Virginia Decodedhttps://vacode.org6151145.2-858 Posting of notice2025Mines, Minerals, and EnergyCoal MiningUnderground Coal MinesRequirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, EtcPersonal Safety; Smoking

A. The operator or his agent shall display, in bold-faced type, on a sign placed at the mine office, bath house, and on a bulletin board at the mine site, the following notice: NOTICE: IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR A MINER OR OTHER PERSON IN AN UNDERGROUND COAL MINE TO SMOKE OR CARRY OR POSSESS UNDERGROUND ANY SMOKER’S ARTICLES OR MATCHES, LIGHTERS, OR SIMILAR MATERIALS GENERALLY USED FOR IGNITING SMOKER’S ARTICLES. A VIOLATION IS PUNISHABLE AS A CLASS 6 FELONY. ANY PERSON ENTERING OR PRESENT IN THE UNDERGROUND AREA OF ANY COAL MINE IS SUBJECT TO A SEARCH OF HIS PERSON AND PROPERTY BY OFFICIALS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MINES, MINERALS AND ENERGY FOR SUCH PROHIBITED SMOKER MATERIALS AT ANY TIME WHILE UNDERGROUND.

B. Beginning October 1, 2021, every new sign displayed in accordance with this section shall refer to the Department of Energy rather than to the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy.

1993, c. 389, § 45.1-98.2; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.179; 1995, c. 569; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 387, 532.