Virginia Code § 18.2-179 prohibits the unlawful operation or tampering with coin-operated machines such as telephones, parking meters, and vending machines. It makes it illegal to use false or counterfeit coins or to obtain services without proper payment. Violators can be charged with a Class 3 misdemeanor.
The law covers coin box telephones, parking meters, vending machines, and similar devices that operate on the coin-in-the-slot principle.
Operating, causing to be operated, or attempting to operate these machines with false, counterfeit, or foreign coins, or obtaining services without proper payment, are illegal.
Violators can be charged with a Class 3 misdemeanor, which may include fines or other penalties as determined by the court.
Yes, using foreign, mutilated, or counterfeit coins to operate these machines without authorization is considered unlawful under this law.