MC Laws and Inspections in Virgina - General info request

There is a small chance an opportunity may happen where we'd be moving to Virgina about 20 miles from DC this summer/fall...

Apparently VA and D.C. require helmets - Not an issue for us personally

Apparently both require annual inspections - Some general info or links to inspection requirements would be nice

Depending on where in VA, how is the riding overall?

I've only been the D.C. once and our exposure to the non-tourist areas were limited...

Obviously we have to find out alot more about the opportunities for both of us, but I'll limit my questions to MC stuff for now

 

The innanet is a wunderful thing... http://www.dmv.virginia.gov/

 

Re: MC Laws and Inspections in Virgina - General info reques

Welcome to VA (maybe). The link above will give you some general info, including emissions standards. The specifics are a bit harder to come by. Your best bet is to find a locally owned shop and talk to the folks there. (For example, one inspector will pass the windscreen on my Ninja, another will not.)

Bare bones requirements are a horn, tail/brake light, license plate light, headlight with high beam, brakes that are not worn past the wear indicators, and a rear-view mirror. Turn signals are not required, but if you have them, they must work and be on the State Police approved list. If you do not have turn signals, you have to demonstrate a knowledge of hand signals.
There are probably a couple of more things, (gas tank vent hose?), but those are the ones I think of off the top of my head.

It's not uncommon in my part of the state for people that have done custom work on their bikes, to remove offending lights or equipment before inspection and put them back on later.

Hope this helps.

 

I have Historic plates on my '81 Seca. There are some driving 'restrictions' (and I use that loosely) but they do not require inspections if you're registered that way. VA may have the same policy but I'm not sure. Just something to look into.

 

Re: MC Laws and Inspections in Virgina - General info reques

In Va turn signals on a motorcycle are not required by law however if they are on the bike they must work. Riding two abreast is reckless driving in Va on of like 5 or less states it is. When riding in a group you MUST ride staggered. State cops love easy tickets like that. You can be two abreast at a traffic signal to communicate.

If your bike is in good condition the brakes, tires, lights and horn work it should pass the safety inspection. They do have this lame personal property tax in Va where the locality taxes you ever year for owning a car, truck or whatever. In my county I also get taxed on having a plate which is required by state law nice huh? You can register your bike for two years at a time but annual safety inspections are required. State police check it is a good source of revenue for them and the state.

In NoVa (Northern Va) there is emissions testing, however in central Va where I am in Richmond there is no emissions testing. Less population I guess so the state feel it isn't warranted?

Oh if you have custom lighting blue lights are right out you will be written a ticket for improper lighting on a motor vehicle and issued a summons. They could charge you with impersonating a police officer -the cops have blue lights in Va... That goes for neon lights under the bike as well...

Hope this helps and you may want to google about local laws where you are moving to. Va is a commonwealth so localities have a lot of stupid laws you need to know as well...

 

I have no idea what a "commonwealth" state is...

Regardless thanks for the info and links.

I shouldn't have any problems passing.

I might have to change out my blue-ish LED plate light bolts to something whiter that lights up the plate better...

I'd also maybe bring proof that my (yet to be installed) LED rear signals are DOT as well as my LED Headlight (though DOT is molded onto the lens). My LED front signal bulbs would be hidden behind my 30 year old fairing's huge lens

I'm guessing there is alot of nice riding areas depending on where you actually live.

 

Re: MC Laws and Inspections in Virgina - General info reques

Forgot to mention the actual riding... Just like everywhere else, the larger cities suck. Traffic congestion, crappy roads, etc., but city riding is what it is.

Rural areas are beautiful!!! From the beaches and swamps of the tidewater, through the rolling hills of the piedmont, to the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Beautiful countryside and places you have heard about in history class all your life. No, I don't work for the tourist bureau, I just feel lucky to have lived here for a while. The county backroads around Charlottesville are a great ride. You won't have any trouble finding a lot of day, or longer, trips.

Many nice rides down in NC, too. I live close the VA/NC border, so I get to enjoy both.

 

Re: MC Laws and Inspections in Virgina - General info reques

Yep, in fact I am going on a ride to C'Ville tomorrow! Took a ride today with my wife to Grayheaven Winery in Gum Springs... Once you get out of the city and the suburban sprawl there is some really great riding!