Before You Get Behind the Wheel

It's your responsibility to ensure that the vehicle you are driving is:

Properly registered. If the vehicle is registered in Virginia, plates must be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle. Decals indicating the month and year that the registration expires must be placed in the designated areas on the plates (except for vehicles displaying permanent plates). You must have the vehicle registration card with you when operating the vehicle. You must also register your vehicle in your locality if required. Before You Get Behind the Wheel

Insured by a company authorized to do business in Virginia. If the vehicle is not insured, verify that the owner has paid the Uninsured Motor Vehicle Fee (UMVF). Vehicles registered in Virginia must remain insured during the entire registration period even if the vehicle is not driven or is inoperable.

If the vehicle is not insured and you have not paid the UMVF, you must cancel the registration and return the license plates to DMV immediately. Failure to cancel the registration will result in suspension of your driver’s license.

If you purchase plates for a vehicle that is inoperable, you must have liability insurance at the time you purchase the plates or pay the UMVF. You must maintain insurance on the vehicle during the entire registration period even though it remains inoperable.

In good working order. The vehicle must have a valid safety inspection sticker, license plates, and working brakes, safety belts, horn, lights, turn signals, mirrors and speedometer.

If your vehicle has tinted windows check with the Virginia State Police to make sure it is in compliance with Virginia’s sunshading specifications. DMV is authorized to issue waivers to individuals with medical conditions that require protection from sunlight or bright artificial light.

8 o'clock, 4 o'clock

Sit straight but relaxed. Place your hands on the steering wheel at the 8 o’clock and 4 o’clock positions. Hold the wheel with your fingers and thumbs. Avoid gripping it with your palms.

Virginia Insurance Laws

If you drive in Virginia without liability coverage on your vehicle, you face a $500 fine, suspension of your driver’s license and vehicle registration, plus higher insurance premiums for the next three years.

During the entire registration period, your vehicle must be covered by a liability policy issued by a company licensed to do business in Virginia - even if the vehicle is inoperable or not being used. Insurance companies notify DMV electronically when coverage is started or canceled.

If insurance is not an option, you must pay the $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee. It allows you to register your vehicle but does not provide insurance coverage. If your vehicle becomes uninsured and you do not reinsure it or pay DMV the $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee, you must cancel the registration and return the valid license plates to DMV immediately.

Previous Page of Manual
Next Page of Manual