Virginia legal term
Motor vehicle in Virginia Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session
In Virginia criminal law, “Motor vehicle” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Virginia criminal code.
What does “Motor vehicle” mean in Virginia criminal law?
"Motor vehicle" means every vehicle as defined in this section that is self-propelled or designed for self-propulsion except as otherwise provided in this title. (Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-100)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Breaking, injuring, defacing, destroying, or preventing the operation of vehicle, aircraft, boat, or vessel
- Carrying concealed weapons
- Driving after forfeiture of license
- Penalty for violation of §§ 46.2-895 through 46.2-897
- Possession of firearm, stun weapon, or other weapon on school property prohibited
- Administrative impoundment of motor vehicle for certain driving while license suspended or revoked offenses
- Defrauding keeper of motor vehicles or watercraft
- Drinking while operating a motor vehicle
- Driving while license, permit, or privilege to drive suspended or revoked
- Employment of lights under certain circumstances
- Firearm in unattended motor vehicle
- Ignition interlock system and remote alcohol monitoring device
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.