Virginia law mandates the suspension of vehicle registration if certain safety equipment is missing or defective, such as brakes, lights, or mirrors. Law enforcement officers can seize registration documents and license plates when defects are observed, holding them for 15 days unless repairs are made. Owners can have their registration reinstated once defects are corrected or a new safety inspection sticker is obtained.
Missing or defective brakes, lights, horn, turn signals, safety glass, mirrors, muffler, windshield wipers, steering gear, or the presence of smoke screens or cutouts can lead to suspension.
The officer will seize your registration card, license plates, and decals, holding them for 15 days unless you correct the defect or get a new safety inspection sticker.
Yes, once you correct the defects or obtain a new safety inspection sticker, the registration documents and plates will be returned to you.
Yes, providing proof of compliance or correction of defects before the court date can lead to dismissal of any summons issued for violations of this law.