Virginia Decodedhttps://vacode.org6608246.2-678Forklift trucks2025Motor VehiclesTitling, Registration and LicensureTitling and Registration of Motor VehiclesExemptions from Registration

A. No person shall be required to obtain the registration certificate, license plates, or decals for or pay a registration fee for any forklift truck provided it is:

1. Operated by a person holding a valid Virginia driver’s license;

2. Operated along or across highways only in traveling from one plant, factory, or job site to another by the most direct route;

3. Not carrying or transporting any object or person, other than the driver;

4. Displaying a slow-moving vehicle emblem in conformity with § 46.2-1081;

5. In compliance with requirements of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration;

6. Not operated on or along any limited access highway; and

7. Not operated for a distance of more than ten miles.

B. For the purposes of this section, “forklift truck” means a self-propelled machine used for hoisting and transporting heavy objects by means of steel fingers inserted under the load.

1973, c. 194, § 46.1-45.2; 1980, c. 37; 1986, c. 220; 1987, cc. 151, 342, 388; 1989, c. 727; 2016, c. 142.