Bill > HB2256

This bill modifies Virginia Code § 46.2-373 by increasing the property damage threshold that triggers a mandatory accident reporting requirement for law enforcement officers from $1,500 to $3,000. Currently, when a motor vehicle accident results in property damage of $1,500 or more, law enforcement must submit a written report to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 24 hours of completing the investigation. The bill raises this damage threshold to $3,000, which means fewer minor accidents will require official reporting. The report must include details such as the names of insurance carriers for vehicles involved, and for certain types of accidents, additional information like vehicle speeds and vehicle types must be included. The DMV will continue to share these reports with the Commissioner of Highways, who can use the data to assess and potentially modify speed limits in areas with high accident frequencies or severity. This change could reduce administrative burden on law enforcement while maintaining important accident tracking mechanisms.