{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/46.2-1302.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/46.2-1302.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/46.2-1302.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/46.2-1302.html"}],"law_id":67650,"edition_id":1,"section_id":67650,"structure_id":13316,"section_number":"46.2-1302","catch_line":"Regulation of operation of vehicles in snow, sleet, etc.; designation of play areas; penalties","history":"1962, c. 431, \u00a7 46.1-180.2; 1980, c. 37; 1989, c. 727; 1997, c. 47.","full_text":"The governing body of any county, city, or town may by ordinance regulate the operation of vehicles on the highways in such county, city, or town in the event of snow, sleet, hail, freezing rain, ice, water, flood, high wind, storm or the threat thereof. In addition to the general powers granted by this section, and any other provisions of this title notwithstanding, any such ordinance may:\n\n1\n\nProhibit vehicles from parking or operating on designated highways;2\n\nAuthorize the designation and posting of highways as snow routes and prohibit any person to obstruct or impede traffic on a highway designated and posted as a snow route through his failure to have the vehicle operated by him equipped with snow tires or chains;3\n\nProhibit the abandoning of vehicles on designated highways;4\n\nAuthorize the removal of vehicles that are stalled, stuck, parked, or abandoned on designated highways;5\n\nAuthorize the storing of removed vehicles and the imposition of reasonable charges for removal and storage;6\n\nAuthorize the designation of certain highways, or portions thereof, as play areas for sledding and similar recreational activities. No city or town shall be liable in any civil action or proceeding for damages resulting from any injury to the person or property of any person caused by an act or omission constituting simple or ordinary negligence on the part of any officer or agent of any such city or town in the designation or operation of any such play area. Every such city or town may be liable in damages for the gross or wanton negligence of any of its officers or agents in the operation of any such play area;7\n\nAuthorize and regulate the operation of snowmobiles on or across streets and highways during periods of snow or ice or at the direction of any law-enforcement officer during an emergency;8\n\nSet fines for violations. Such fines may be in place of or in addition to the removal and storage of the vehicle and charges therefor, but no such fine shall exceed fifty dollars for each such offense.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":245085,"text":"The governing body of any county, city, or town may by ordinance regulate the operation of vehicles on the highways in such county, city, or town in the event of snow, sleet, hail, freezing rain, ice, water, flood, high wind, storm or the threat thereof. In addition to the general powers granted by this section, and any other provisions of this title notwithstanding, any such ordinance may:","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"1"},"1":{"id":245086,"text":"Prohibit vehicles from parking or operating on designated highways;","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"2"},"2":{"id":245087,"text":"Authorize the designation and posting of highways as snow routes and prohibit any person to obstruct or impede traffic on a highway designated and posted as a snow route through his failure to have the vehicle operated by him equipped with snow tires or chains;","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"3":{"id":245088,"text":"Prohibit the abandoning of vehicles on designated highways;","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"4":{"id":245089,"text":"Authorize the removal of vehicles that are stalled, stuck, parked, or abandoned on designated highways;","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"5":{"id":245090,"text":"Authorize the storing of removed vehicles and the imposition of reasonable charges for removal and storage;","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"6"},"6":{"id":245091,"text":"Authorize the designation of certain highways, or portions thereof, as play areas for sledding and similar recreational activities. No city or town shall be liable in any civil action or proceeding for damages resulting from any injury to the person or property of any person caused by an act or omission constituting simple or ordinary negligence on the part of any officer or agent of any such city or town in the designation or operation of any such play area. Every such city or town may be liable in damages for the gross or wanton negligence of any of its officers or agents in the operation of any such play area;","type":"section","prefixes":["6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"6","prefix_anchor":"6","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5","next_prefix":"7"},"7":{"id":245092,"text":"Authorize and regulate the operation of snowmobiles on or across streets and highways during periods of snow or ice or at the direction of any law-enforcement officer during an emergency;","type":"section","prefixes":["7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"7","prefix_anchor":"7","level":1,"prior_prefix":"6","next_prefix":"8"},"8":{"id":245093,"text":"Set fines for violations. Such fines may be in place of or in addition to the removal and storage of the vehicle and charges therefor, but no such fine shall exceed fifty dollars for each such offense.","type":"section","prefixes":["8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"8","prefix_anchor":"8","level":1,"prior_prefix":"7"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13316,"edition_id":1,"name":"Powers of Local Governments","identifier":"13","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12827,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:38","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:38","permalink":{"id":230035,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13316,"identifier":"13","token":"46.2\/III\/13","url":"\/46.2\/III\/13\/","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":67729,"structure_id":13316,"section_number":"46.2-1300","catch_line":"Powers of local authorities generally; erection of signs and markers; maximum penalties","url":"\/46.2-1300\/","token":"46.2\/III\/13\/46.2-1300","metadata":false},{"id":71238,"structure_id":13316,"section_number":"46.2-1301","catch_line":"Designation of stop and yield right-of-way intersections","url":"\/46.2-1301\/","token":"46.2\/III\/13\/46.2-1301","metadata":false},{"id":67650,"structure_id":13316,"section_number":"46.2-1302","catch_line":"Regulation of operation of vehicles in snow, sleet, etc.; designation of play areas; penalties","url":"\/46.2-1302\/","token":"46.2\/III\/13\/46.2-1302","metadata":false},{"id":68303,"structure_id":13316,"section_number":"46.2-1303","catch_line":"Issuance of permits to perform construction or repair work within right-of-way lines of public roadways","url":"\/46.2-1303\/","token":"46.2\/III\/13\/46.2-1303","metadata":false},{"id":64574,"structure_id":13316,"section_number":"46.2-1304","catch_line":"Local regulation of trucks and buses","url":"\/46.2-1304\/","token":"46.2\/III\/13\/46.2-1304","metadata":false},{"id":86675,"structure_id":13316,"section_number":"46.2-1304.1","catch_line":"Localities may regulate construction and parking of commercial motor vehicles used to transport municipal solid waste; penalty","url":"\/46.2-1304.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/13\/46.2-1304.1","metadata":false},{"id":68253,"structure_id":13316,"section_number":"46.2-1305","catch_line":"Regulation of vehicular and pedestrian traffic on roadways and parking areas in residential subdivisions","url":"\/46.2-1305\/","token":"46.2\/III\/13\/46.2-1305","metadata":false},{"id":56842,"structure_id":13316,"section_number":"46.2-1306","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/46.2-1306\/","token":"46.2\/III\/13\/46.2-1306","metadata":false},{"id":83037,"structure_id":13316,"section_number":"46.2-1307","catch_line":"Designation of private roads as highways for law-enforcement purposes","url":"\/46.2-1307\/","token":"46.2\/III\/13\/46.2-1307","metadata":false},{"id":85925,"structure_id":13316,"section_number":"46.2-1307.1","catch_line":"Designation of private roads as highways for law-enforcement purposes in certain counties","url":"\/46.2-1307.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/13\/46.2-1307.1","metadata":false},{"id":87193,"structure_id":13316,"section_number":"46.2-1308","catch_line":"Disposition of fines in traffic cases; failure or neglect to comply with section","url":"\/46.2-1308\/","token":"46.2\/III\/13\/46.2-1308","metadata":false},{"id":61406,"structure_id":13316,"section_number":"46.2-1309","catch_line":"Officers may direct traffic; signals","url":"\/46.2-1309\/","token":"46.2\/III\/13\/46.2-1309","metadata":false},{"id":69839,"structure_id":13316,"section_number":"46.2-1310","catch_line":"Authority to deputize persons to direct traffic in certain circumstances","url":"\/46.2-1310\/","token":"46.2\/III\/13\/46.2-1310","metadata":false},{"id":84715,"structure_id":13316,"section_number":"46.2-1311","catch_line":"Applicability of county ordinances within towns","url":"\/46.2-1311\/","token":"46.2\/III\/13\/46.2-1311","metadata":false},{"id":54304,"structure_id":13316,"section_number":"46.2-1312","catch_line":"Size, design, and color of signs, signals, and markings erected by local authorities","url":"\/46.2-1312\/","token":"46.2\/III\/13\/46.2-1312","metadata":false},{"id":61090,"structure_id":13316,"section_number":"46.2-1313","catch_line":"Incorporation of provisions of this title, Article 9 (\u00a7 16.1-278 et seq.) of Chapter 11 of Title 16.1 and Article 2 (\u00a7 18.2-266 et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 in ordinances","url":"\/46.2-1313\/","token":"46.2\/III\/13\/46.2-1313","metadata":false},{"id":87225,"structure_id":13316,"section_number":"46.2-1314","catch_line":"Traffic schools; requiring attendance by persons convicted of certain violations","url":"\/46.2-1314\/","token":"46.2\/III\/13\/46.2-1314","metadata":false},{"id":70431,"structure_id":13316,"section_number":"46.2-1315","catch_line":"Powers of localities to regulate use of motorized skateboards or scooters, bicycles, or electric power-assisted bicycles for hire","url":"\/46.2-1315\/","token":"46.2\/III\/13\/46.2-1315","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":71238,"structure_id":13316,"section_number":"46.2-1301","catch_line":"Designation of stop and yield right-of-way intersections","url":"\/46.2-1301\/","token":"46.2\/III\/13\/46.2-1301","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":68303,"structure_id":13316,"section_number":"46.2-1303","catch_line":"Issuance of permits to perform construction or repair work within right-of-way lines of public roadways","url":"\/46.2-1303\/","token":"46.2\/III\/13\/46.2-1303","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-1302\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1962. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 431 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1962 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 3 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 1980, chapter 37; in 1989, chapter 727; in 1997, chapter 47<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":230045,"object_type":"law","relational_id":67650,"identifier":"46.2-1302","token":"46.2\/III\/13\/46.2-1302","url":"\/46.2-1302\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-1302\/","token":"46.2\/III\/13\/46.2-1302","dublin_core":{"Title":"Regulation of operation of vehicles in snow, sleet, etc.; designation of play areas; penalties","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-1302","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

The governing body<\/span> of any county, city, or town may by ordinance<\/span> regulate the operation of vehicles<\/span> on the highways<\/span><\/span> in such county, city, or town in the event of snow, sleet, hail, freezing rain, ice, water, flood, high wind, storm or the threat thereof. In addition to the general powers granted by this section, and any other provisions of this title notwithstanding, any such ordinance<\/span> may:<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Prohibit vehicles<\/span> from parking or operating on designated highways<\/span><\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Authorize the designation and posting of highways<\/span><\/span> as snow routes and prohibit any person to obstruct or impede traffic on a highway<\/span> designated and posted as a snow route through his failure to have the vehicle<\/span> operated by him equipped with snow tires or chains; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Prohibit the abandoning of vehicles<\/span> on designated highways<\/span><\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Authorize the removal of vehicles<\/span> that are stalled, stuck, parked, or abandoned on designated highways<\/span><\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Authorize the storing of removed vehicles<\/span> and the imposition of reasonable charges for removal and storage; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Authorize the designation of certain highways<\/span><\/span>, or portions thereof, as play areas for sledding and similar recreational activities. No city or town shall be liable in any civil action<\/span> or proceeding for damages<\/span> resulting from any injury to the person or property of any person caused by an act or omission constituting simple or ordinary negligence<\/span> on the part of any officer or agent<\/span> of any such city or town in the designation or operation of any such play area. Every such city or town may be liable in damages<\/span> for the gross or wanton negligence<\/span> of any of its officers or agents<\/span> in the operation of any such play area; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> Authorize and regulate the operation of snowmobiles<\/span> on or across streets and highways<\/span><\/span> during periods of snow or ice or at the direction of any law<\/span>-enforcement officer<\/span> during an emergency; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> Set fines for violations. Such fines may be in place of or in addition to the removal and storage of the vehicle<\/span> and charges therefor, but no such fine shall exceed fifty dollars for each such offense<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nREGULATION OF OPERATION OF VEHICLES IN SNOW, SLEET, ETC.; DESIGNATION OF PLAY\nAREAS; PENALTIES (\u00a7 46.2-1302)\n\nThe governing body of any county, city, or town may by ordinance regulate the\noperation of vehicles on the highways in such county, city, or town in the event\nof snow, sleet, hail, freezing rain, ice, water, flood, high wind, storm or the\nthreat thereof. In addition to the general powers granted by this section, and\nany other provisions of this title notwithstanding, any such ordinance may:\n\n1. Prohibit vehicles from parking or operating on designated highways;\n\n2. Authorize the designation and posting of highways as snow routes and prohibit\nany person to obstruct or impede traffic on a highway designated and posted as a\nsnow route through his failure to have the vehicle operated by him equipped with\nsnow tires or chains;\n\n3. Prohibit the abandoning of vehicles on designated highways;\n\n4. Authorize the removal of vehicles that are stalled, stuck, parked, or\nabandoned on designated highways;\n\n5. Authorize the storing of removed vehicles and the imposition of reasonable\ncharges for removal and storage;\n\n6. Authorize the designation of certain highways, or portions thereof, as play\nareas for sledding and similar recreational activities. No city or town shall be\nliable in any civil action or proceeding for damages resulting from any injury\nto the person or property of any person caused by an act or omission\nconstituting simple or ordinary negligence on the part of any officer or agent\nof any such city or town in the designation or operation of any such play area.\nEvery such city or town may be liable in damages for the gross or wanton\nnegligence of any of its officers or agents in the operation of any such play\narea;\n\n7. Authorize and regulate the operation of snowmobiles on or across streets and\nhighways during periods of snow or ice or at the direction of any\nlaw-enforcement officer during an emergency;\n\n8. Set fines for violations. Such fines may be in place of or in addition to the\nremoval and storage of the vehicle and charges therefor, but no such fine shall\nexceed fifty dollars for each such offense.\n\nHISTORY: 1962, c. 431, \u00a7 46.1-180.2; 1980, c. 37; 1989, c. 727; 1997, c. 47.","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}}