{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/46.2-920.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/46.2-920.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/46.2-920.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/46.2-920.html"}],"law_id":56835,"edition_id":1,"section_id":56835,"structure_id":14886,"section_number":"46.2-920","catch_line":"Certain vehicles exempt from regulations in certain situations; exceptions and additional requirements","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 46-241.1; 1954, c. 356; 1956, c. 192; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-226; 1966, cc. 350, 699; 1968, c. 89; 1974, c. 365; 1976, c. 24; 1977, c. 549; 1980, cc. 30, 354; 1981, c. 395; 1984, c. 539; 1985, cc. 209, 462; 1989, c. 727; 1992, cc. 33, 96; 1994, c. 69; 1995, c. 92; 2000, c. 120; 2002, c. 134; 2003, c. 115; 2005, c. 583; 2007, cc. 860, 908; 2011, c. 629; 2014, cc. 171, 800; 2015, cc. 502, 503; 2023, cc. 88, 89; 2025, c. 252.","full_text":"A\n\nThe driver of any emergency vehicle, when such vehicle is being used in the performance of public services, and when such vehicle is operated under emergency conditions, may, without subjecting himself to criminal prosecution:1\n\nDisregard speed limits, while having due regard for safety of persons and property;2\n\nProceed past any steady or flashing red signal, traffic light, stop sign, or device indicating moving traffic shall stop if the speed of the vehicle is sufficiently reduced to enable it to pass a signal, traffic light, or device with due regard to the safety of persons and property;3\n\nPark or stop notwithstanding the other provisions of this chapter;4\n\nDisregard regulations governing a direction of movement of vehicles turning in specified directions so long as the operator does not endanger life or property;5\n\nPass or overtake, with due regard to the safety of persons and property, another vehicle at any intersection;6\n\nPass or overtake with due regard to the safety of persons and property, while en route to an emergency, stopped or slow-moving vehicles, by going to the left of the stopped or slow-moving vehicle either in a no-passing zone or by crossing the highway centerline; or7\n\nPass or overtake with due regard to the safety of persons and property, while en route to an emergency, stopped or slow-moving vehicles, by going off the paved or main traveled portion of the roadway on the right. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, vehicles exempted in this instance will not be required to sound a siren or any device to give automatically intermittent signals.B\n\nThe exemptions granted to emergency vehicles in subdivisions A 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 shall apply only when the operator of such vehicle displays a flashing, blinking, or alternating emergency light or lights as provided in §§ 46.2-1022 and 46.2-1023 and sounds a siren, exhaust whistle, or air horn designed to give automatically intermittent signals, as may be reasonably necessary. The exemption granted under subdivision A 2 shall apply only when the operator of such emergency vehicle displays a flashing, blinking, or alternating emergency light or lights as provided in §§ 46.2-1022 and 46.2-1023 and either (a) sounds a siren, exhaust whistle, or air horn designed to give automatically intermittent signals or (b) slows the vehicle down to a speed reasonable for the existing conditions, yields right-of-way to the driver of another vehicle approaching or entering the intersection from another direction or, if required for safety, brings the vehicle to a complete stop before proceeding with due regard for the safety of persons and property. In addition, the exemptions granted to emergency vehicles by subsection A shall apply only when there is in force and effect for such vehicle either (i) standard motor vehicle liability insurance covering injury or death to any person in the sum of at least $100,000 because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident and, subject to the limit for one person, to a limit of $300,000 because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident, and to a limit of $20,000 because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident or (ii) a certificate of self-insurance issued pursuant to § 46.2-368. Such exemptions shall not, however, protect the operator of any such vehicle from criminal prosecution for conduct constituting reckless disregard of the safety of persons and property. Nothing in this section shall release the operator of any such vehicle from civil liability for failure to use reasonable care in such operation.C\n\nFor the purposes of this section, “emergency vehicle” means:1\n\nAny law-enforcement vehicle operated by or under the direction of a federal, state, or local law-enforcement officer (i) in the chase or apprehension of violators of the law or persons charged with or suspected of any such violation or (ii) in response to an emergency call;2\n\nAny regional detention center vehicle operated by or under the direction of a correctional officer responding to an emergency call or operating in an emergency situation;3\n\nAny vehicle used to fight fire, including publicly owned state forest warden vehicles, when traveling in response to a fire alarm or emergency call;4\n\nAny emergency medical services vehicle designed or used for the principal purpose of providing emergency medical services where human life is endangered;5\n\nAny Department of Emergency Management vehicle or Office of Emergency Medical Services vehicle, when responding to an emergency call or operating in an emergency situation;6\n\nAny Department of Corrections vehicle designated by the Director of the Department of Corrections, when (i) responding to an emergency call at a correctional facility, (ii) participating in a drug-related investigation, (iii) pursuing escapees from a correctional facility, or (iv) responding to a request for assistance from a law-enforcement officer;7\n\nAny vehicle authorized to be equipped with alternating, blinking, or flashing red or red and white secondary warning lights under the provisions of § 46.2-1029.2;8\n\nAny Virginia National Guard Civil Support Team vehicle when responding to an emergency;9\n\nAny vehicle operated by the Response and Recovery Coordination Branch of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Office of Emergency Preparedness, when responding to an emergency, provided that the operator of any such vehicle (i) has completed an initial emergency vehicle operators course from an approved course list prepared by the Department of Fire Programs, the Office of Emergency Medical Services, or an equivalent agency and (ii) recertifies as an emergency vehicle operator every two years; and10\n\nAny vehicle operated by a mine rescue team that is certified as a mine rescue team by the Mine Safety and Health Administration under 30 C.F.R. Part 49 when responding to a mine emergency, provided that the operator of any such vehicle (i) has completed an initial emergency vehicle operator course from an approved course list prepared by the Department of Fire Programs, the Office of Emergency Medical Services, or an equivalent agency and (ii) recertifies as an emergency vehicle operator every two years.D\n\nAny law-enforcement vehicle operated by or under the direction of a federal, state, or local law-enforcement officer may disregard speed limits, while having due regard for safety of persons and property, (i) in testing the accuracy of speedometers of such vehicles, (ii) in testing the accuracy of speed measuring devices specified in § 46.2-882, or (iii) in following another vehicle for the purpose of determining its speed.E\n\nA Department of Environmental Quality vehicle, while en route to an emergency and with due regard to the safety of persons and property, may overtake and pass stopped or slow-moving vehicles by going off the paved or main traveled portion of the highway on the right or on the left. These Department of Environmental Quality vehicles shall not be required to sound a siren or any device to give automatically intermittent signals, but shall display red or red and white warning lights when performing such maneuvers.F\n\nAny law-enforcement vehicle operated by or under the direction of a federal, state, or local law-enforcement officer while conducting a funeral escort, wide-load escort, dignitary escort, or any other escort necessary for the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians may, without subjecting himself to criminal prosecution:1\n\nDisregard speed limits, while having due regard for safety of persons and property;2\n\nProceed past any steady or flashing red signal, traffic light, stop sign, or device indicating moving traffic shall stop if the speed of the vehicle is sufficiently reduced to enable it to pass a signal, traffic light, or device with due regard for the safety of persons and property;3\n\nPark or stop notwithstanding the other provisions of this chapter;4\n\nDisregard regulations governing a direction of movement of vehicles turning in specified directions so long as the operator does not endanger life or property; or5\n\nPass or overtake, with due regard for the safety of persons and property, another vehicle.\n\t\t\t\tNotwithstanding other provisions of this section, vehicles exempted in this subsection may sound a siren or any device to give automatically intermittent signals.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":208169,"text":"The driver of any emergency vehicle, when such vehicle is being used in the performance of public services, and when such vehicle is operated under emergency conditions, may, without subjecting himself to criminal prosecution:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":208170,"text":"Disregard speed limits, while having due regard for safety of persons and property;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":208171,"text":"Proceed past any steady or flashing red signal, traffic light, stop sign, or device indicating moving traffic shall stop if the speed of the vehicle is sufficiently reduced to enable it to pass a signal, traffic light, or device with due regard to 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"},"3":{"id":208172,"text":"Park or stop notwithstanding the other provisions of this chapter;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"4":{"id":208173,"text":"Disregard regulations governing a direction of movement of vehicles turning in specified directions so long as the operator does not endanger life or property;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"A5"},"5":{"id":208174,"text":"Pass or overtake, with due regard to the safety of persons and property, another vehicle at any intersection;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"A5","prefix_anchor":"A5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"A6"},"6":{"id":208175,"text":"Pass or overtake with due regard to the safety of persons and property, while en route to an emergency, stopped or slow-moving vehicles, by going to the left of the stopped or slow-moving vehicle either in a no-passing zone or by crossing the highway centerline; or","type":"section","prefixes":["A","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"A6","prefix_anchor":"A6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A5","next_prefix":"A7"},"7":{"id":208176,"text":"Pass or overtake with due regard to the safety of persons and property, while en route to an emergency, stopped or slow-moving vehicles, by going off the paved or main traveled portion of the roadway on the right. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, vehicles exempted in this instance will not be required to sound a siren or any device to give automatically intermittent signals.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"A7","prefix_anchor":"A7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A6","next_prefix":"B"},"8":{"id":208177,"text":"The exemptions granted to emergency vehicles in subdivisions A 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 shall apply only when the operator of such vehicle displays a flashing, blinking, or alternating emergency light or lights as provided in §§ 46.2-1022 and 46.2-1023 and sounds a siren, exhaust whistle, or air horn designed to give automatically intermittent signals, as may be reasonably necessary. The exemption granted under subdivision A 2 shall apply only when the operator of such emergency vehicle displays a flashing, blinking, or alternating emergency light or lights as provided in §§ 46.2-1022 and 46.2-1023 and either (a) sounds a siren, exhaust whistle, or air horn designed to give automatically intermittent signals or (b) slows the vehicle down to a speed reasonable for the existing conditions, yields right-of-way to the driver of another vehicle approaching or entering the intersection from another direction or, if required for safety, brings the vehicle to a complete stop before proceeding with due regard for the safety of persons and property. In addition, the exemptions granted to emergency vehicles by subsection A shall apply only when there is in force and effect for such vehicle either (i) standard motor vehicle liability insurance covering injury or death to any person in the sum of at least $100,000 because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident and, subject to the limit for one person, to a limit of $300,000 because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident, and to a limit of $20,000 because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident or (ii) a certificate of self-insurance issued pursuant to § 46.2-368. Such exemptions shall not, however, protect the operator of any such vehicle from criminal prosecution for conduct constituting reckless disregard of the safety of persons and property. Nothing in this section shall release the operator of any such vehicle from civil liability for failure to use reasonable care in such operation.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A7","next_prefix":"C"},"9":{"id":208178,"text":"For the purposes of this section, “emergency vehicle” means:","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"C1"},"10":{"id":208179,"text":"Any law-enforcement vehicle operated by or under the direction of a federal, state, or local law-enforcement officer (i) in the chase or apprehension of violators of the law or persons charged with or suspected of any such violation or (ii) in response to an emergency call;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"C1","prefix_anchor":"C1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"C2"},"11":{"id":208180,"text":"Any regional detention center vehicle operated by or under the direction of a correctional officer responding to an emergency call or operating in an emergency situation;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"C2","prefix_anchor":"C2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C1","next_prefix":"C3"},"12":{"id":208181,"text":"Any vehicle used to fight fire, including publicly owned state forest warden vehicles, when traveling in response to a fire alarm or emergency call;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"C3","prefix_anchor":"C3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C2","next_prefix":"C4"},"13":{"id":208182,"text":"Any emergency medical services vehicle designed or used for the principal purpose of providing emergency medical services where human life is endangered;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"C4","prefix_anchor":"C4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C3","next_prefix":"C5"},"14":{"id":208183,"text":"Any Department of Emergency Management vehicle or Office of Emergency Medical Services vehicle, when responding to an emergency call or operating in an emergency situation;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"C5","prefix_anchor":"C5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C4","next_prefix":"C6"},"15":{"id":208184,"text":"Any Department of Corrections vehicle designated by the Director of the Department of Corrections, when (i) responding to an emergency call at a correctional facility, (ii) participating in a drug-related investigation, (iii) pursuing escapees from a correctional facility, or (iv) responding to a request for assistance from a law-enforcement officer;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"C6","prefix_anchor":"C6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C5","next_prefix":"C7"},"16":{"id":208185,"text":"Any vehicle authorized to be equipped with alternating, blinking, or flashing red or red and white secondary warning lights under the provisions of § 46.2-1029.2;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"C7","prefix_anchor":"C7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C6","next_prefix":"C8"},"17":{"id":208186,"text":"Any Virginia National Guard Civil Support Team vehicle when responding to an emergency;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"C8","prefix_anchor":"C8","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C7","next_prefix":"C9"},"18":{"id":208187,"text":"Any vehicle operated by the Response and Recovery Coordination Branch of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Office of Emergency Preparedness, when responding to an emergency, provided that the operator of any such vehicle (i) has completed an initial emergency vehicle operators course from an approved course list prepared by the Department of Fire Programs, the Office of Emergency Medical Services, or an equivalent agency and (ii) recertifies as an emergency vehicle operator every two years; and","type":"section","prefixes":["C","9"],"prefix":"9","entire_prefix":"C9","prefix_anchor":"C9","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C8","next_prefix":"C10"},"19":{"id":208188,"text":"Any vehicle operated by a mine rescue team that is certified as a mine rescue team by the Mine Safety and Health Administration under 30 C.F.R. Part 49 when responding to a mine emergency, provided that the operator of any such vehicle (i) has completed an initial emergency vehicle operator course from an approved course list prepared by the Department of Fire Programs, the Office of Emergency Medical Services, or an equivalent agency and (ii) recertifies as an emergency vehicle operator every two years.","type":"section","prefixes":["C","10"],"prefix":"10","entire_prefix":"C10","prefix_anchor":"C10","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C9","next_prefix":"D"},"20":{"id":208189,"text":"Any law-enforcement vehicle operated by or under the direction of a federal, state, or local law-enforcement officer may disregard speed limits, while having due regard for safety of persons and property, (i) in testing the accuracy of speedometers of such vehicles, (ii) in testing the accuracy of speed measuring devices specified in § 46.2-882, or (iii) in following another vehicle for the purpose of determining its speed.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C10","next_prefix":"E"},"21":{"id":208190,"text":"A Department of Environmental Quality vehicle, while en route to an emergency and with due regard to the safety of persons and property, may overtake and pass stopped or slow-moving vehicles by going off the paved or main traveled portion of the highway on the right or on the left. These Department of Environmental Quality vehicles shall not be required to sound a siren or any device to give automatically intermittent signals, but shall display red or red and white warning lights when performing such maneuvers.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"22":{"id":208191,"text":"Any law-enforcement vehicle operated by or under the direction of a federal, state, or local law-enforcement officer while conducting a funeral escort, wide-load escort, dignitary escort, or any other escort necessary for the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians may, without subjecting himself to criminal prosecution:","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"F1"},"23":{"id":208192,"text":"Disregard speed limits, while having due regard for safety of persons and property;","type":"section","prefixes":["F","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"F1","prefix_anchor":"F1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"F","next_prefix":"F2"},"24":{"id":208193,"text":"Proceed past any steady or flashing red signal, traffic light, stop sign, or device indicating moving traffic shall stop if the speed of the vehicle is sufficiently reduced to enable it to pass a signal, traffic light, or device with due regard for the safety of persons and property;","type":"section","prefixes":["F","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"F2","prefix_anchor":"F2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"F1","next_prefix":"F3"},"25":{"id":208194,"text":"Park or stop notwithstanding the other provisions of this chapter;","type":"section","prefixes":["F","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"F3","prefix_anchor":"F3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"F2","next_prefix":"F4"},"26":{"id":208195,"text":"Disregard regulations governing a direction of movement of vehicles turning in specified directions so long as the operator does not endanger life or property; or","type":"section","prefixes":["F","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"F4","prefix_anchor":"F4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"F3","next_prefix":"F5"},"27":{"id":208196,"text":"Pass or overtake, with due regard for the safety of persons and property, another vehicle.\n\t\t\t\tNotwithstanding other provisions of this section, vehicles exempted in this subsection may sound a siren or any device to give automatically intermittent signals.","type":"section","prefixes":["F","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"F5","prefix_anchor":"F5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"F4"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14886,"edition_id":1,"name":"Emergency Vehicles","identifier":"15","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12875,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:50:33","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:50:33","permalink":{"id":230573,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14886,"identifier":"15","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/15","url":"\/46.2\/III\/8\/15\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12875,"edition_id":1,"name":"Regulation of Traffic","identifier":"8","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12827,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","permalink":{"id":230189,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12875,"identifier":"8","token":"46.2\/III\/8","url":"\/46.2\/III\/8\/","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":56835,"structure_id":14886,"section_number":"46.2-920","catch_line":"Certain vehicles exempt from regulations in certain situations; exceptions and additional requirements","url":"\/46.2-920\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/15\/46.2-920","metadata":false},{"id":79642,"structure_id":14886,"section_number":"46.2-920.1","catch_line":"Operation of tow trucks or vehicles owned or controlled by the Department of Transportation under certain circumstances; incident management","url":"\/46.2-920.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/15\/46.2-920.1","metadata":false},{"id":72582,"structure_id":14886,"section_number":"46.2-920.1:1","catch_line":"Portable changeable message signs; certain vehicles","url":"\/46.2-920.1_1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/15\/46.2-920.1_1","metadata":false},{"id":80517,"structure_id":14886,"section_number":"46.2-920.2","catch_line":"Operation of vehicles owned or controlled by the Wildlife Center of Virginia","url":"\/46.2-920.2\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/15\/46.2-920.2","metadata":false},{"id":68032,"structure_id":14886,"section_number":"46.2-921","catch_line":"Following or parking near fire apparatus or emergency medical services vehicle","url":"\/46.2-921\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/15\/46.2-921","metadata":false},{"id":60395,"structure_id":14886,"section_number":"46.2-921.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/46.2-921.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/15\/46.2-921.1","metadata":false},{"id":64413,"structure_id":14886,"section_number":"46.2-922","catch_line":"Driving over fire hose","url":"\/46.2-922\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/15\/46.2-922","metadata":false}],"next_section":{"id":79642,"structure_id":14886,"section_number":"46.2-920.1","catch_line":"Operation of tow trucks or vehicles owned or controlled by the Department of Transportation under certain circumstances; incident management","url":"\/46.2-920.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/15\/46.2-920.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-920\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 26 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 1954, chapter 356; in 1956, chapter 192; in 1958, chapter 541; in 1966, chapters 350 and 699; in 1968, chapter 89; in 1974, chapter 365; in 1976, chapter 24; in 1977, chapter 549; in 1980, chapters 30 and 354; in 1981, chapter 395; in 1984, chapter 539; in 1985, chapters 209 and 462; in 1989, chapter 727; in 1992, chapters 33 and 96; in 1994, chapter 69<\/a>; in 1995, chapter 92<\/a>; in 2000, chapter 120<\/a>; in 2002, chapter 134<\/a>; in 2003, chapter 115<\/a>; in 2005, chapter 583<\/a>; in 2007, chapters 860<\/a> and 908<\/a>; in 2011, chapter 629<\/a>; in 2014, chapters 171<\/a> and 800<\/a>; in 2015, chapters 502<\/a> and 503<\/a>; in 2023, chapters 88<\/a> and 89<\/a>; in 2025, chapter 252<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":61842,"section_number":"2.2-1176.2","catch_line":"Declaration of policy supporting cost-effective vehicle purchase and lease; total cost of ownership calculator; report","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-1176.2\/"},{"id":86797,"section_number":"27-6.02","catch_line":"Provision of firefighting services","order_by":null,"url":"\/27-6.02\/"},{"id":84510,"section_number":"46.2-1029.1","catch_line":"Flashing of headlights on certain vehicles","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1029.1\/"},{"id":72396,"section_number":"46.2-1029.2","catch_line":"Certain vehicles may be equipped with secondary warning lights","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1029.2\/"},{"id":77671,"section_number":"46.2-1078","catch_line":"Unlawful to operate motor vehicle, bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped while using earphones","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1078\/"},{"id":54028,"section_number":"46.2-800","catch_line":"Riding bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, electric power-assisted bicycles, mopeds, or motorized skateboards or scooters; riding or driving animals","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-800\/"},{"id":78559,"section_number":"46.2-808.1","catch_line":"Use of crossovers on controlled access highways; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-808.1\/"},{"id":59211,"section_number":"46.2-827","catch_line":"Right-of-way of United States forces, troops, National Guard, etc","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-827\/"},{"id":68016,"section_number":"46.2-829","catch_line":"Approach of law-enforcement or fire-fighting vehicles, rescue vehicles, or ambulances; violation as failure to yield right-of-way","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-829\/"},{"id":83630,"section_number":"46.2-903","catch_line":"Riding or driving vehicles on sidewalks; exceptions","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-903\/"},{"id":63782,"section_number":"8.01-225.3","catch_line":"Immunity for volunteer first responders en route to an emergency","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-225.3\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":60736,"section_number":"46.2-1022","catch_line":"Flashing or steady-burning blue or red, flashing red and blue or blue and white, or red, white, and blue warning lights","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1022\/"},{"id":78077,"section_number":"46.2-1023","catch_line":"Flashing red or red and white warning lights","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1023\/"},{"id":72396,"section_number":"46.2-1029.2","catch_line":"Certain vehicles may be equipped with secondary warning lights","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1029.2\/"},{"id":80663,"section_number":"46.2-368","catch_line":"Certificate of self-insurance exempts from chapter","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-368\/"},{"id":78936,"section_number":"46.2-882","catch_line":"Determining speed with various devices; certificate as to accuracy of device; arrest without warrant","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-882\/"}],"permalink":{"id":230575,"object_type":"law","relational_id":56835,"identifier":"46.2-920","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/15\/46.2-920","url":"\/46.2-920\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-920\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/15\/46.2-920","dublin_core":{"Title":"Certain vehicles exempt from regulations in certain situations; exceptions and additional requirements","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-920","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The driver<\/span> of any emergency vehicle<\/span>, when such vehicle<\/span> is being used in the performance of public services, and when such vehicle<\/span> is operated under emergency conditions, may, without subjecting himself to criminal prosecution<\/span>: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Disregard speed limits, while having due regard for safety of persons and property; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Proceed past any steady or flashing red signal, traffic light<\/span>, stop sign, or device indicating moving traffic shall stop if the speed of the vehicle<\/span> is sufficiently reduced to enable it to pass a signal, traffic light<\/span>, or device with due regard to the safety of persons and property; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Park or stop notwithstanding the other provisions of this chapter; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Disregard regulations governing a direction of movement of vehicles<\/span> turning in specified directions so long as the operator<\/span> does not endanger life or property; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Pass or overtake, with due regard to the safety of persons and property, another vehicle<\/span> at any intersection<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Pass or overtake with due regard to the safety of persons and property, while en route to an emergency, stopped or slow-moving vehicles<\/span>, by going to the left of the stopped or slow-moving vehicle<\/span> either in a no-passing zone or by crossing the highway<\/span> centerline; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> Pass or overtake with due regard to the safety of persons and property, while en route to an emergency, stopped or slow-moving vehicles<\/span>, by going off the paved or main traveled portion of the roadway<\/span> on the right. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, vehicles<\/span> exempted in this instance will not be required to sound a siren or any device to give automatically intermittent signals. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The exemptions granted to emergency vehicles<\/span> in subdivisions A 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 shall apply only when the operator<\/span> of such vehicle displays a flashing, blinking, or alternating emergency light<\/span> or lights<\/span> as provided in §§ 46.2-1022<\/a> and 46.2-1023<\/a> and sounds a siren, exhaust whistle, or air horn designed to give automatically intermittent signals, as may be reasonably necessary. The exemption granted under subdivision A 2 shall apply only when the operator<\/span> of such emergency vehicle displays a flashing, blinking, or alternating emergency light<\/span> or lights<\/span> as provided in §§ 46.2-1022<\/a> and 46.2-1023<\/a> and either (a) sounds a siren, exhaust whistle, or air horn designed to give automatically intermittent signals or (b) slows the vehicle down to a speed reasonable for the existing conditions, yields right-of-way to the driver<\/span> of another vehicle approaching or entering the intersection<\/span> from another direction or, if required for safety, brings the vehicle to a complete stop before proceeding with due regard for the safety of persons and property. In addition, the exemptions granted to emergency vehicles<\/span> by subsection A shall apply only when there is in force and effect for such vehicle either (i) standard motor vehicle<\/span> liability insurance covering injury or death to any person in the sum of at least $100,000 because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident and, subject to the limit for one person, to a limit of $300,000 because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident, and to a limit of $20,000 because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident or (ii) a certificate of self-insurance issued pursuant to § 46.2-368<\/a>. Such exemptions shall not, however, protect the operator<\/span> of any such vehicle from criminal prosecution<\/span> for conduct constituting reckless disregard of the safety of persons and property. Nothing in this section shall release the operator<\/span> of any such vehicle from civil liability for failure to use reasonable care in such operation. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> For the purposes of this section, “emergency vehicle” means: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Any law<\/span>-enforcement vehicle operated by or under the direction of a federal, state, or local law<\/span>-enforcement officer<\/span> (i) in the chase or apprehension of violators of the law<\/span> or persons charged with or suspected of any such violation or (ii) in response to an emergency call; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Any regional detention center vehicle operated by or under the direction of a correctional officer responding to an emergency call or operating in an emergency situation; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Any vehicle used to fight fire, including publicly owned state forest warden vehicles<\/span>, when traveling in response to a fire alarm or emergency call; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Any emergency medical services vehicle designed or used for the principal purpose of providing emergency medical services where human life is endangered; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Any Department<\/span> of Emergency Management vehicle or Office of Emergency Medical Services vehicle, when responding to an emergency call or operating in an emergency situation; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Any Department<\/span> of Corrections vehicle designated by the Director of the Department<\/span> of Corrections, when (i) responding to an emergency call at a correctional facility, (ii) participating in a drug-related investigation, (iii) pursuing escapees from a correctional facility, or (iv) responding to a request for assistance from a law<\/span>-enforcement officer<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> Any vehicle authorized to be equipped with alternating, blinking, or flashing red or red and white secondary warning lights<\/span> under the provisions of § 46.2-1029.2<\/a>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> Any Virginia National Guard Civil Support Team vehicle when responding to an emergency; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

9.<\/span> Any vehicle operated by the Response and Recovery Coordination Branch of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Office of Emergency Preparedness, when responding to an emergency, provided that the operator<\/span> of any such vehicle (i) has completed an initial emergency vehicle operators<\/span> course from an approved course list prepared by the Department<\/span> of Fire Programs, the Office of Emergency Medical Services, or an equivalent agency and (ii) recertifies as an emergency vehicle operator<\/span> every two years; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

10.<\/span> Any vehicle operated by a mine rescue team that is certified as a mine rescue team by the Mine Safety and Health Administration under 30 C.F.R. Part 49 when responding to a mine emergency, provided that the operator<\/span> of any such vehicle (i) has completed an initial emergency vehicle operator<\/span> course from an approved course list prepared by the Department<\/span> of Fire Programs, the Office of Emergency Medical Services, or an equivalent agency and (ii) recertifies as an emergency vehicle operator<\/span> every two years. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Any law<\/span>-enforcement vehicle operated by or under the direction of a federal, state, or local law<\/span>-enforcement officer<\/span> may disregard speed limits, while having due regard for safety of persons and property, (i) in testing the accuracy of speedometers of such vehicles<\/span>, (ii) in testing the accuracy of speed measuring devices specified in § 46.2-882<\/a>, or (iii) in following another vehicle for the purpose of determining its speed. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> A Department<\/span> of Environmental Quality vehicle, while en route to an emergency and with due regard to the safety of persons and property, may overtake and pass stopped or slow-moving vehicles<\/span> by going off the paved or main traveled portion of the highway<\/span> on the right or on the left. These Department<\/span> of Environmental Quality vehicles<\/span> shall not be required to sound a siren or any device to give automatically intermittent signals, but shall display red or red and white warning lights<\/span> when performing such maneuvers. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> Any law<\/span>-enforcement vehicle operated by or under the direction of a federal, state, or local law<\/span>-enforcement officer<\/span> while conducting a funeral escort, wide-load escort, dignitary escort, or any other escort necessary for the safe movement of vehicles<\/span> and pedestrians may, without subjecting himself to criminal prosecution<\/span>: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Disregard speed limits, while having due regard for safety of persons and property; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Proceed past any steady or flashing red signal, traffic light<\/span>, stop sign, or device indicating moving traffic shall stop if the speed of the vehicle is sufficiently reduced to enable it to pass a signal, traffic light<\/span>, or device with due regard for the safety of persons and property; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Park or stop notwithstanding the other provisions of this chapter; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Disregard regulations governing a direction of movement of vehicles<\/span> turning in specified directions so long as the operator<\/span> does not endanger life or property; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Pass or overtake, with due regard for the safety of persons and property, another vehicle.\n\t\t\t\tNotwithstanding other provisions of this section, vehicles<\/span> exempted in this subsection may sound a siren or any device to give automatically intermittent signals. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCERTAIN VEHICLES EXEMPT FROM REGULATIONS IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS; EXCEPTIONS AND\nADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS (\u00a7 46.2-920)\n\nA. The driver of any emergency vehicle, when such vehicle is being used in the\nperformance of public services, and when such vehicle is operated under\nemergency conditions, may, without subjecting himself to criminal prosecution:\n\n 1. Disregard speed limits, while having due regard for safety of persons and\n property;\n\n 2. Proceed past any steady or flashing red signal, traffic light, stop sign,\n or device indicating moving traffic shall stop if the speed of the vehicle is\n sufficiently reduced to enable it to pass a signal, traffic light, or device\n with due regard to the safety of persons and property;\n\n 3. Park or stop notwithstanding the other provisions of this chapter;\n\n 4. Disregard regulations governing a direction of movement of vehicles turning\n in specified directions so long as the operator does not endanger life or\n property;\n\n 5. Pass or overtake, with due regard to the safety of persons and property,\n another vehicle at any intersection;\n\n 6. Pass or overtake with due regard to the safety of persons and property,\n while en route to an emergency, stopped or slow-moving vehicles, by going to\n the left of the stopped or slow-moving vehicle either in a no-passing zone or\n by crossing the highway centerline; or\n\n 7. Pass or overtake with due regard to the safety of persons and property,\n while en route to an emergency, stopped or slow-moving vehicles, by going off\n the paved or main traveled portion of the roadway on the right.\n Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, vehicles exempted in this\n instance will not be required to sound a siren or any device to give\n automatically intermittent signals.\n\nB. The exemptions granted to emergency vehicles in subdivisions A 1, 3, 4, 5,\nand 6 shall apply only when the operator of such vehicle displays a flashing,\nblinking, or alternating emergency light or lights as provided in §§\n46.2-1022 and 46.2-1023 and sounds a siren, exhaust whistle, or air horn\ndesigned to give automatically intermittent signals, as may be reasonably\nnecessary. The exemption granted under subdivision A 2 shall apply only when the\noperator of such emergency vehicle displays a flashing, blinking, or alternating\nemergency light or lights as provided in §§ 46.2-1022 and 46.2-1023\nand either (a) sounds a siren, exhaust whistle, or air horn designed to give\nautomatically intermittent signals or (b) slows the vehicle down to a speed\nreasonable for the existing conditions, yields right-of-way to the driver of\nanother vehicle approaching or entering the intersection from another direction\nor, if required for safety, brings the vehicle to a complete stop before\nproceeding with due regard for the safety of persons and property. In addition,\nthe exemptions granted to emergency vehicles by subsection A shall apply only\nwhen there is in force and effect for such vehicle either (i) standard motor\nvehicle liability insurance covering injury or death to any person in the sum of\nat least $100,000 because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one\naccident and, subject to the limit for one person, to a limit of $300,000\nbecause of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident,\nand to a limit of $20,000 because of injury to or destruction of property of\nothers in any one accident or (ii) a certificate of self-insurance issued\npursuant to § 46.2-368. Such exemptions shall not, however, protect the\noperator of any such vehicle from criminal prosecution for conduct constituting\nreckless disregard of the safety of persons and property. Nothing in this\nsection shall release the operator of any such vehicle from civil liability for\nfailure to use reasonable care in such operation.\n\nC. For the purposes of this section, “emergency vehicle” means:\n\n 1. Any law-enforcement vehicle operated by or under the direction of a\n federal, state, or local law-enforcement officer (i) in the chase or\n apprehension of violators of the law or persons charged with or suspected of\n any such violation or (ii) in response to an emergency call;\n\n 2. Any regional detention center vehicle operated by or under the direction of\n a correctional officer responding to an emergency call or operating in an\n emergency situation;\n\n 3. Any vehicle used to fight fire, including publicly owned state forest\n warden vehicles, when traveling in response to a fire alarm or emergency call;\n\n 4. Any emergency medical services vehicle designed or used for the principal\n purpose of providing emergency medical services where human life is\n endangered;\n\n 5. Any Department of Emergency Management vehicle or Office of Emergency\n Medical Services vehicle, when responding to an emergency call or operating in\n an emergency situation;\n\n 6. Any Department of Corrections vehicle designated by the Director of the\n Department of Corrections, when (i) responding to an emergency call at a\n correctional facility, (ii) participating in a drug-related investigation,\n (iii) pursuing escapees from a correctional facility, or (iv) responding to a\n request for assistance from a law-enforcement officer;\n\n 7. Any vehicle authorized to be equipped with alternating, blinking, or\n flashing red or red and white secondary warning lights under the provisions of\n § 46.2-1029.2;\n\n 8. Any Virginia National Guard Civil Support Team vehicle when responding to\n an emergency;\n\n 9. Any vehicle operated by the Response and Recovery Coordination Branch of\n the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Office of Emergency\n Preparedness, when responding to an emergency, provided that the operator of\n any such vehicle (i) has completed an initial emergency vehicle operators\n course from an approved course list prepared by the Department of Fire\n Programs, the Office of Emergency Medical Services, or an equivalent agency\n and (ii) recertifies as an emergency vehicle operator every two years; and\n\n 10. Any vehicle operated by a mine rescue team that is certified as a mine\n rescue team by the Mine Safety and Health Administration under 30 C.F.R. Part\n 49 when responding to a mine emergency, provided that the operator of any such\n vehicle (i) has completed an initial emergency vehicle operator course from an\n approved course list prepared by the Department of Fire Programs, the Office\n of Emergency Medical Services, or an equivalent agency and (ii) recertifies as\n an emergency vehicle operator every two years.\n\nD. Any law-enforcement vehicle operated by or under the direction of a federal,\nstate, or local law-enforcement officer may disregard speed limits, while having\ndue regard for safety of persons and property, (i) in testing the accuracy of\nspeedometers of such vehicles, (ii) in testing the accuracy of speed measuring\ndevices specified in § 46.2-882, or (iii) in following another vehicle for\nthe purpose of determining its speed.\n\nE. A Department of Environmental Quality vehicle, while en route to an emergency\nand with due regard to the safety of persons and property, may overtake and pass\nstopped or slow-moving vehicles by going off the paved or main traveled portion\nof the highway on the right or on the left. These Department of Environmental\nQuality vehicles shall not be required to sound a siren or any device to give\nautomatically intermittent signals, but shall display red or red and white\nwarning lights when performing such maneuvers.\n\nF. Any law-enforcement vehicle operated by or under the direction of a federal,\nstate, or local law-enforcement officer while conducting a funeral escort,\nwide-load escort, dignitary escort, or any other escort necessary for the safe\nmovement of vehicles and pedestrians may, without subjecting himself to criminal\nprosecution:\n\n 1. Disregard speed limits, while having due regard for safety of persons and\n property;\n\n 2. Proceed past any steady or flashing red signal, traffic light, stop sign,\n or device indicating moving traffic shall stop if the speed of the vehicle is\n sufficiently reduced to enable it to pass a signal, traffic light, or device\n with due regard for the safety of persons and property;\n\n 3. Park or stop notwithstanding the other provisions of this chapter;\n\n 4. Disregard regulations governing a direction of movement of vehicles turning\n in specified directions so long as the operator does not endanger life or\n property; or\n\n 5. Pass or overtake, with due regard for the safety of persons and property,\n another vehicle.\n \t\t\t\tNotwithstanding other provisions of this section, vehicles exempted in\n this subsection may sound a siren or any device to give automatically\n intermittent signals.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 46-241.1; 1954, c. 356; 1956, c. 192; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7\n46.1-226; 1966, cc. 350, 699; 1968, c. 89; 1974, c. 365; 1976, c. 24; 1977, c.\n549; 1980, cc. 30, 354; 1981, c. 395; 1984, c. 539; 1985, cc. 209, 462; 1989, c.\n727; 1992, cc. 33, 96; 1994, c. 69; 1995, c. 92; 2000, c. 120; 2002, c. 134;\n2003, c. 115; 2005, c. 583; 2007, cc. 860, 908; 2011, c. 629; 2014, cc. 171,\n800; 2015, cc. 502, 503; 2023, cc. 88, 89; 2025, c. 252.","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}}