2006 Code of Virginia § 46.2-1550 - Use of dealer\'s license plates, generally

46.2-1550. Use of dealer's license plates, generally.

A. Dealer's license plates may be used on vehicles in the inventory oflicensed motor vehicle manufacturers, distributors, and dealers in theCommonwealth when operated on the highways of Virginia by dealers ordealer-operators, their spouses, or employees of manufacturers, distributors,and dealers as permitted in this article. Except as otherwise explicitlypermitted in this article, it shall be unlawful for any dealer to cause orpermit: (i) use of dealer's license plates on vehicles other than those heldin inventory for sale or resale; (ii) dealer's license plates to be lent,leased, rented, or placed at the disposal of any persons other than thosepermitted by this article to use dealer's license plates; and (iii) use ofdealer's license plates on any vehicle of a type for which their use is notauthorized by this article. It shall be unlawful for any dealer to cause orpermit dealer's license plates to be used on:

1. Motor vehicles such as tow trucks, wrecking cranes, or other service motorvehicles;

2. Vehicles used to deliver or transport (i) other vehicles; (ii) portions ofvehicles; (iii) vehicle components, parts, or accessories; or (iv) fuel;

3. Courtesy vehicles; or

4. Vehicles used in conjunction with any other business.

B. A dealer may permit his license plates to be used in the operation of amotor vehicle:

1. By any person whom the dealer reasonably believes to be a bona fideprospective purchaser who is either accompanied by a licensed salesperson orhas the written permission of the dealer;

2. When the plates are being used by a customer on a vehicle owned by thedealer in whose repair shop the customer's vehicle is being repaired; or

3. By a person authorized by the dealer on a vehicle that is being driven toor from (i) a point of sale, (ii) an auction, (iii) a repair facility for thepurpose of mechanical repairs, painting, or installation of parts oraccessories, or (iv) a dealer exchange.

The dealer shall issue to the prospective purchaser, customer whose vehicleis being repaired, or other person authorized under subdivision 3 of thissubsection, a certificate on forms provided by the Department, a copy ofwhich shall be retained by the dealer and open at all times to the inspectionof the Commissioner or any of the officers or agents of the Department. Thecertificate shall be in the immediate possession of the person operating orauthorized to operate the vehicle. The certificate shall entitle a person tooperate with dealer's license plates under (i) subdivision 1 or 2 of thissubsection for a specific period of no more than five days or (ii)subdivision 3 of this subsection for no more than twenty-four hours. No morethan two certificates may be issued by a dealer to the same person undersubdivision 1 or 2 of this subsection for successive periods.

(1988, c. 865, 46.1-550.5:8; 1989, c. 727; 1991, c. 712; 1993, c. 504;1995, cc. 767, 816; 1998, c. 827.)