No motor vehicle manufacturer, distributor, or dealer, unless licensed under this chapter, shall be entitled to receive or maintain any dealer’s license plates. It shall be unlawful to use or permit the use of any dealer’s license plates for which there is no automobile liability insurance coverage or a certificate of self-insurance as defined in § 46.2-368 on any motor vehicle. No dealer’s license plates shall be issued unless the dealer certifies to the Department that there is automobile liability insurance coverage or a certificate of self-insurance with respect to each dealer’s license plate to be issued. Such automobile liability insurance or a certificate of self-insurance shall be maintained as to each dealer’s license plate for so long as the registration for the dealer’s license plate remains valid without regard to whether the plate is actually being used on a vehicle. If insurance or a certificate of self-insurance is not so maintained, the dealer’s license plate shall be surrendered to the Department. The Commissioner shall revoke any dealer’s license plate as to which there is no insurance or a certificate of self-insurance. The Commissioner may also revoke any dealer’s license plate that has been used in any way not authorized by the provisions of this title.

Terms Used In Virginia Code 46.2-1547

  • Distributor: means a person who is licensed by the Department under this chapter and who sells or distributes new motor vehicles or new trailers pursuant to a written agreement with the manufacturer to franchised motor vehicle dealers in the Commonwealth. See Virginia Code 46.2-1500
  • Manufacturer: means a person who is licensed by the Department under this chapter and engaged in the business of constructing or assembling new motor vehicles or new trailers and, in the case of trucks, recreational vehicles, and motor homes, also means a person engaged in the business of manufacturing engines, transmissions, power trains, or rear axles, when such engines, transmissions, power trains, or rear axles are not warranted by the final manufacturer or assembler of the truck, recreational vehicle, or motor home. See Virginia Code 46.2-1500
  • Vehicle: means every device in, on or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn on a highway, except personal delivery devices and devices moved by human power or used exclusively on stationary rails or tracks. See Virginia Code 46.2-100

The requirements relating to insurance in this article shall not apply to trailers or watercraft trailers.

1988, c. 865, § 46.1-550.5:5; 1989, c. 727; 1990, c. 954; 1995, cc. 767, 816; 2015, c. 615.