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Bill > SB12


VA SB12

VA SB12
Issuing citations; certain traffic offenses and odor of marijuana, exclusion of evidence.


summary

Introduced
11/17/2025
In Committee
11/17/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Regular Session

Bill Summary

Issuing citations; certain traffic offenses and odor of marijuana; exclusion of evidence. Removes provisions prohibiting a law-enforcement officer from stopping a motor vehicle for operating (i) with an expired registration sticker prior to the first day of the fourth month after the original expiration date; (ii) with defective and unsafe equipment; (iii) without tail lights, brake lights, or a supplemental high mount stop light; (iv) without lighted headlights displayed when so required; (v) with certain tinting films, signs, posters, stickers, or decals; (vi) with objects or other equipment suspended so as to obstruct the driver's view; or (vii) with an expired inspection prior to the first day of the fourth month after the original expiration date, as well as the accompanying exclusionary provisions. The bill also authorizes a law-enforcement officer to lawfully stop, search, or seize a person, place, or thing or a search warrant to be issued based solely on the odor of marijuana if such odor creates a reasonable suspicion of a violation of the law prohibiting driving while intoxicated.

AI Summary

This bill removes restrictions that previously prevented law enforcement officers from stopping vehicles for certain minor equipment violations, such as expired registration stickers within four months of expiration, defective equipment, missing tail lights or headlights, certain window tinting, obstructed views, or expired inspection stickers within four months of expiration. It also eliminates the rule that evidence found from such stops would be inadmissible in court. Additionally, the bill modifies the law regarding the odor of marijuana, allowing law enforcement officers to stop, search, or seize individuals or property, or to obtain a search warrant, if the odor of marijuana creates a reasonable suspicion that someone is driving while intoxicated, which is a violation of the law.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (9-Y 5-N) (on 01/26/2026)

bill text


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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB12
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB12/text/SB12SC1
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB12) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1096349.PDF
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (12/5/2025 4:04 pm) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1081799.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB12/text/SB12
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