Virginia HB 219: Kei vehicles; operation and requirements.

Bill Text

2027 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26102963D

HOUSE BILL NO. 219

Offered January 14, 2026

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 15.2-2028, 46.2-100, 46.2-600, 46.2-752, and 46.2-754 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 46.2-730.2, by adding in Article 1 of Chapter 8 of Title 46.2 a section numbered 46.2-818.3, by adding in Chapter 13 of Title 46.2 a section numbered 46.2-1316, and by adding in Article 1 of Chapter 15 of Title 46.2 a section numbered 46.2-1507.1, relating to kei vehicles; operation and requirements.

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Patron—Feggans

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Referred to Committee on Transportation

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That §§ 15.2-2028, 46.2-100, 46.2-600, 46.2-752, and 46.2-754 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted and that the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 46.2-730.2, by adding in Article 1 of Chapter 8 of Title 46.2 a section numbered 46.2-818.3, by adding in Chapter 13 of Title 46.2 a section numbered 46.2-1316, and by adding in Article 1 of Chapter 15 of Title 46.2 a section numbered 46.2-1507.1 as follows:

§ 15.2-2028. Regulation of traffic.

Every locality may regulate and control the operation of motor and other vehicles and the movement of vehicular and pedestrian travel and traffic on streets, highways, roads, alleys, bridges, viaducts, subways, underpasses, and other public rights-of-way and places, provided such regulations shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of Chapter 13 (§ 46.2-1300 et seq.) of Title 46.2. However, no locality shall regulate or control the operation of kei vehicles, as defined in § 46.2-100, in a manner different from any other motor vehicle solely based on its classification as a kei vehicle.

§ 46.2-100. Definitions.

As used in this title, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"All-terrain vehicle" means a motor vehicle having three or more wheels that is powered by a motor and is manufactured for off-highway use. "All-terrain vehicle" does not include four-wheeled vehicles commonly known as "go-carts" that have low centers of gravity and are typically used in racing on relatively level surfaces, nor does the term include any riding lawn mower.

"Antique motor vehicle" means every motor vehicle, as defined in this section, which was actually manufactured or designated by the manufacturer as a model manufactured in a calendar year not less than 25 years prior to January 1 of each calendar year and is owned solely as a collector's item.

"Antique trailer" means every trailer or semitrailer, as defined in this section, that was actually manufactured or designated by the manufacturer as a model manufactured in a calendar year not less than 25 years prior to January 1 of each calendar year and is owned solely as a collector's item.

"Autocycle" means a three-wheeled motor vehicle that has a steering wheel and seating that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride and is manufactured to comply with federal safety requirements for motorcycles. Except as otherwise provided, an autocycle shall not be deemed to be a motorcycle.

"Automobile transporter" means any tractor truck, lowboy, vehicle, or combination, including vehicles or combinations that transport motor vehicles on their power unit, designed and used exclusively for the transportation of motor vehicles or used to transport cargo or general freight on a backhaul pursuant to the provisions of 49 U.S.C. § 31111(a)(1).

"Bicycle" means a device propelled solely by human power, upon which a person may ride either on or astride a regular seat attached thereto, having two or more wheels in tandem, including children's bicycles, except a toy vehicle intended for use by young children. For purposes of Chapter 8 (§ 46.2-800 et seq.), a bicycle shall be a vehicle while operated on the highway.

"Bicycle lane" means that portion of a roadway designated by signs and/or pavement markings for the preferential use of bicycles, electric power-assisted bicycles, motorized skateboards or scooters, and mopeds.

"Business district" means the territory contiguous to a highway where 75 percent or more of the property contiguous to a highway, on either side of the highway, for a distance of 300 feet or more along the highway, is occupied by land and buildings actually in use for business purposes.

"Camping trailer" means every vehicle that has collapsible sides and contains sleeping quarters but may or may not contain bathing and cooking facilities and is designed to be drawn by a motor vehicle.

"Cancel" or "cancellation" means that the document or privilege cancelled has been annulled or terminated because of some error, defect, or ineligibility, but the cancellation is without prejudice and reapplication may be made at any time after cancellation.

"Chauffeur" means every person employed for the principal purpose of driving a motor vehicle and every person who drives a motor vehicle while in use as a