{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/46.2-483.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/46.2-483.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/46.2-483.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/46.2-483.html"}],"law_id":61730,"edition_id":1,"section_id":61730,"structure_id":13749,"section_number":"46.2-483","catch_line":"Compact enacted into law; terms","history":"1968, c. 166, \u00a7 46.1-167.8; 1989, c. 727.","full_text":"The Driver License Compact is hereby enacted into law and entered into with all other jurisdictions legally joining therein in the form substantially as follows:\n\t\tTHE DRIVER LICENSE COMPACT\n\t\tArticle I\n\t\tFindings and Declaration of Policy\n\na\n\nThe party states find that:1\n\nThe safety of their streets and highways is materially affected by the degree of compliance with state and local ordinances relating to the operation of motor vehicles.2\n\nViolation of such a law or ordinance is evidence that the violator engages in conduct which is likely to endanger the safety of persons and property.3\n\nThe continuance in force of a license to drive is predicated upon compliance with laws and ordinances relating to the operation of motor vehicles, in whichever jurisdiction the vehicle is operated.b\n\nIt is the policy of each of the party states to:1\n\nPromote compliance with the laws, ordinances, and administrative rules and regulations relating to the operation of motor vehicles by their operators in each of the jurisdictions where such operators drive motor vehicles.2\n\nMake the reciprocal recognition of licenses to drive and eligibility therefor more just and equitable by considering the overall compliance with motor vehicle laws, ordinances and administrative rules and regulations as a condition precedent to the continuance or issuance of any license by reason of which the licensee is authorized or permitted to operate a motor vehicle in any of the party states.\n\t\t\t\tArticle II\n\t\t\t\tDefinitions\n\t\t\t\tAs used in this compact:a\n\n“State” means a state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.b\n\n“Home state” means the state which has issued and has the power to suspend or revoke the use of the license or permit to operate a motor vehicle.c\n\n“Conviction” means a conviction of any offense related to the use or operation of a motor vehicle which is prohibited by state law, municipal ordinance or administrative rule or regulation, or a forfeiture of bail, bond, or other security deposited to secure appearance by a person charged with having committed any such offense, and which conviction or forfeiture is required to be reported to the licensing authority.\n\t\t\tArticle III\n\t\t\tReports of Conviction\n\t\t\tThe licensing authority of a party state shall report each conviction of a person from another party state occurring within its jurisdiction to the licensing authority of the home state of the licensee. Such report shall clearly identify the person convicted; describe the violation specifying the section of the statute, code or ordinance violated; identify the court in which action was taken; indicate whether a plea of guilty or not guilty was entered, or the conviction was a result of the forfeiture of bail, bond or other security; and shall include any special findings made in connection therewith.\n\t\t\tArticle IV\n\t\t\tEffect of Convictiona\n\nThe licensing authority in the home state, for the purposes of suspension, revocation or limitation of the license to operate a motor vehicle, shall give the same effect to the conduct reported, pursuant to Article III of this compact, as it would if such conduct had occurred in the home state, in the case of convictions for:1\n\nManslaughter or negligent homicide resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle;2\n\nDriving a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a narcotic drug, or under the influence of any other drug to a degree which renders the driver incapable of safely driving a motor vehicle;3\n\nAny felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle is used;4\n\nFailure to stop and render aid in the event of a motor vehicle accident resulting in the death or personal injury of another.b\n\nAs to other convictions, reported pursuant to Article III, the licensing authority in the home state shall give such effect to the conduct as is provided by the laws of the home state.c\n\nIf the laws of a party state do not provide for offenses or violations denominated or described in precisely the words employed in subdivision (a) of this article, such party state shall construe the denominations and descriptions appearing in subdivision (a) hereof as being applicable to and identifying those offenses or violations of a substantially similar nature and the laws of such party state shall contain such provisions as may be necessary to ensure that full force and effect is given to this article.\n\t\t\tArticle V\n\t\t\tApplications for New Licenses\n\t\t\tUpon application for a license to drive, the licensing authority in a party state shall ascertain whether the applicant has ever held, or is the holder of a license to drive issued by any other party state. The licensing authority in the state where application is made shall not issue a license to drive to the applicant if:1\n\nThe applicant has held such a license, but the same has been suspended by reason, in whole or in part, of a violation and if such suspension period has not terminated.2\n\nThe applicant has held such a license, but the same has been revoked by reason, in whole or in part, of a violation and if such revocation has not terminated, except that after the expiration of one year from the date the license was revoked, such person may make application for a new license if permitted by law. The licensing authority may refuse to issue a license to any such applicant if, after investigation, the licensing authority determines that it will not be safe to grant to such person the privilege of driving a motor vehicle on the public highways.3\n\nThe applicant is the holder of a license to drive issued by another party state and currently in force unless the applicant surrenders such license.\n\t\t\t\tArticle VI\n\t\t\t\tApplicability of Other Laws\n\t\t\t\tExcept as expressly required by provisions of this compact, nothing contained herein shall be construed to affect the right of any party state to apply any of its other laws relating to licenses to drive to any person or circumstance, nor to invalidate or prevent any driver license agreement or other cooperative arrangement between a party state and a nonparty state.\n\t\t\t\tArticle VII\n\t\t\t\tCompact Administrator and Interchange of Informationa\n\nThe head of the licensing authority of each party state shall be the administrator of this compact for his state. The administrators, acting jointly, shall have the power to formulate all necessary and proper procedures for the exchange of information under this compact.b\n\nThe administrator of each party state shall furnish to the administrator of each other party state any information or documents reasonably necessary to facilitate the administration of this compact.\n\t\t\tArticle VIII\n\t\t\tEntry Into Force and Withdrawala\n\nThis compact shall enter into force and become effective as to any state when it has enacted the same into law.b\n\nAny party state may withdraw from this compact by enacting a statute repealing the same, but no such withdrawal shall take effect until six months after the executive head of the withdrawing state has given notice of the withdrawal to the executive heads of all other party states. No withdrawal shall affect the validity or applicability by the licensing authorities of states remaining party to the compact of any report of conviction occurring prior to the withdrawal.\n\t\t\tArticle IX\n\t\t\tConstruction and Severability\n\t\t\tThis compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any party state or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state party thereto, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining states and in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":225398,"text":"The Driver License Compact is hereby enacted into law and entered into with all other jurisdictions legally joining therein in the form substantially as follows:\n\t\tTHE DRIVER LICENSE COMPACT\n\t\tArticle I\n\t\tFindings and Declaration of Policy","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"a"},"1":{"id":225399,"text":"The party states find that:","type":"section","prefixes":["a"],"prefix":"a","entire_prefix":"a","prefix_anchor":"a","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"a1"},"2":{"id":225400,"text":"The safety of their streets and highways is materially affected by the degree of compliance with state and local ordinances relating to the operation of motor vehicles.","type":"section","prefixes":["a","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"a1","prefix_anchor":"a1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"a","next_prefix":"a2"},"3":{"id":225401,"text":"Violation of such a law or ordinance is evidence that the violator engages in conduct which is likely to endanger the safety of persons and property.","type":"section","prefixes":["a","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"a2","prefix_anchor":"a2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"a1","next_prefix":"a3"},"4":{"id":225402,"text":"The continuance in force of a license to drive is predicated upon compliance with laws and ordinances relating to the operation of motor vehicles, in whichever jurisdiction the vehicle is operated.","type":"section","prefixes":["a","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"a3","prefix_anchor":"a3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"a2","next_prefix":"b"},"5":{"id":225403,"text":"It is the policy of each of the party states to:","type":"section","prefixes":["b"],"prefix":"b","entire_prefix":"b","prefix_anchor":"b","level":1,"prior_prefix":"a3","next_prefix":"b1"},"6":{"id":225404,"text":"Promote compliance with the laws, ordinances, and administrative rules and regulations relating to the operation of motor vehicles by their operators in each of the jurisdictions where such operators drive motor vehicles.","type":"section","prefixes":["b","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"b1","prefix_anchor":"b1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"b","next_prefix":"b2"},"7":{"id":225405,"text":"Make the reciprocal recognition of licenses to drive and eligibility therefor more just and equitable by considering the overall compliance with motor vehicle laws, ordinances and administrative rules and regulations as a condition precedent to the continuance or issuance of any license by reason of which the licensee is authorized or permitted to operate a motor vehicle in any of the party states.\n\t\t\t\tArticle II\n\t\t\t\tDefinitions\n\t\t\t\tAs used in this compact:","type":"section","prefixes":["b","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"b2","prefix_anchor":"b2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"b1","next_prefix":"a"},"8":{"id":225406,"text":"“State” means a state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.","type":"section","prefixes":["a"],"prefix":"a","entire_prefix":"a","prefix_anchor":"a","level":1,"prior_prefix":"b2","next_prefix":"b"},"9":{"id":225407,"text":"“Home state” means the state which has issued and has the power to suspend or revoke the use of the license or permit to operate a motor vehicle.","type":"section","prefixes":["b"],"prefix":"b","entire_prefix":"b","prefix_anchor":"b","level":1,"prior_prefix":"a","next_prefix":"c"},"10":{"id":225408,"text":"“Conviction” means a conviction of any offense related to the use or operation of a motor vehicle which is prohibited by state law, municipal ordinance or administrative rule or regulation, or a forfeiture of bail, bond, or other security deposited to secure appearance by a person charged with having committed any such offense, and which conviction or forfeiture is required to be reported to the licensing authority.\n\t\t\tArticle III\n\t\t\tReports of Conviction\n\t\t\tThe licensing authority of a party state shall report each conviction of a person from another party state occurring within its jurisdiction to the licensing authority of the home state of the licensee. Such report shall clearly identify the person convicted; describe the violation specifying the section of the statute, code or ordinance violated; identify the court in which action was taken; indicate whether a plea of guilty or not guilty was entered, or the conviction was a result of the forfeiture of bail, bond or other security; and shall include any special findings made in connection therewith.\n\t\t\tArticle IV\n\t\t\tEffect of Conviction","type":"section","prefixes":["c"],"prefix":"c","entire_prefix":"c","prefix_anchor":"c","level":1,"prior_prefix":"b","next_prefix":"a"},"11":{"id":225409,"text":"The licensing authority in the home state, for the purposes of suspension, revocation or limitation of the license to operate a motor vehicle, shall give the same effect to the conduct reported, pursuant to Article III of this compact, as it would if such conduct had occurred in the home state, in the case of convictions for:","type":"section","prefixes":["a"],"prefix":"a","entire_prefix":"a","prefix_anchor":"a","level":1,"prior_prefix":"c","next_prefix":"a1"},"12":{"id":225410,"text":"Manslaughter or negligent homicide resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle;","type":"section","prefixes":["a","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"a1","prefix_anchor":"a1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"a","next_prefix":"a2"},"13":{"id":225411,"text":"Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a narcotic drug, or under the influence of any other drug to a degree which renders the driver incapable of safely driving a motor vehicle;","type":"section","prefixes":["a","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"a2","prefix_anchor":"a2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"a1","next_prefix":"a3"},"14":{"id":225412,"text":"Any felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle is used;","type":"section","prefixes":["a","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"a3","prefix_anchor":"a3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"a2","next_prefix":"a4"},"15":{"id":225413,"text":"Failure to stop and render aid in the event of a motor vehicle accident resulting in the death or personal injury of another.","type":"section","prefixes":["a","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"a4","prefix_anchor":"a4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"a3","next_prefix":"b"},"16":{"id":225414,"text":"As to other convictions, reported pursuant to Article III, the licensing authority in the home state shall give such effect to the conduct as is provided by the laws of the home state.","type":"section","prefixes":["b"],"prefix":"b","entire_prefix":"b","prefix_anchor":"b","level":1,"prior_prefix":"a4","next_prefix":"c"},"17":{"id":225415,"text":"If the laws of a party state do not provide for offenses or violations denominated or described in precisely the words employed in subdivision (a) of this article, such party state shall construe the denominations and descriptions appearing in subdivision (a) hereof as being applicable to and identifying those offenses or violations of a substantially similar nature and the laws of such party state shall contain such provisions as may be necessary to ensure that full force and effect is given to this article.\n\t\t\tArticle V\n\t\t\tApplications for New Licenses\n\t\t\tUpon application for a license to drive, the licensing authority in a party state shall ascertain whether the applicant has ever held, or is the holder of a license to drive issued by any other party state. The licensing authority in the state where application is made shall not issue a license to drive to the applicant if:","type":"section","prefixes":["c"],"prefix":"c","entire_prefix":"c","prefix_anchor":"c","level":1,"prior_prefix":"b","next_prefix":"c1"},"18":{"id":225416,"text":"The applicant has held such a license, but the same has been suspended by reason, in whole or in part, of a violation and if such suspension period has not terminated.","type":"section","prefixes":["c","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"c1","prefix_anchor":"c1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"c","next_prefix":"c2"},"19":{"id":225417,"text":"The applicant has held such a license, but the same has been revoked by reason, in whole or in part, of a violation and if such revocation has not terminated, except that after the expiration of one year from the date the license was revoked, such person may make application for a new license if permitted by law. The licensing authority may refuse to issue a license to any such applicant if, after investigation, the licensing authority determines that it will not be safe to grant to such person the privilege of driving a motor vehicle on the public highways.","type":"section","prefixes":["c","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"c2","prefix_anchor":"c2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"c1","next_prefix":"c3"},"20":{"id":225418,"text":"The applicant is the holder of a license to drive issued by another party state and currently in force unless the applicant surrenders such license.\n\t\t\t\tArticle VI\n\t\t\t\tApplicability of Other Laws\n\t\t\t\tExcept as expressly required by provisions of this compact, nothing contained herein shall be construed to affect the right of any party state to apply any of its other laws relating to licenses to drive to any person or circumstance, nor to invalidate or prevent any driver license agreement or other cooperative arrangement between a party state and a nonparty state.\n\t\t\t\tArticle VII\n\t\t\t\tCompact Administrator and Interchange of Information","type":"section","prefixes":["c","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"c3","prefix_anchor":"c3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"c2","next_prefix":"a"},"21":{"id":225419,"text":"The head of the licensing authority of each party state shall be the administrator of this compact for his state. The administrators, acting jointly, shall have the power to formulate all necessary and proper procedures for the exchange of information under this compact.","type":"section","prefixes":["a"],"prefix":"a","entire_prefix":"a","prefix_anchor":"a","level":1,"prior_prefix":"c3","next_prefix":"b"},"22":{"id":225420,"text":"The administrator of each party state shall furnish to the administrator of each other party state any information or documents reasonably necessary to facilitate the administration of this compact.\n\t\t\tArticle VIII\n\t\t\tEntry Into Force and Withdrawal","type":"section","prefixes":["b"],"prefix":"b","entire_prefix":"b","prefix_anchor":"b","level":1,"prior_prefix":"a","next_prefix":"a"},"23":{"id":225421,"text":"This compact shall enter into force and become effective as to any state when it has enacted the same into law.","type":"section","prefixes":["a"],"prefix":"a","entire_prefix":"a","prefix_anchor":"a","level":1,"prior_prefix":"b","next_prefix":"b"},"24":{"id":225422,"text":"Any party state may withdraw from this compact by enacting a statute repealing the same, but no such withdrawal shall take effect until six months after the executive head of the withdrawing state has given notice of the withdrawal to the executive heads of all other party states. No withdrawal shall affect the validity or applicability by the licensing authorities of states remaining party to the compact of any report of conviction occurring prior to the withdrawal.\n\t\t\tArticle IX\n\t\t\tConstruction and Severability\n\t\t\tThis compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any party state or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state party thereto, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining states and in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters.","type":"section","prefixes":["b"],"prefix":"b","entire_prefix":"b","prefix_anchor":"b","level":1,"prior_prefix":"a"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13749,"edition_id":1,"name":"Driver License Compact","identifier":"18","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12772,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:46","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:46","permalink":{"id":226201,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13749,"identifier":"18","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/18","url":"\/46.2\/II\/3\/18\/","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":61730,"structure_id":13749,"section_number":"46.2-483","catch_line":"Compact enacted into law; terms","url":"\/46.2-483\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/18\/46.2-483","metadata":false},{"id":69235,"structure_id":13749,"section_number":"46.2-484","catch_line":"Department of Motor Vehicles to be \"licensing authority\" within meaning of compact; duties of Department","url":"\/46.2-484\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/18\/46.2-484","metadata":false},{"id":57126,"structure_id":13749,"section_number":"46.2-485","catch_line":"Compensation and expenses of compact administrator","url":"\/46.2-485\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/18\/46.2-485","metadata":false},{"id":85103,"structure_id":13749,"section_number":"46.2-486","catch_line":"Governor to be \"executive head\" within meaning of compact","url":"\/46.2-486\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/18\/46.2-486","metadata":false},{"id":82523,"structure_id":13749,"section_number":"46.2-487","catch_line":"Statutes and ordinances deemed to cover offenses specified in subdivision (a) of Article IV of compact","url":"\/46.2-487\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/18\/46.2-487","metadata":false},{"id":54751,"structure_id":13749,"section_number":"46.2-488","catch_line":"Question to be included in application for driver's license; surrender of license issued by another party state","url":"\/46.2-488\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/18\/46.2-488","metadata":false}],"next_section":{"id":69235,"structure_id":13749,"section_number":"46.2-484","catch_line":"Department of Motor Vehicles to be \"licensing authority\" within meaning of compact; duties of Department","url":"\/46.2-484\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/18\/46.2-484","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-483\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1968. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 166 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 1968 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 1 time. 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. That modification is as follows: in 1989, chapter 727.<\/p>","references":[{"id":79027,"section_number":"24.2-427","catch_line":"Cancellation of registration by voter or for persons known to be deceased or disqualified to vote","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-427\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":226203,"object_type":"law","relational_id":61730,"identifier":"46.2-483","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/18\/46.2-483","url":"\/46.2-483\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-483\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/18\/46.2-483","dublin_core":{"Title":"Compact enacted into law; terms","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-483","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

The Driver<\/span> License Compact is hereby enacted into law<\/span> and entered into with all other jurisdictions<\/span> legally joining therein in the form substantially as follows:\n\t\tTHE DRIVER<\/span> LICENSE COMPACT\n\t\tArticle I\n\t\tFindings<\/span> and Declaration of Policy<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

a.<\/span> The party<\/span> states<\/span> find that: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The safety of their streets and highways<\/span><\/span> is materially affected by the degree of compliance with state<\/span> and local ordinances<\/span> relating to the operation of motor vehicles<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Violation of such a law<\/span> or ordinance<\/span> is evidence<\/span> that the violator engages in conduct which is likely to endanger the safety of persons and property. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The continuance<\/span> in force of a license to drive is predicated upon compliance with laws<\/span> and ordinances<\/span> relating to the operation of motor vehicles<\/span>, in whichever jurisdiction<\/span> the vehicle<\/span> is operated. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

b.<\/span> It is the policy of each of the party<\/span> states<\/span> to: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Promote compliance with the laws<\/span>, ordinances<\/span>, and administrative rules and regulations relating to the operation of motor vehicles<\/span> by their operators<\/span> in each of the jurisdictions<\/span> where such operators<\/span> drive motor vehicles<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Make the reciprocal recognition of licenses to drive and eligibility therefor more just and equitable<\/span> by considering the overall compliance with motor vehicle<\/span> laws<\/span>, ordinances<\/span> and administrative rules and regulations as a condition precedent<\/span> to the continuance<\/span> or issuance of any license by reason of which the licensee is authorized or permitted to operate a motor vehicle<\/span> in any of the party<\/span> states<\/span>.\n\t\t\t\tArticle II\n\t\t\t\tDefinitions\n\t\t\t\tAs used in this compact: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

a.<\/span> “State<\/span>” means a state<\/span>, territory or possession<\/span> of the United States<\/span>, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

b.<\/span> “Home state<\/span>” means the state which has issued and has the power to suspend<\/span> or revoke<\/span> the use of the license or permit to operate a motor vehicle<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

c.<\/span> “Conviction<\/span>” means a conviction<\/span> of any offense<\/span> related to the use or operation of a motor vehicle<\/span> which is prohibited by state law<\/span>, municipal ordinance<\/span> or administrative rule or regulation, or a forfeiture of bail<\/span>, bond<\/span>, or other security deposited to secure appearance<\/span> by a person charged with having committed any such offense<\/span>, and which conviction<\/span> or forfeiture is required to be reported to the licensing authority.\n\t\t\tArticle III\n\t\t\tReports of Conviction<\/span>\n\t\t\tThe licensing authority of a party<\/span> state shall report each conviction<\/span> of a person from another party<\/span> state occurring within its jurisdiction<\/span> to the licensing authority of the home state<\/span> of the licensee. Such report shall clearly identify the person convicted; describe the violation specifying the section of the statute<\/span>, code or ordinance<\/span> violated; identify the court<\/span> in which action was taken; indicate whether a plea<\/span> of guilty or not guilty was entered, or the conviction<\/span> was a result of the forfeiture of bail<\/span>, bond<\/span> or other security; and shall include any special findings<\/span> made in connection therewith.\n\t\t\tArticle IV\n\t\t\tEffect of Conviction<\/span> <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

a.<\/span> The licensing authority in the home state<\/span>, for the purposes of suspension<\/span>, revocation<\/span> or limitation of the license to operate a motor vehicle<\/span>, shall give the same effect to the conduct reported, pursuant to Article III of this compact, as it would if such conduct had occurred in the home state<\/span>, in the case of convictions<\/span> for: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Manslaughter<\/span> or negligent homicide<\/span> resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Driving a motor vehicle<\/span> while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a narcotic drug, or under the influence of any other drug to a degree which renders the driver<\/span> incapable of safely driving a motor vehicle<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Any felony<\/span> in the commission<\/span> of which a motor vehicle<\/span> is used; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Failure to stop and render aid in the event of a motor vehicle<\/span> accident resulting in the death or personal injury of another. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

b.<\/span> As to other convictions<\/span>, reported pursuant to Article III, the licensing authority in the home state<\/span> shall give such effect to the conduct as is provided by the laws<\/span> of the home state<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

c.<\/span> If the laws<\/span> of a party<\/span> state do not provide for offenses<\/span> or violations denominated or described in precisely the words employed in subdivision (a) of this article, such party<\/span> state shall construe<\/span> the denominations and descriptions appearing in subdivision (a) hereof as being applicable to and identifying those offenses<\/span> or violations of a substantially similar nature and the laws<\/span> of such party<\/span> state shall contain such provisions as may be necessary to ensure that full force and effect is given to this article.\n\t\t\tArticle V\n\t\t\tApplications for New Licenses\n\t\t\tUpon application for a license to drive, the licensing authority in a party<\/span> state shall ascertain whether the applicant has ever held, or is the holder of a license to drive issued by any other party<\/span> state. The licensing authority in the state where application is made shall not issue<\/span> a license to drive to the applicant if: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The applicant has held such a license, but the same has been suspended by reason, in whole or in part, of a violation and if such suspension<\/span> period has not terminated. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The applicant has held such a license, but the same has been revoked by reason, in whole or in part, of a violation and if such revocation<\/span> has not terminated, except that after the expiration of one year from the date the license was revoked, such person may make application for a new license if permitted by law<\/span>. The licensing authority may refuse to issue<\/span> a license to any such applicant if, after investigation, the licensing authority determines that it will not be safe to grant to such person the privilege<\/span> of driving a motor vehicle<\/span> on the public highways<\/span><\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The applicant is the holder of a license to drive issued by another party<\/span> state and currently in force unless the applicant surrenders such license.\n\t\t\t\tArticle VI\n\t\t\t\tApplicability of Other Laws<\/span>\n\t\t\t\tExcept as expressly required by provisions of this compact, nothing contained herein shall be construed to affect the right of any party<\/span> state to apply any of its other laws<\/span> relating to licenses to drive to any person or circumstance, nor to invalidate or prevent any driver<\/span> license agreement or other cooperative arrangement between a party<\/span> state and a nonparty state.\n\t\t\t\tArticle VII\n\t\t\t\tCompact Administrator and Interchange of Information <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

a.<\/span> The head of the licensing authority of each party<\/span> state shall be the administrator of this compact for his state. The administrators, acting jointly, shall have the power to formulate all necessary and proper procedures for the exchange of information under this compact. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

b.<\/span> The administrator of each party<\/span> state shall furnish to the administrator of each other party<\/span> state any information or documents reasonably necessary to facilitate the administration of this compact.\n\t\t\tArticle VIII\n\t\t\tEntry Into Force and Withdrawal <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

a.<\/span> This compact shall enter into force and become effective as to any state when it has enacted the same into law<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

b.<\/span> Any party<\/span> state may withdraw from this compact by enacting a statute<\/span> repealing the same, but no such withdrawal shall take effect until six months after the executive head of the withdrawing state has given notice of the withdrawal to the executive heads of all other party<\/span> states<\/span>. No withdrawal shall affect the validity or applicability by the licensing authorities of states<\/span> remaining party<\/span> to the compact of any report of conviction<\/span> occurring prior to the withdrawal.\n\t\t\tArticle IX\n\t\t\tConstruction and Severability\n\t\t\tThis compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any party<\/span> state or of the United States<\/span> or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state party<\/span> thereto, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining states<\/span> and in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCOMPACT ENACTED INTO LAW; TERMS (\u00a7 46.2-483)\n\nThe Driver License Compact is hereby enacted into law and entered into with all\nother jurisdictions legally joining therein in the form substantially as\nfollows:\n\t\tTHE DRIVER LICENSE COMPACT\n\t\tArticle I\n\t\tFindings and Declaration of Policy\n\na. The party states find that:\n\n 1. The safety of their streets and highways is materially affected by the\n degree of compliance with state and local ordinances relating to the operation\n of motor vehicles.\n\n 2. Violation of such a law or ordinance is evidence that the violator engages\n in conduct which is likely to endanger the safety of persons and property.\n\n 3. The continuance in force of a license to drive is predicated upon\n compliance with laws and ordinances relating to the operation of motor\n vehicles, in whichever jurisdiction the vehicle is operated.\n\nb. It is the policy of each of the party states to:\n\n 1. Promote compliance with the laws, ordinances, and administrative rules and\n regulations relating to the operation of motor vehicles by their operators in\n each of the jurisdictions where such operators drive motor vehicles.\n\n 2. Make the reciprocal recognition of licenses to drive and eligibility\n therefor more just and equitable by considering the overall compliance with\n motor vehicle laws, ordinances and administrative rules and regulations as a\n condition precedent to the continuance or issuance of any license by reason of\n which the licensee is authorized or permitted to operate a motor vehicle in\n any of the party states.\n \t\t\t\tArticle II\n \t\t\t\tDefinitions\n \t\t\t\tAs used in this compact:\n\na. “State” means a state, territory or possession of the United\nStates, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.\n\nb. “Home state” means the state which has issued and has the power\nto suspend or revoke the use of the license or permit to operate a motor\nvehicle.\n\nc. “Conviction” means a conviction of any offense related to the use\nor operation of a motor vehicle which is prohibited by state law, municipal\nordinance or administrative rule or regulation, or a forfeiture of bail, bond,\nor other security deposited to secure appearance by a person charged with having\ncommitted any such offense, and which conviction or forfeiture is required to be\nreported to the licensing authority.\n\t\t\tArticle III\n\t\t\tReports of Conviction\n\t\t\tThe licensing authority of a party state shall report each conviction of a\nperson from another party state occurring within its jurisdiction to the\nlicensing authority of the home state of the licensee. Such report shall clearly\nidentify the person convicted; describe the violation specifying the section of\nthe statute, code or ordinance violated; identify the court in which action was\ntaken; indicate whether a plea of guilty or not guilty was entered, or the\nconviction was a result of the forfeiture of bail, bond or other security; and\nshall include any special findings made in connection therewith.\n\t\t\tArticle IV\n\t\t\tEffect of Conviction\n\na. The licensing authority in the home state, for the purposes of suspension,\nrevocation or limitation of the license to operate a motor vehicle, shall give\nthe same effect to the conduct reported, pursuant to Article III of this\ncompact, as it would if such conduct had occurred in the home state, in the case\nof convictions for:\n\n 1. Manslaughter or negligent homicide resulting from the operation of a motor\n vehicle;\n\n 2. Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or\n a narcotic drug, or under the influence of any other drug to a degree which\n renders the driver incapable of safely driving a motor vehicle;\n\n 3. Any felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle is used;\n\n 4. Failure to stop and render aid in the event of a motor vehicle accident\n resulting in the death or personal injury of another.\n\nb. As to other convictions, reported pursuant to Article III, the licensing\nauthority in the home state shall give such effect to the conduct as is provided\nby the laws of the home state.\n\nc. If the laws of a party state do not provide for offenses or violations\ndenominated or described in precisely the words employed in subdivision (a) of\nthis article, such party state shall construe the denominations and descriptions\nappearing in subdivision (a) hereof as being applicable to and identifying those\noffenses or violations of a substantially similar nature and the laws of such\nparty state shall contain such provisions as may be necessary to ensure that\nfull force and effect is given to this article.\n\t\t\tArticle V\n\t\t\tApplications for New Licenses\n\t\t\tUpon application for a license to drive, the licensing authority in a party\nstate shall ascertain whether the applicant has ever held, or is the holder of a\nlicense to drive issued by any other party state. The licensing authority in the\nstate where application is made shall not issue a license to drive to the\napplicant if:\n\n 1. The applicant has held such a license, but the same has been suspended by\n reason, in whole or in part, of a violation and if such suspension period has\n not terminated.\n\n 2. The applicant has held such a license, but the same has been revoked by\n reason, in whole or in part, of a violation and if such revocation has not\n terminated, except that after the expiration of one year from the date the\n license was revoked, such person may make application for a new license if\n permitted by law. The licensing authority may refuse to issue a license to any\n such applicant if, after investigation, the licensing authority determines\n that it will not be safe to grant to such person the privilege of driving a\n motor vehicle on the public highways.\n\n 3. The applicant is the holder of a license to drive issued by another party\n state and currently in force unless the applicant surrenders such license.\n \t\t\t\tArticle VI\n \t\t\t\tApplicability of Other Laws\n \t\t\t\tExcept as expressly required by provisions of this compact, nothing\n contained herein shall be construed to affect the right of any party state to\n apply any of its other laws relating to licenses to drive to any person or\n circumstance, nor to invalidate or prevent any driver license agreement or\n other cooperative arrangement between a party state and a nonparty state.\n \t\t\t\tArticle VII\n \t\t\t\tCompact Administrator and Interchange of Information\n\na. The head of the licensing authority of each party state shall be the\nadministrator of this compact for his state. The administrators, acting jointly,\nshall have the power to formulate all necessary and proper procedures for the\nexchange of information under this compact.\n\nb. The administrator of each party state shall furnish to the administrator of\neach other party state any information or documents reasonably necessary to\nfacilitate the administration of this compact.\n\t\t\tArticle VIII\n\t\t\tEntry Into Force and Withdrawal\n\na. This compact shall enter into force and become effective as to any state when\nit has enacted the same into law.\n\nb. Any party state may withdraw from this compact by enacting a statute\nrepealing the same, but no such withdrawal shall take effect until six months\nafter the executive head of the withdrawing state has given notice of the\nwithdrawal to the executive heads of all other party states. No withdrawal shall\naffect the validity or applicability by the licensing authorities of states\nremaining party to the compact of any report of conviction occurring prior to\nthe withdrawal.\n\t\t\tArticle IX\n\t\t\tConstruction and Severability\n\t\t\tThis compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes\nthereof. The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase,\nclause, sentence or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the\nconstitution of any party state or of the United States or the applicability\nthereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance is held invalid, the\nvalidity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any\ngovernment, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If\nthis compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state party\nthereto, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining\nstates and in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable\nmatters.\n\nHISTORY: 1968, c. 166, \u00a7 46.1-167.8; 1989, c. 727.","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}}