2006 Code of Virginia § 46.2-1302 - Regulation of operation of vehicles in snow, sleet, etc.; designation of play areas; penaltie...

46.2-1302. Regulation of operation of vehicles in snow, sleet, etc.;designation of play areas; penalties.

The governing body of any county, city, or town may by ordinance regulate theoperation of vehicles on the highways in such county, city, or town in theevent of snow, sleet, hail, freezing rain, ice, water, flood, high wind,storm or the threat thereof. In addition to the general powers granted bythis section, and any other provisions of this title notwithstanding, anysuch ordinance may:

1. Prohibit vehicles from parking or operating on designated highways;

2. Authorize the designation and posting of highways as snow routes andprohibit any person to obstruct or impede traffic on a highway designated andposted as a snow route through his failure to have the vehicle operated byhim equipped with snow tires or chains;

3. Prohibit the abandoning of vehicles on designated highways;

4. Authorize the removal of vehicles that are stalled, stuck, parked, orabandoned on designated highways;

5. Authorize the storing of removed vehicles and the imposition of reasonablecharges for removal and storage;

6. Authorize the designation of certain highways, or portions thereof, asplay areas for sledding and similar recreational activities. No city or townshall be liable in any civil action or proceeding for damages resulting fromany injury to the person or property of any person caused by an act oromission constituting simple or ordinary negligence on the part of anyofficer or agent of any such city or town in the designation or operation ofany such play area. Every such city or town may be liable in damages for thegross or wanton negligence of any of its officers or agents in the operationof any such play area;

7. Authorize and regulate the operation of snowmobiles on or across streetsand highways during periods of snow or ice or at the direction of anylaw-enforcement officer during an emergency;

8. Set fines for violations. Such fines may be in place of or in addition tothe removal and storage of the vehicle and charges therefor, but no such fineshall exceed fifty dollars for each such offense.

(1962, c. 431, 46.1-180.2; 1980, c. 37; 1989, c. 727; 1997, c. 47.)