Low-Speed Vehicle Access to Roadways

Low-speed vehicles may not operate on roads with posted speed limits of more than 35 miles per hour or on roads where the Virginia Department of Transportation or the local governing body has prohibited their use. A low-speed vehicle is defined as a four-wheeled electrically-powered vehicle capable of achieving a maximum speed of at least 20 miles per hour but not greater than 25 miles per hour. The vehicle must comply with safety standards specified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500. Beginning October 1, 2013, low-speed vehicles titled and registered with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) must display designated DMV license plates. (Reference Senate Bill 1038, 2013, and Virginia Code 46.2-100, 46.2-908.2, and 46.2-908.3)