{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-json\/46.2-2139.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-text\/46.2-2139.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-xml\/46.2-2139.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-html\/46.2-2139.html"}],"law_id":365385,"edition_id":2,"section_id":365385,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2139","catch_line":"Surrender of license plate and registration card; removal by law enforcement; operation of vehicle denied","history":"2001, c. 596; 2015, c. 258; 2017, cc. 790, 815.","full_text":"A\n\nIt shall be unlawful for a permittee or certificate holder whose permit or certificate has expired or been revoked or suspended or whose renewal thereof has been denied pursuant to this chapter to fail or refuse to surrender, on demand, to the Department license plates and registration cards issued under this title.\n\nB\n\nIt shall be unlawful for a vehicle owner who is not the holder of a valid permit or certificate or whose vehicle is not validly leased to a motor carrier holding an active permit or certificate to fail or refuse to surrender to the Department on demand license plates and registration cards issued under this title.\n\nC\n\nIf any law-enforcement officer finds that a vehicle bearing Virginia license plates or temporary transport plates is in violation of subsection A or B, such law-enforcement officer may remove the license plate or plates and registration card. If a law-enforcement officer removes a license plate or registration card, he shall forward such license plate and registration card to the Department.\n\nD\n\nWhen informed that a motor carrier vehicle is being operated in violation of this section, the driver shall drive the vehicle to a nearby location off the public highways and not remove it or allow it to be moved until the motor carrier is in compliance with all provisions of this chapter.\n\n","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":1361397,"text":"It shall be unlawful for a permittee or certificate holder whose permit or certificate has expired or been revoked or suspended or whose renewal thereof has been denied pursuant to this chapter to fail or refuse to surrender, on demand, to the Department license plates and registration cards issued under this title.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":1361398,"text":"It shall be unlawful for a vehicle owner who is not the holder of a valid permit or certificate or whose vehicle is not validly leased to a motor carrier holding an active permit or certificate to fail or refuse to surrender to the Department on demand license plates and registration cards issued under this title.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":1361399,"text":"If any law-enforcement officer finds that a vehicle bearing Virginia license plates or temporary transport plates is in violation of subsection A or B, such law-enforcement officer may remove the license plate or plates and registration card. If a law-enforcement officer removes a license plate or registration card, he shall forward such license plate and registration card to the Department.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":1361400,"text":"When informed that a motor carrier vehicle is being operated in violation of this section, the driver shall drive the vehicle to a nearby location off the public highways and not remove it or allow it to be moved until the motor carrier is in compliance with all provisions of this chapter.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C"}},"ancestry":[{"id":52131,"edition_id":2,"name":"Motor Carriers of Property -- Generally","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":52130,"metadata":{"child_laws":40,"child_structures":0},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:53:57","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:34:24","permalink":{"id":1459519,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":52131,"identifier":"1","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1","url":"\/46.2\/V\/21\/1\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":52130,"edition_id":2,"name":"Regulation of Property Carriers","identifier":"21","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":2,"parent_id":52113,"metadata":{"child_laws":76,"child_structures":5},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:53:57","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:34:24","permalink":{"id":1459517,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":52130,"identifier":"21","token":"46.2\/V\/21","url":"\/46.2\/V\/21\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":52113,"edition_id":2,"name":"Motor Carriers","identifier":"V","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":5,"parent_id":52048,"metadata":{"child_laws":224,"child_structures":31},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:53:41","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:34:22","permalink":{"id":1458967,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":52113,"identifier":"V","token":"46.2\/V","url":"\/46.2\/V\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":52048,"edition_id":2,"name":"Motor Vehicles","identifier":"46.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":101,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{"child_laws":1830,"child_structures":157},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:52:29","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:34:02","permalink":{"id":1452291,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":52048,"identifier":"46.2","token":"46.2","url":"\/46.2\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":365342,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2100","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/46.2-2100\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2100","metadata":false},{"id":365343,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2101","catch_line":"Exemptions from chapter","url":"\/46.2-2101\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2101","metadata":false},{"id":365344,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2102","catch_line":"Compliance with chapter required","url":"\/46.2-2102\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2102","metadata":false},{"id":365345,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2103","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/46.2-2103\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2103","metadata":false},{"id":365346,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2108.1","catch_line":"Disposition of funds collected","url":"\/46.2-2108.1\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2108.1","metadata":false},{"id":365347,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2108.2","catch_line":"Necessity of a permit or certificate","url":"\/46.2-2108.2\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2108.2","metadata":false},{"id":365348,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2108.3","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/46.2-2108.3\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2108.3","metadata":false},{"id":365349,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2108.4","catch_line":"Application; notice requirements","url":"\/46.2-2108.4\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2108.4","metadata":false},{"id":365350,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2108.5","catch_line":"Registered for fuels tax; business, professional, and occupational license taxes","url":"\/46.2-2108.5\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2108.5","metadata":false},{"id":365351,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2108.6","catch_line":"Considerations for determination of issuance of permit, or certificate","url":"\/46.2-2108.6\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2108.6","metadata":false},{"id":365352,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2109","catch_line":"Action on applications; hearings on denials and protests","url":"\/46.2-2109\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2109","metadata":false},{"id":365354,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2110","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/46.2-2110\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2110","metadata":false},{"id":365355,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2114.1","catch_line":"Expired","url":"\/46.2-2114.1\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2114.1","metadata":false},{"id":365356,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2115","catch_line":"Determination for issuance of permit or certificate","url":"\/46.2-2115\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2115","metadata":false},{"id":365357,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2116","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/46.2-2116\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2116","metadata":false},{"id":365358,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2117","catch_line":"Temporary emergency operation","url":"\/46.2-2117\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2117","metadata":false},{"id":365359,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2118","catch_line":"Issuance, expiration, and renewal of permit and certificate","url":"\/46.2-2118\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2118","metadata":false},{"id":365360,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2119","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/46.2-2119\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2119","metadata":false},{"id":365364,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2120","catch_line":"Filing and application fees","url":"\/46.2-2120\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2120","metadata":false},{"id":365366,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2121","catch_line":"Vehicle fees","url":"\/46.2-2121\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2121","metadata":false},{"id":365365,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2121.1","catch_line":"Declaration of for-hire operation; presumption of nonbusiness use","url":"\/46.2-2121.1\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2121.1","metadata":false},{"id":365367,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2122","catch_line":"Bond and letter of credit requirements of applicants for certificate","url":"\/46.2-2122\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2122","metadata":false},{"id":365368,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2123","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/46.2-2123\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2123","metadata":false},{"id":365369,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2124","catch_line":"Notice of discontinuance of service","url":"\/46.2-2124\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2124","metadata":false},{"id":365370,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2125","catch_line":"Reports, records, etc","url":"\/46.2-2125\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2125","metadata":false},{"id":365371,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2126","catch_line":"Certificate or permit holder not relieved of liability for negligence","url":"\/46.2-2126\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2126","metadata":false},{"id":365372,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2127","catch_line":"Freight bill violation","url":"\/46.2-2127\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2127","metadata":false},{"id":365373,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2128","catch_line":"Vehicle seizure; penalty","url":"\/46.2-2128\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2128","metadata":false},{"id":365374,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2129","catch_line":"Unlawful use of registration and identification markers","url":"\/46.2-2129\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2129","metadata":false},{"id":365376,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2130","catch_line":"Registration violations; penalties","url":"\/46.2-2130\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2130","metadata":false},{"id":365377,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2131","catch_line":"Violation; criminal penalties","url":"\/46.2-2131\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2131","metadata":false},{"id":365378,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2132","catch_line":"Violations; civil penalties","url":"\/46.2-2132\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2132","metadata":false},{"id":365379,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2133","catch_line":"Grounds for denying, suspending, or revoking certificates","url":"\/46.2-2133\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2133","metadata":false},{"id":365380,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2134","catch_line":"Grounds for denying, suspending, or revoking permits","url":"\/46.2-2134\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2134","metadata":false},{"id":365381,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2135","catch_line":"Altering or amending permits or certificates","url":"\/46.2-2135\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2135","metadata":false},{"id":365382,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2136","catch_line":"Suspension, revocation, and refusal to renew permit or certificate; notice and hearing","url":"\/46.2-2136\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2136","metadata":false},{"id":365383,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2137","catch_line":"Basis for reinstatement of suspended permits or certificates; reinstatement fees","url":"\/46.2-2137\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2137","metadata":false},{"id":365384,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2138","catch_line":"Basis for reissuance after revocation of permits or certificates; fees","url":"\/46.2-2138\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2138","metadata":false},{"id":365385,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2139","catch_line":"Surrender of license plate and registration card; removal by law enforcement; operation of vehicle denied","url":"\/46.2-2139\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2139","metadata":false},{"id":365391,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2140","catch_line":"Title to plates","url":"\/46.2-2140\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2140","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":365384,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2138","catch_line":"Basis for reissuance after revocation of permits or certificates; fees","url":"\/46.2-2138\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2138","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":365391,"structure_id":52131,"section_number":"46.2-2140","catch_line":"Title to plates","url":"\/46.2-2140\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2140","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-2139\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 2001. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?011+ful+CHAP0596\">596<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 2 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 2015, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?151+ful+CHAP0258\">258<\/a>; in 2017, chapters <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?171+ful+CHAP0790\">790<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?171+ful+CHAP0815\">815<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":1459673,"object_type":"law","relational_id":365385,"identifier":"46.2-2139","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2139","url":"\/46.2-2139\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-2139\/","token":"46.2\/V\/21\/1\/46.2-2139","dublin_core":{"Title":"Surrender of license plate and registration card; removal by law enforcement; operation of vehicle denied","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-2139","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">A.<\/span> It shall be unlawful for a permittee or certificate holder whose <span class=\"dictionary\">permit<\/span> or certificate has expired or been revoked or suspended or whose renewal thereof has been denied pursuant to this chapter to fail or refuse to surrender, on demand, to the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">license plates<\/span> and registration cards issued under this title. <a id=\"paragraph-1361397\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/46.2-2139\/#A\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">B.<\/span> It shall be unlawful for a <span class=\"dictionary\">vehicle<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">owner<\/span> who is not the holder of a valid <span class=\"dictionary\">permit<\/span> or certificate or whose <span class=\"dictionary\">vehicle<\/span> is not validly leased to a <span class=\"dictionary\">motor carrier<\/span> holding an active <span class=\"dictionary\">permit<\/span> or certificate to fail or refuse to surrender to the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> on demand <span class=\"dictionary\">license plates<\/span> and registration cards issued under this title. <a id=\"paragraph-1361398\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/46.2-2139\/#B\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"C\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">C.<\/span> If any <span class=\"dictionary\"><span class=\"dictionary\">law<\/span>-enforcement officer<\/span> finds that a <span class=\"dictionary\">vehicle<\/span> bearing Virginia <span class=\"dictionary\">license plates<\/span> or temporary transport plates is in violation of subsection A or B, such <span class=\"dictionary\"><span class=\"dictionary\">law<\/span>-enforcement officer<\/span> may remove the <span class=\"dictionary\">license plate<\/span> or plates and registration card. If a <span class=\"dictionary\"><span class=\"dictionary\">law<\/span>-enforcement officer<\/span> removes a <span class=\"dictionary\">license plate<\/span> or registration card, he shall forward such <span class=\"dictionary\">license plate<\/span> and registration card to the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span>. <a id=\"paragraph-1361399\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/46.2-2139\/#C\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"D\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">D.<\/span> When informed that a <span class=\"dictionary\">motor carrier<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">vehicle<\/span> is being operated in violation of this section, the <span class=\"dictionary\">driver<\/span> shall drive the <span class=\"dictionary\">vehicle<\/span> to a nearby location off the public <span class=\"dictionary\">highways<\/span> and not remove it or allow it to be moved until the <span class=\"dictionary\">motor carrier<\/span> is in compliance with all provisions of this chapter. <a id=\"paragraph-1361400\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/46.2-2139\/#D\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nSURRENDER OF LICENSE PLATE AND REGISTRATION CARD; REMOVAL BY LAW ENFORCEMENT;\nOPERATION OF VEHICLE DENIED (\u00a7 46.2-2139)\n\nA. It shall be unlawful for a permittee or certificate holder whose permit or\ncertificate has expired or been revoked or suspended or whose renewal thereof\nhas been denied pursuant to this chapter to fail or refuse to surrender, on\ndemand, to the Department license plates and registration cards issued under\nthis title.\n\nB. It shall be unlawful for a vehicle owner who is not the holder of a valid\npermit or certificate or whose vehicle is not validly leased to a motor carrier\nholding an active permit or certificate to fail or refuse to surrender to the\nDepartment on demand license plates and registration cards issued under this\ntitle.\n\nC. If any law-enforcement officer finds that a vehicle bearing Virginia license\nplates or temporary transport plates is in violation of subsection A or B, such\nlaw-enforcement officer may remove the license plate or plates and registration\ncard. If a law-enforcement officer removes a license plate or registration card,\nhe shall forward such license plate and registration card to the Department.\n\nD. When informed that a motor carrier vehicle is being operated in violation of\nthis section, the driver shall drive the vehicle to a nearby location off the\npublic highways and not remove it or allow it to be moved until the motor\ncarrier is in compliance with all provisions of this chapter.\n\nHISTORY: 2001, c. 596; 2015, c. 258; 2017, cc. 790, 815.","edition":{"id":2,"name":"2026","slug":"2026","date_created":"2026-07-16 18:40:23","date_modified":"2026-08-02 15:14:36","current":1,"order_by":2,"last_import":"2026-08-02 12:37:30"}}