Bill > SB53

This bill amends Virginia state law regarding vehicle headlight requirements by clarifying the legal implications of a traffic stop for driving without headlights. Specifically, the bill modifies Section 46.2-1030 to explicitly state that if a law enforcement officer stops a vehicle for having no lighted headlights during mandated time periods (such as from sunset to sunrise or during low visibility conditions), any evidence obtained during that stop may be used in legal proceedings, provided that the evidence itself is otherwise legally admissible. This changes previous language that prohibited the use of such evidence. The bill maintains existing provisions that restrict law enforcement from stopping a vehicle solely for not having headlights on, but allows such a stop if it occurs in conjunction with another potential traffic or criminal violation. The amendment provides legal clarity about the admissibility of evidence in cases where a vehicle is stopped for non-illuminated headlights, ensuring that relevant evidence is not automatically excluded from legal proceedings simply because the initial stop was specifically for headlight non-compliance.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB53