{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/46.2-402.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/46.2-402.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/46.2-402.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/46.2-402.html"}],"law_id":77629,"edition_id":1,"section_id":77629,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-402","catch_line":"When Commissioner may suspend or revoke license for not more than one year after hearing","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 46-420; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-430; 1984, c. 780; 1989, c. 727; 1996, cc. 943, 994.","full_text":"A\n\nThe Commissioner may, after due hearing, after giving not less than five days&#8217; written notice by registered letter to the most recent address of the driver on file at the Department, suspend or revoke for not more than one year and not thereafter reissue during the period of suspension or revocation the Virginia driver&#8217;s license issued to any person whenever it is satisfactorily proved at the hearing conducted by the Commissioner or other personnel of the Department designated by him, that the licensee under charges:1\n\nHas, by reckless or unlawful operation of a motor vehicle, caused or contributed to an accident resulting in death or injury to any other person or in serious property damage,2\n\nIs incompetent to drive a motor vehicle,3\n\nSuffers from mental or physical infirmities or disabilities rendering it unsafe for him to drive a motor vehicle on the highways,4\n\nIs habitually a reckless or negligent driver of a motor vehicle, or5\n\nHas committed a serious violation of the motor vehicle laws of this Commonwealth.B\n\nThe Commissioner, in determining the propriety of suspending or revoking a license as provided in this section, may take into consideration facts and conditions antedating the issuance of the current license.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":278478,"text":"The Commissioner may, after due hearing, after giving not less than five days&#8217; written notice by registered letter to the most recent address of the driver on file at the Department, suspend or revoke for not more than one year and not thereafter reissue during the period of suspension or revocation the Virginia driver&#8217;s license issued to any person whenever it is satisfactorily proved at the hearing conducted by the Commissioner or other personnel of the Department designated by him, that the licensee under charges:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":278479,"text":"Has, by reckless or unlawful operation of a motor vehicle, caused or contributed to an accident resulting in death or injury to any other person or in serious property damage,","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":278480,"text":"Is incompetent to drive a motor vehicle,","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"3":{"id":278481,"text":"Suffers from mental or physical infirmities or disabilities rendering it unsafe for him to drive a motor vehicle on the highways,","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"4":{"id":278482,"text":"Is habitually a reckless or negligent driver of a motor vehicle, or","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"A5"},"5":{"id":278483,"text":"Has committed a serious violation of the motor vehicle laws of this Commonwealth.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"A5","prefix_anchor":"A5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"B"},"6":{"id":278484,"text":"The Commissioner, in determining the propriety of suspending or revoking a license as provided in this section, may take into consideration facts and conditions antedating the issuance of the current license.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A5"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14811,"edition_id":1,"name":"Suspension and Revocation of Licenses, Generally; Additional Penalties","identifier":"12","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12772,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:50:05","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:50:05","permalink":{"id":225761,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14811,"identifier":"12","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12","url":"\/46.2\/II\/3\/12\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12772,"edition_id":1,"name":"Licensure of Drivers","identifier":"3","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12771,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":225629,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12772,"identifier":"3","token":"46.2\/II\/3","url":"\/46.2\/II\/3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12771,"edition_id":1,"name":"Titling, Registration and Licensure","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12770,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":225627,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12771,"identifier":"II","token":"46.2\/II","url":"\/46.2\/II\/","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":59065,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-389","catch_line":"Required revocation for one year upon conviction or finding of guilty of certain offenses; exceptions","url":"\/46.2-389\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-389","metadata":false},{"id":86987,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-390","catch_line":"Required suspension for conviction of theft or unauthorized use of a motor vehicle","url":"\/46.2-390\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-390","metadata":false},{"id":74877,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-390.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/46.2-390.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-390.1","metadata":false},{"id":72043,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-391","catch_line":"Revocation of license for multiple convictions of driving while intoxicated; exception; petition for restoration of privilege","url":"\/46.2-391\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-391","metadata":false},{"id":83723,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-391.01","catch_line":"Administrative enforcement of ignition interlock requirements","url":"\/46.2-391.01\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-391.01","metadata":false},{"id":56648,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-391.1","catch_line":"Suspension of registration certificates and plates upon suspension or revocation of driver's license","url":"\/46.2-391.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-391.1","metadata":false},{"id":66643,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-391.2","catch_line":"Administrative suspension of license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle","url":"\/46.2-391.2\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-391.2","metadata":false},{"id":67850,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-391.3","catch_line":"Content of notice of suspension","url":"\/46.2-391.3\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-391.3","metadata":false},{"id":72992,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-391.4","catch_line":"When suspension to be rescinded","url":"\/46.2-391.4\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-391.4","metadata":false},{"id":77964,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-391.5","catch_line":"Preparation and distribution of forms","url":"\/46.2-391.5\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-391.5","metadata":false},{"id":62771,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-392","catch_line":"Suspension of license or issuance of a restricted license on conviction of certain offenses; probationary conditions required; generally","url":"\/46.2-392\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-392","metadata":false},{"id":72292,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-393","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Suspension of license on conviction of certain reckless offenses; restricted licenses","url":"\/46.2-393\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-393","metadata":false},{"id":62087,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-394","catch_line":"(Effective until July 1, 2026) Revocation of license for fourth conviction of certain offenses","url":"\/46.2-394\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-394","metadata":false},{"id":82297,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-395","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/46.2-395\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-395","metadata":false},{"id":58653,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-396","catch_line":"Suspension of license for reckless driving resulting in death of any person","url":"\/46.2-396\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-396","metadata":false},{"id":74474,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-396.1","catch_line":"Conviction of serious driving offense","url":"\/46.2-396.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-396.1","metadata":false},{"id":79059,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-397","catch_line":"Suspension of license for certain violations while transporting explosives, inflammable gas or liquid","url":"\/46.2-397\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-397","metadata":false},{"id":73682,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-398","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Disposition of surrendered licenses on revocation or suspension","url":"\/46.2-398\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-398","metadata":false},{"id":57572,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-398.1","catch_line":"Issuance of restricted driver's privilege to out-of-state licensees","url":"\/46.2-398.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-398.1","metadata":false},{"id":73022,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-399","catch_line":"Revocation of license for improper use or failure to pay certain taxes","url":"\/46.2-399\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-399","metadata":false},{"id":77576,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-400","catch_line":"Suspension of license of person not competent to drive; restoration of license; duty of clerk of the court","url":"\/46.2-400\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-400","metadata":false},{"id":61484,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-401","catch_line":"Reports to Commissioner of discharge of individuals from state facilities","url":"\/46.2-401\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-401","metadata":false},{"id":77629,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-402","catch_line":"When Commissioner may suspend or revoke license for not more than one year after hearing","url":"\/46.2-402\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-402","metadata":false},{"id":74993,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-403","catch_line":"Contents of notice of hearing","url":"\/46.2-403\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-403","metadata":false},{"id":70169,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-404","catch_line":"Where and before whom hearing held","url":"\/46.2-404\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-404","metadata":false},{"id":81143,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-405","catch_line":"How hearings to be conducted","url":"\/46.2-405\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-405","metadata":false},{"id":66171,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-406","catch_line":"Appointment and authority of hearing officers","url":"\/46.2-406\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-406","metadata":false},{"id":57533,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-407","catch_line":"Form and contents of decision; copies","url":"\/46.2-407\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-407","metadata":false},{"id":75310,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-408","catch_line":"When Commissioner may suspend or revoke license for no more than five years","url":"\/46.2-408\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-408","metadata":false},{"id":77040,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-409","catch_line":"Certain abstracts of conviction to be prima facie evidence of conviction","url":"\/46.2-409\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-409","metadata":false},{"id":76313,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-410","catch_line":"Appeals from order suspending or revoking license or registration","url":"\/46.2-410\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-410","metadata":false},{"id":73385,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-410.1","catch_line":"Judicial review of revocation or suspension by Commissioner","url":"\/46.2-410.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-410.1","metadata":false},{"id":70879,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-410.2","catch_line":"License suspension or revocation by Commissioner; offenses under the laws of other jurisdictions","url":"\/46.2-410.2\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-410.2","metadata":false},{"id":60308,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-411","catch_line":"Reinstatement of suspended or revoked license or other privilege to operate or register a motor vehicle; proof of financial responsibility; reinstatement fee","url":"\/46.2-411\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-411","metadata":false},{"id":86068,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-411.1","catch_line":"Reinstatement of driver's license suspended or revoked for a conviction of driving while intoxicated","url":"\/46.2-411.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-411.1","metadata":false},{"id":78915,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-412","catch_line":"Time suspension or revocation","url":"\/46.2-412\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-412","metadata":false},{"id":64511,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-413","catch_line":"Effect of reversal of conviction","url":"\/46.2-413\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-413","metadata":false},{"id":72945,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-414","catch_line":"Commencement of periods for suspension or revocation of licenses, registration cards, or license plates","url":"\/46.2-414\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-414","metadata":false},{"id":80334,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-415","catch_line":"United States magistrates and judges of district courts authorized to revoke or suspend driver's license under certain conditions","url":"\/46.2-415\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-415","metadata":false},{"id":57478,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-416","catch_line":"Notice of suspension or revocation of license","url":"\/46.2-416\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-416","metadata":false},{"id":69507,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-416.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/46.2-416.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-416.1","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":61484,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-401","catch_line":"Reports to Commissioner of discharge of individuals from state facilities","url":"\/46.2-401\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-401","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":74993,"structure_id":14811,"section_number":"46.2-403","catch_line":"Contents of notice of hearing","url":"\/46.2-403\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-403","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-402\/","history_text":"<p>The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 4 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 1984, chapter 780; in 1989, chapter 727; in 1996, chapters <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?961+ful+CHAP0943\">943<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?961+ful+CHAP0994\">994<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":74993,"section_number":"46.2-403","catch_line":"Contents of notice of hearing","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-403\/"},{"id":57414,"section_number":"46.2-506","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Formal hearings; suspension for excessive point accumulation","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-506\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":225851,"object_type":"law","relational_id":77629,"identifier":"46.2-402","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-402","url":"\/46.2-402\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-402\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/12\/46.2-402","dublin_core":{"Title":"When Commissioner may suspend or revoke license for not more than one year after hearing","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-402","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">A.<\/span> The <span class=\"dictionary\">Commissioner<\/span> may, after due <span class=\"dictionary\">hearing<\/span>, after giving not less than five days&#8217; written notice by registered letter to the most recent address of the <span class=\"dictionary\">driver<\/span> on file at the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span>, <span class=\"dictionary\">suspend<\/span> or <span class=\"dictionary\">revoke<\/span> for not more than one year and not thereafter reissue during the period of <span class=\"dictionary\">suspension<\/span> or <span class=\"dictionary\">revocation<\/span> the Virginia <span class=\"dictionary\">driver<\/span>&#8217;s license issued to any person whenever it is satisfactorily proved at the <span class=\"dictionary\">hearing<\/span> conducted by the <span class=\"dictionary\">Commissioner<\/span> or other personnel of the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> designated by him, that the licensee under charges: <a id=\"paragraph-278478\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/46.2-402\/#A\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A1\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">1.<\/span> Has, by reckless or unlawful operation of a <span class=\"dictionary\">motor vehicle<\/span>, caused or contributed to an accident resulting in death or injury to any other person or in serious property damage, <a id=\"paragraph-278479\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/46.2-402\/#A1\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A2\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">2.<\/span> Is incompetent to drive a <span class=\"dictionary\">motor vehicle<\/span>, <a id=\"paragraph-278480\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/46.2-402\/#A2\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A3\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">3.<\/span> Suffers from mental or physical infirmities or disabilities rendering it unsafe for him to drive a <span class=\"dictionary\">motor vehicle<\/span> on the <span class=\"dictionary\"><span class=\"dictionary\">highways<\/span><\/span>, <a id=\"paragraph-278481\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/46.2-402\/#A3\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A4\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">4.<\/span> Is habitually a reckless or negligent <span class=\"dictionary\">driver<\/span> of a <span class=\"dictionary\">motor vehicle<\/span>, or <a id=\"paragraph-278482\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/46.2-402\/#A4\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A5\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">5.<\/span> Has committed a serious violation of the <span class=\"dictionary\">motor vehicle<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">laws<\/span> of this Commonwealth. <a id=\"paragraph-278483\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/46.2-402\/#A5\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">B.<\/span> The <span class=\"dictionary\">Commissioner<\/span>, in determining the propriety of suspending or revoking a license as provided in this section, may take into consideration <span class=\"dictionary\">facts<\/span> and conditions antedating the issuance of the current license. <a id=\"paragraph-278484\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/46.2-402\/#B\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nWHEN COMMISSIONER MAY SUSPEND OR REVOKE LICENSE FOR NOT MORE THAN ONE YEAR AFTER\nHEARING (\u00a7 46.2-402)\n\nA. The Commissioner may, after due hearing, after giving not less than five\ndays&#8217; written notice by registered letter to the most recent address of\nthe driver on file at the Department, suspend or revoke for not more than one\nyear and not thereafter reissue during the period of suspension or revocation\nthe Virginia driver&#8217;s license issued to any person whenever it is\nsatisfactorily proved at the hearing conducted by the Commissioner or other\npersonnel of the Department designated by him, that the licensee under charges:\n\n   1. Has, by reckless or unlawful operation of a motor vehicle, caused or\n   contributed to an accident resulting in death or injury to any other person or\n   in serious property damage,\n\n   2. Is incompetent to drive a motor vehicle,\n\n   3. Suffers from mental or physical infirmities or disabilities rendering it\n   unsafe for him to drive a motor vehicle on the highways,\n\n   4. Is habitually a reckless or negligent driver of a motor vehicle, or\n\n   5. Has committed a serious violation of the motor vehicle laws of this\n   Commonwealth.\n\nB. The Commissioner, in determining the propriety of suspending or revoking a\nlicense as provided in this section, may take into consideration facts and\nconditions antedating the issuance of the current license.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 46-420; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-430; 1984, c. 780; 1989, c.\n727; 1996, cc. 943, 994.","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}}