Legal Definitions

Legal Definitions:

VAC 46.2-100
“All-terrain vehicle” means a three-wheeled or four-wheeled motor vehicle powered by a gasoline or diesel engine and generally characterized by large, low-pressure tires, a seat designed to be straddled by the operator, and handlebars for steering that is intended for off-road use by an individual rider on various types of unpaved terrain. The term does not include four-wheeled vehicles, commonly known as “go-carts,” that have low centers of gravity and are typically used in racing on relatively level surfaces, nor does the term include any “utility vehicle” as defined in this section or any “farm utility vehicle” as defined in this section.

“Motorcycle” means every motor vehicle designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground and is capable of traveling at speeds in excess of 35 miles per hour. The term “motorcycle” does not include any “electric personal assistive mobility device,” “electric power-assisted bicycle,” “farm tractor,” “golf cart,” “moped,” “motorized skateboard or scooter,” “utility vehicle” or “wheelchair or wheelchair conveyance” as defined in this section.

“Reconstructed vehicle” means every vehicle of a type required to be registered under this title materially altered from its original construction by the removal, addition, or substitution of new or used essential parts. Such vehicles, at the discretion of the Department, shall retain their original vehicle identification number, line-make, and model year.

“Specially constructed vehicle” means any vehicle that was not originally constructed under a distinctive name, make, model, or type by a generally recognized manufacturer of vehicles and not a reconstructed vehicle as herein defined.

“Utility vehicle” means a motor vehicle that is (i) designed for off-road use, (ii) powered by an engine of no more than 25 horsepower, and (iii) used for general maintenance, security, agricultural, or horticultural purposes. “Utility vehicle” does not include all-terrain vehicles as defined in this section, riding lawn mowers, or any other vehicle whose definition is included in this section.

“Vehicle” means every device in, on or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn on a highway, except devices moved by human power or used exclusively on stationary rails or tracks. For the purposes of Chapter 8 (§ 46.2-800 et seq.) of this title, bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, electric power-assisted bicycles, and mopeds shall be vehicles while operated on a highway.