Bill Text: VA HB2143 | 2025 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Animal-drawn vehicles; equipment requirements.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Introduced) 2025-02-04 - Left in Transportation [HB2143 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2025-HB2143-Introduced.html
2025 SESSION
INTRODUCED
25103270D
HOUSE BILL NO. 2143
Offered January 8, 2025
Prefiled January 7, 2025
A BILL to amend and reenact § 46.2-1016 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 10 of Chapter 10 of Title 46.2 a section numbered 46.2-1088.7, relating to animal-drawn vehicles; equipment requirements.
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Patron—Zehr
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Committee Referral Pending
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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That § 46.2-1016 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted and that the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 10 of Chapter 10 of Title 46.2 a section numbered 46.2-1088.7 as follows:
§ 46.2-1016. Lights on other vehicles; reflectors.
All vehicles, including animal-drawn vehicles, or other mobile equipment not otherwise in this article required to be equipped with specified lights shall carry at least one or more white lights to the front and a red light to the rear visible in clear weather from a distance of not less than 500 feet to the front and rear of such vehicles. Such lights may be battery-operated.
In lieu of or in addition to the lights, a reflector of a type, size, and color approved by the Superintendent may be permanently affixed to the rear and front of any vehicle described in this section.
Animal-drawn vehicles shall be equipped with such lights and reflectors as required by the provisions of § 46.2-1088.7
§ 46.2-1088.7. Animal-drawn vehicle equipment.
All animal-drawn vehicles operated on highways in the Commonwealth shall be equipped with the following equipment:
1. A braking system in safe operating condition, including a parking brake system adequate to hold the vehicle on a surface free from ice and snow on a 20 percent grade and a breakaway system adequate to stop and hold the vehicle upon breakaway from the animal;
2. Tires and wheels in good condition suitable for the size of the vehicle. Such tires and wheels shall not be out of alignment to such a degree that control of the vehicle is affected;
3. At least one headlamp in safe operating condition located on each side of the vehicle centerline with an automatic or manual dimmer switch. Such headlamps shall be operated between sunset and sunrise or during periods of reduced visibility, and no auxiliary equipment shall be placed so as to obstruct the light beam of the headlamps;
4. A red reflector or reflective tape with a minimum of three square inches of surface on the rear of each side of the vehicle and an amber reflector or reflective tape with a minimum of three square inches of surface on the front of each side of the vehicle;
5. Two amber hazard warning lamps on the front of the vehicle and two red hazard warning lamps on the rear of the vehicle;
6. A rearview mirror in safe operating condition that provides the driver with an unobstructed view of the highway to the rear of the vehicle for a distance of not less than 200 feet; and
7. A horn or warning device audible under normal conditions at a distance of not less than 200 feet.
