nthe Superintendent may be used in lieu of red reflectorized warning devices. In\nthe event that the operator of the stopped vehicle elects to use flares or\ntorches in lieu of red reflectorized triangular warning devices, the operator\nshall ensure that at least one flare or torch remains lighted at each of the\nprescribed locations as long as the vehicle is stopped. If gasoline or any other\nflammable liquid or combustible liquid or gas seeps or leaks from a fuel\ncontainer or a commercial motor vehicle stopped upon a highway, no emergency\nwarning signal producing a flame shall be lighted or placed except at such a\ndistance from any such liquid or gas as will ensure the prevention of a fire or\nexplosion.\n\t\t\tThe exception provided in this subsection with respect to highways within the\ncorporate limits of cities shall not apply to any portion of any interstate\nhighway within the corporate limits of any city. The provisions of this section\nshall not apply to any vehicle in a work zone protected by flagmen or approved\ntemporary traffic control channeling devices, as required by the Virginia Work\nArea Protection Manual or to any vehicle displaying a flashing amber light\nauthorized by § 46.2-1025 when such vehicle is (i) used for the principal\npurpose of towing or servicing disabled vehicles, or (ii) engaged in road or\nutility construction or maintenance.\n\nB. If any such vehicle is used for the transportation of flammable liquids in\nbulk, whether loaded or empty, or for transporting inflammable gases, red\nreflectorized triangular warning devices or red electric lanterns of a type\napproved by the Superintendent of State Police shall be used. Such reflectors or\nlanterns shall be lighted and placed on the roadway in the manner provided in\nsubsection A of this section.\n\nC. [Repealed.]\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 46-260, 46-261, 46-262; 1950, p. 698; 1956, c. 56;\n1958, c. 541, \u00a7\u00a7 46.1-255 to 46.1-257; 1960, c. 156; 1966, c. 122; 1968, c.\n155; 1970, c. 190; 1989, c. 727; 1999, c. 77; 2003, c. 971.","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}}