OPERATION OF VEHICLES GENERALLY

Norfolk City Code ch. 25, art. IV

in effect

Norfolk City Code § 25-151 Age of operator.

Sec. 25-151. - Age of operator. No person under the age of sixteen (16) years shall operate any motor vehicle on the streets and alleys of the city; provided, however, that the provisions of this section shall not apply to any person under the age of sixteen (16) years driving upon the streets and alleys of the city with a temporary instruction permit in his immediate possession issued by the commissioner and while he complies with the terms and conditions thereof. (Code 1958, § 29-13)

Norfolk City Code § 25-152 Driving while license or privilege to drive suspended or revoked.

Sec. 25-152. - Driving while license or privilege to drive suspended or revoked. (a) Except as provided in Code of Virginia, §§ 46.2-304 and 46.2-357, no resident or nonresident (i) whose driver's license, learner's permit, or privilege to drive a motor vehicle has been suspended or revoked or (ii) who has been directed not to drive by any court or by the commissioner, or (iii) who has been forbidden, as prescribed by operation of any statute of the commonwealth or a substantially similar ordinance of any county, city or town, to operate a motor vehicle in the commonwealth shall thereafter drive any motor vehicle or any self-propelled machinery or equipment on any highway in this city until the period of such suspension or revocation has terminated or the privilege has been reinstated or a restricted license is issued pursuant to subsection (e). A clerk's notice of suspension of license for failure to pay fines and costs given in accordance with Code of Virginia, § 46.2-395 shall be sufficient notice for the purpose of maintaining a conviction under this section. For the purposes of this section, the phrase "motor vehicle or any self-propelled machinery or equipment" shall not include mopeds. (b) A violation of subsection (a) is a Class 1 misdemeanor. A third or subsequent offense occurring within a ten-year period shall include a mandatory minimum term of confinement in jail of ten (10) days. However, the court shall not be required to impose a minimum, mandatory term of confinement in any case where a motor vehicle is operated in violation of this section in a situation of apparent extreme emergency which requires such operation to save life or limb. (c) Upon a violation of subsection (a), the court shall suspend the person's license, permit, or privilege to drive for the same period for which it had been previously suspended or revoked when the person violated this section. In the event the person has violated subsection (a) by driving during a period of suspension or revocation which was not for a definite period of time, the court shall suspend the person's license, permit or privilege to drive for an additional period not to exceed ninety (90) days, to commence upon the expiration of the previous suspension or revocation or to commence immediately if the previous suspension or revocation has expired. (d) In addition to any other penalty provided by this section, any motor vehicle administratively impounded or immobilized under the provisions of Code of Virginia, § 46.2-301.1, may, in the discretion of the court, be impounded or immobilized for an additional period of up to ninety (90) days upon conviction of an offender for driving while his driver's license, learner's permit or privilege to drive a motor vehicle has been suspended or revoked for (i) a violation of sections 25-251, 25-258, or Code of Virginia, §§ 18.2-266, 18.2-272 or 46.2-341.24, or a substantially similar ordinance or law in any other jurisdiction or (ii) driving after adjudication as an habitual offender, where such adjudication was based in whole or in part on an alcohol-related offense, or where such person's license has been administratively suspended under the provisions of Code of Virginia, § 46.2-391.2. However, if, at the time of the violation, the offender was driving a motor vehicle owned by another person, the court shall have no jurisdiction over such motor vehicle but may order the impoundment or immobilization of a motor vehicle owned solely by the offender at the time of arrest. All costs of impoundment or immobilization, including removal or storage expenses, shall be paid by the offender prior to the release of his motor vehicle. (e) Any person who is otherwise eligible for a restricted license may petition each court that suspended his license pursuant to subsection (c) for authorization for a restricted license, provided that the period of time for which the license was suspended by the court pursuant to subsection (c), if measured from the date of conviction, has expired, even though the suspension itself has not expired. A court may, for good cause shown, authorize the department of motor vehicles to issue a restricted license for any of the purposes set forth in subsection (e) of section 25-257.1 or subsection E of Code of Virginia, § 18.2-271.1. No restricted license shall be issued unless each court that issued a suspension of the person's license pursuant to subsection (c) authorizes the department to issue a restricted license. Any restricted license issued pursuant to this subsection shall be in effect until the expiration of any and all suspensions issued pursuant to subsection (c), except that it shall automatically terminate upon the expiration, cancellation, suspension, or revocation of the person's license or privilege to drive for any other cause. No restricted license issued pursuant to this subsection shall permit a person to operate a commercial motor vehicle as defined in the Commercial Driver's License Act (Code of Virginia, § 46.2-341.1 et seq.). The court shall forward to the commissioner a copy of its authorization entered pursuant to this subsection, which shall specifically enumerate the restrictions imposed and contain such information regarding the person to whom such a license is issued as is reasonably necessary to identify the person. The court shall also provide a copy of its authorization to the person, who may not operate a motor vehicle until receipt from the commissioner of a restricted license. A copy of the restricted license issued by the commissioner shall be carried at all times while operating a motor vehicle. (f) Any person who operates a motor vehicle or any self-propelled machinery or equipment in violation of the terms of a restricted license issued pursuant to subsection (e) or subsection E of Code of Virginia, § 18.2-271.1, is not guilty of a violation of this section but is guilty of a violation of section 25-258 or Code of Virginia, § 18.2-272. (Code 1958, § 29-38; Ord. No. 36,508, § 1, 7-16-91; Ord. No. 37,686, § 1, 6-28-94; Ord. No. 40,331, § 1, 5-22-01; Ord. No. 44,133, § 1, 2-8-11)

Norfolk City Code § 25-153 General duty to drive on right side of highways.

Sec. 25-153. - General duty to drive on right side of highways. Except as otherwise provided by law, upon all highways of sufficient width, the driver of a vehicle shall drive the same upon the right half of the highway, unless it is impracticable to travel on such side of the highway and except when overtaking and passing another vehicle, subject to the limitations applicable to overtaking and passing set forth in this article. (Code 1958, § 29-51)

Norfolk City Code § 25-154 Duty to keep to right in crossing intersections or railroads.

Sec. 25-154. - Duty to keep to right in crossing intersections or railroads. Except as otherwise provided by law, in crossing an intersection of highways or the intersection of a highway by a railroad right-of-way, the driver of a vehicle shall at all times cause such vehicle to travel on the right half of the highway, unless such right side is obstructed or impassable; provided, however, that in crossing an intersection of highways, the driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle in the intersection, if the intersection is designated and marked as a passing zone by the proper authorities. (Code 1958, § 29-52)

Norfolk City Code § 25-155 Driving on highways laned for traffic.

Sec. 25-155. - Driving on highways laned for traffic. (1) Whenever any highway has been divided into clearly marked lanes for traffic, drivers of vehicles shall obey the regulations set out in this section. (2) Any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions existing shall be driven in the lane nearest the right-hand edge or curb of the highway, when such lane is available for travel, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle or in preparation for a left turn or as permitted in subsection (5) of this section. (3) A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as is practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has ascertained that such movement can be made with safety. (4) Upon a highway which is divided into three (3) lanes, a vehicle shall not be driven in the center lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle or in preparation for a left turn, or unless such center lane is, at the time, allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the direction the vehicle is proceeding and is signposted or marked to give notice of such allocation; provided that, official traffic-control devices may be erected directing specified traffic to use a designated lane or designating those lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction, regardless of the center of the roadway, and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every such device. (5) Whenever the city has designated right-hand lanes for slow-moving traffic and when such lanes are signposted or marked to give notice of such designation, a vehicle may be driven in any lane allocated to traffic moving in the direction such vehicle is proceeding, but when traveling within such inside lanes, vehicles shall be driven at approximately the speed authorized in such lanes and speed shall not unnecessarily be decreased so as to block, hinder or retard traffic. (6) Wherever a highway is marked with double traffic lanes consisting of a solid line immediately adjacent to a broken line, no vehicle shall be driven to the left of such line if the solid line is on the right of the broken line, except that it shall be lawful to make a left turn for the purpose of entering or leaving a public, private or commercial road or entrance. (7) Wherever a highway is marked with double traffic lines consisting of two (2) immediately adjacent solid lines, no vehicle shall be driven to the left of such lines, except that it shall be lawful to make a left turn for the purpose of entering or leaving a public, private or commercial road or entrance. (Code 1958, § 29-53)

Norfolk City Code § 25-156 Passing parkways or other divisions in center of street.

Sec. 25-156. - Passing parkways or other divisions in center of street. On all streets divided by parkways, unpaved streetcar rights-of-way or any other division forming the center of the street so divided, vehicles shall pass all such divisions on the right of such divisions, with the division always on the left of the operator of such vehicle. It shall be unlawful for any person to drive a vehicle upon any street so divided with such division upon the right of operator of the vehicle. Two-way traffic on either side of such streets shall not be permitted. (Code 1958, § 29-393)

Norfolk City Code § 25-157 Passing vehicles proceeding in opposite directions.

Sec. 25-157. - Passing vehicles proceeding in opposite directions. Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other to the right, each giving to the other, as nearly as possible, one-half of the main-traveled portion of the roadway. (Code 1958, § 29-54)

Norfolk City Code § 25-158 Passing vehicle proceeding in same direction.

Sec. 25-158. - Passing vehicle proceeding in same direction. (1) The driver of any vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass at least two (2) feet to the left thereof and shall not again drive to the right side of the highway until safely clear of such overtaken vehicle, except as otherwise provided in this article. (2) The driver of a vehicle shall not drive to the left side of the center line of a highway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, unless such left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be made in safety. (3) No person operating a truck or tractor and trailer shall pass or attempt to pass any truck or tractor and trailer going in the same direction on an upgrade hill, if such passing will impede the passage of following traffic. (Code 1958, §§ 29-55, 29-59)

Norfolk City Code § 25-158.5 Passing stopped school buses; penalty.

Sec. 25-158.5. - Passing stopped school buses; penalty. (1) The driver of a motor vehicle approaching from any direction a clearly marked school bus which is stopped on any highway or school driveway for the purpose of taking on or discharging children, the elderly, or mentally or physically handicapped persons, who, in violation of section 46.2-859 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, fails to stop and remain stopped until all such persons are clear of the highway or school driveway, shall be subject to a civil penalty of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) and any such prosecution shall be instituted and conducted in the same manner as prosecutions for traffic infractions. (2) A prosecution or proceeding under section 46.2-859 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, shall be a bar to a prosecution or proceeding under this section for the same act, and a prosecution or proceeding under this section shall be a bar to a prosecution or proceeding under section 46.2-859 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, for the same act. (3) In any prosecution for which a summons charging a violation of this section was issued within ten (10) days of the alleged violation, proof that the motor vehicle described in the summons was operated in violation of this section, together with proof that the defendant was at the time of such violation the registered owner of the vehicle, as required by chapter 6 of title 46.2 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, shall give rise to a rebuttable presumption that such registered owner of the vehicle was the person who operated the vehicle at the place where, and for the time during which, such violation occurred. (Ord. No. 34,596, § 1, 7-14-87; Ord. No. 38,839, § 1, 7-15-97)

Norfolk City Code § 25-159 Duties when overtaking vehicle—Warning signal.

Sec. 25-159. - Duties when overtaking vehicle—Warning signal. The driver of an overtaking motor vehicle, when traveling outside of a business or residence district, shall, when necessary to insure safe passage, give audible warning with his horn or other device before passing or attempting to pass a vehicle proceeding in the same direction. (Code 1958, § 29-56)

Norfolk City Code § 25-160 Same—On right side.

Sec. 25-160. - Same—On right side. (1) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions: (a) When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn, and the driver of such vehicle has given a signal as required; (b) Upon a street or highway with unobstructed pavement not occupied by parked vehicles of sufficient width for two (2) or more lines of moving vehicles in each direction; (c) Upon a one-way street, or upon any roadway on which traffic is restricted to one direction of movement, where the roadway is free from obstructions and of sufficient width for two (2) or more lines of moving vehicles. (2) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. In no event shall such movement be made by driving off the pavement or main-travelled portion of the roadway. (Code 1958, § 29-57)

Norfolk City Code § 25-161 Same—Duty of driver of overtaken vehicle.

Sec. 25-161. - Same—Duty of driver of overtaken vehicle. Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle, on audible signal, and shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle. (Code 1958, § 29-58)

Norfolk City Code § 25-162 Turning movements generally.

Sec. 25-162. - Turning movements generally. The driver of a vehicle intending to turn at an intersection or other location on any highway, except where such turn is prohibited by any provision of this chapter, shall do so as follows: (1) Right turn: Both the approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway. (2) Left turns on two-way roadways: At any intersection where traffic is permitted to move in both directions on each roadway entering the intersection, an approach for a left turn shall be made in that portion of the right half of the roadway nearest the center line thereof and by passing to the right of such center line where it enters the intersection and, after entering the intersection, the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection to the right of the center line of the roadway being entered. Wherever practicable, the left turn shall be made in that portion of the intersection to the left of the center of the intersection. (3) Left turns on other than two-way roadways: At any intersection where traffic is restricted to one direction on one or more of the roadways, and at any crossover from one roadway of a divided highway to another roadway thereof on which traffic moves in the opposite direction, the driver of a vehicle intending to turn left at any such intersection or crossover shall approach the intersection or crossover in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of such vehicle and, after entering the intersection or crossover, the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection or crossover, as nearly as practicable, in the left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in such direction upon the roadway being entered. (Code 1958, § 29-62)

Norfolk City Code § 25-163 U turns.

Sec. 25-163. - U turns. (1) The driver of a vehicle shall not turn such vehicle so as to proceed in the opposite direction, except at an intersection of highways; provided, however, that no driver shall cause any vehicle to make a turn to proceed in the opposite direction at any intersection where there is a sign or other marking prohibiting such action. (2) No vehicle shall be turned so as to proceed in the opposite direction upon any curve, or upon the approach to or near the crest of a grade, where such vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of any other vehicle approaching from any direction within five hundred (500) feet. (Code 1958, § 29-61)

Norfolk City Code § 25-164 Signals for starting, stopping or turning.

Sec. 25-164. - Signals for starting, stopping or turning. (1) Every driver who intends to start, stop, turn or partly turn from a direct line shall first see that such movement can be made in safety and, whenever the operation of any other vehicle may be affected by such movement, shall give a signal, plainly visible to the driver of such other vehicle, of his intention to make such movement. (2) The signal required by this section shall be given by means of the hand and arm or by some mechanical or electrical device approved by the superintendent, in the manner herein specified. Whenever the signal is given by means of the hand and arm, the driver shall indicate his intention to start, stop, turn or partly turn by extending the hand and arm from and beyond the left side of the vehicle, in the manner following: (a) For a left turn or to pull to the left, the arm shall be extended in a horizontal position straight from and level with the shoulder. (b) For a right turn or to pull to the right, the arm shall be extended upward. (c) For slowing down or to stop, the arm shall be extended downward. Wherever the lawful speed is more than thirty-five (35) miles per hour, such signals shall be given continuously for a distance of at least one hundred (100) feet, and in all other cases at least fifty (50) feet, before slowing down, stopping, turning, partly turning or materially altering the course of the vehicle. (3) Drivers of vehicles standing or stopped at the curb or edge, before moving such vehicles, shall give signals of their intention to move into traffic, as hereinbefore provided, before turning in the direction in which the vehicle will proceed from the curb. (4) Drivers having once given a hand, electrical or mechanical device signal must continue the course thus indicated, unless they alter the original signal and take care that drivers of vehicles and pedestrians have seen and are aware of the change. (5) Drivers receiving a signal from another driver shall keep their vehicles under complete control and shall be able to avoid an accident resulting from a misunderstanding of such signal. (Code 1958, §§ 29-63—29-67)

Norfolk City Code § 25-165 Right-of-way at intersections generally and at traffic circles.

Sec. 25-165. - Right-of-way at intersections generally and at traffic circles. Except as otherwise specifically provided, when two (2) vehicles approach or enter an intersection at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right. At traffic circles, vehicles already in the circle shall have the right-of-way over vehicles approaching and entering the circle. The driver of any vehicle traveling at an unlawful speed shall forfeit any right-of-way which he might otherwise have under this section. (Code 1958, § 29-68)

Norfolk City Code § 25-166 Right-of-way when turning left.

Sec. 25-166. - Right-of-way when turning left. The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left within an intersection or into an alley, private road or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is so close as to constitute a hazard; provided, however, that where there is an automatic signal device governing the flow of traffic at any intersection and allowing turns to the left while all other vehicular traffic is required to stop, any vehicle making such turn shall have the right-of-way over all other vehicles approaching the intersection. (Code 1958, § 29-69)

Norfolk City Code § 25-167 Emerging from private road, driveway, alley or building.

Sec. 25-167. - Emerging from private road, driveway, alley or building. The driver of a vehicle entering a public highway or sidewalk from a private road, driveway, alley or building shall stop immediately before entering such highway or sidewalk and, upon entering such highway or sidewalk, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on such public highway or to all pedestrians or vehicles approaching on such public sidewalk. (Code 1958, § 29-70)

Norfolk City Code § 25-168 Joining, passing through or interfering with funeral processions.

Sec. 25-168. - Joining, passing through or interfering with funeral processions. It shall be unlawful for the driver of any vehicle that is not properly part of a funeral procession to join, pass through or interfere with the passage of any funeral procession under police or sheriff's escort. (Code 1958, § 29-39; Ord. No. 37,866, § 1, 1-17-85)

Norfolk City Code § 25-169 Duty of drivers upon approach of emergency vehicle.

Sec. 25-169. - Duty of drivers upon approach of emergency vehicle. (1) Upon the approach of any police vehicle, fire department vehicle, rescue vehicle or ambulance, giving audible signal by siren, exhaust whistle or air horn designed to give automatically intermittent signals, and displaying a flashing, blinking or alternating red or blue light, the driver of every other vehicle shall immediately drive the same to a position as near as possible and parallel to the right-hand edge or curb, clear of any intersection of highways, and shall stop and remain in such position, unless otherwise directed by a police or traffic officer, until the police vehicle, fire department vehicle, rescue vehicle or ambulance shall have passed. This provision shall not operate to relieve the driver of a police vehicle, fire department vehicle, rescue vehicle or ambulance from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway, nor shall it protect the driver of any such vehicle from the consequences of an arbitrary exercise of such right-of-way. (2) A violation of this section shall constitute the failure to yield the right-of-way. (Code 1958, § 29-71; Ord. No. 33,911, § 1, 3-18-86)

Norfolk City Code § 25-170 Driving through safety zone.

Sec. 25-170. - Driving through safety zone. The driver of a vehicle shall not, at any time, drive through or over a safety zone. (Code 1958, § 29-593)

Norfolk City Code § 25-171 Following too closely.

Sec. 25-171. - Following too closely. The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard to the speed of both vehicles and the traffic upon, and conditions of, the highway at the time. (Code 1958, § 29-60)

Norfolk City Code § 25-172 Following fire apparatus.

Sec. 25-172. - Following fire apparatus. It shall be unlawful for the driver of any vehicle, other than one on official business, to follow any fire apparatus traveling in response to a fire alarm at any distance closer than five hundred (500) feet to such apparatus. (Code 1958, § 28-72)

Norfolk City Code § 25-173 Driving over fire hose.

Sec. 25-173. - Driving over fire hose. It shall be unlawful, without the consent of the fire department official in command, for the driver of any vehicle to drive over any unprotected hose of a fire department when laid down for use at any fire or alarm of fire. (Code 1958, § 29-73)

Norfolk City Code § 25-174 Riding or driving on sidewalks generally.

Sec. 25-174. - Riding or driving on sidewalks generally. Except as provided in section 25-175, if any person rides or drives any vehicle, including a motorcycle, on the sidewalks of the city, he shall be guilty of a traffic infraction and, upon conviction, shall be fined not less than five dollars ($5.00) nor more than twenty-five dollars. (Code 1958, § 29-41)

Norfolk City Code § 25-175 Crossing sidewalks and gutters at permanent driveways; permits for temporary crossings.

Sec. 25-175. - Crossing sidewalks and gutters at permanent driveways; permits for temporary crossings. Except as otherwise specifically provided, no person shall drive or back any horse, cart, carriage, automobile or other vehicle on the footpath or sidewalk of any street, paved or unimproved, nor across any gutter, except where permanent driveways have been constructed for this purpose, and except when permits have been issued by the director of public works for temporary use of the sidewalk for such purpose, under such conditions and regulations as he may prescribe. No such permit shall be issued for a period of more than sixty (60) days. (Code 1958, § 29-42)

Norfolk City Code § 25-176 Duty of drivers to obey railroad warning signals.

Sec. 25-176. - Duty of drivers to obey railroad warning signals. It shall be unlawful for any person driving a vehicle to fail to obey a clearly visible or audible crossing signal at a highway and railway grade crossing, which signal gives warning of the immediate approach of a railway train. (Code 1958, § 29-594)

Norfolk City Code § 25-177 Operating and riding motorcycles; sale and operation of mopeds; penalty.

Sec. 25-177. - Operating and riding motorcycles; sale and operation of mopeds; penalty. (a) A person operating a motorcycle shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached to the motorcycle, and such operator shall not carry any other person, and no other person shall ride, on a motorcycle unless such motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person, in which event a passenger may ride upon the permanent and regular seat, if designed for two (2) persons, or upon another seat firmly attached to the rear or side of the seat for the operator. (b) Any dealer who sells at retail any moped shall affix to any such moped, or verify that there is affixed, a permanent decal or sticker which states, (i) that the operation of mopeds on the highways and public vehicular areas by persons under the age of sixteen (16) is prohibited by Virginia law; (ii) the maximum horsepower of the moped: and (iii) the maximum speed at which the moped may be ridden. (c) Any dealer who sells any such moped which does not have affixed thereto such a permanent decal or sticker or who sells a motorcycle with such a sticker or decal attached thereto indicating that its motor is rated at no more than two (2) brake horsepower, producing only ordinary speeds up to a maximum of thirty (30) miles per hour, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. (Code 1958, § 29-40; Ord. No. 34,594, § 1, 7-14-87; Ord. No. 37,867, § 1, 1-17-95)

Norfolk City Code § 25-178 Occupants of front seat of motor vehicles required to use safety lap belts and shoulder harnesses; penalty.

Sec. 25-178. - Occupants of front seat of motor vehicles required to use safety lap belts and shoulder harnesses; penalty. (a) Each person at least sixteen (16) years of age and occupying the front seat of a motor vehicle equipped or required by the provisions of this section to be equipped with a safety belt system, consisting of lap belts, shoulder harnesses, combinations thereof or similar devices, shall wear the appropriate safety belt system at all times while such motor vehicle is in motion on any public highway, except that a child under the age of four.(4) years shall be protected as required by the provisions of article 9.1 (section 46.1-314.2 et seq.) of chapter 4 of title 46.1 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. (b) Each driver of a motor vehicle equipped or required by the provisions of this section to be equipped with a safety belt system who is transporting a child at least four (4) years of age, but less than sixteen (16) years of age, in the front seat of such motor vehicle shall cause such child to wear the appropriate safety belt system. (c) This section shall not apply to: (1) Any person for whom a licensed physician determines that the use of such safety belt system would be impractical by reason of such person's physical condition or other medical reason, provided the person so exempted carries on this person or in the vehicle a signed written statement of the physician identifying the exempted person and stating the grounds for the exemption; or (2) Any law enforcement officer transporting persons in custody or traveling in circumstances which render the wearing of such safety belt system impractical; or (3) Any person while operating a motor vehicle and performing the duties of a rural mail carrier for the United States Postal Service; or (4) Any person operating a motor vehicle and performing the duties of a rural newspaper route carrier, newspaper bundle hauler or newspaper rack carrier, or drivers of taxicabs; or (5) Personnel of commercial or municipal vehicles while actually engaged in the collection or delivery of goods or services, including but not limited to solid waste, where such collection or delivery requires the personnel to exit and enter the cab of the vehicle with such frequency and regularity as to render the use of safety belt systems impractical and the safety benefits derived therefrom insignificant. Such personnel shall resume the use of safety belt systems when actual collection or delivery has ceased or when the vehicle is in transit to or from a point of final disposition or disposal, including but not limited to solid waste facilities, terminals, or other locations where the vehicle may be principally garaged; or (6) Any person operating a motor vehicle and performing the duties of a utility meter reader; or (7) Police or sheriff department personnel operating motor vehicles to enforce laws governing motor vehicle parking. (d) Any person who violates this section shall be subject to a civil penalty of twenty-five dollars ($25.00), to be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Literary Fund. No assignment of points shall be made under the Virginia Driver Improvement Act (Code of Virginia, § 46.2-489 et seq., as amended) and no court costs shall be assessed for violations of this section. (e) A violation of this section shall not constitute negligence, be considered in mitigation of damages of whatever nature, be admissible in evidence or be the subject of comment by counsel in any action for the recovery of damages arising out of the operation, ownership or maintenance of a motor vehicle, nor shall anything in this section change any existing law, rule or procedure pertaining to any such civil action. (f) A violation of this section may be charged on the uniform traffic summons form. (g) No citation for a violation of this section shall be issued unless the officer issuing such citation has cause to stop or arrest the driver of such motor vehicle for the violation of some other provision of this Code relating to the operation, ownership or maintenance of a motor vehicle or any criminal statute. (Ord. No. 34,595, § 1, 7-14-87; Ord. No. 35,132, § 1, 6-28-88)

Norfolk City Code § 25-179 Blocking intersections and pedestrian crosswalks.

Sec. 25-179. - Blocking intersections and pedestrian crosswalks. No operator of a vehicle shall enter into an intersection or a marked crosswalk unless there is sufficient space beyond such intersection or crosswalk in the direction in which such vehicle is proceeding to accommodate the vehicle without obstructing the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians, notwithstanding any traffic control signal or device indication to proceed. A violation of this section shall constitute a traffic infraction subject to a fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00). (Ord. No. 49,748, § 1, 9-24-24)

Norfolk City Code § 25-180 Seizure and disposition of all-terrain vehicles and off-road motorcycles.

Sec. 25-180. - Seizure and disposition of all-terrain vehicles and off-road motorcycles. (a) Any unlawfully operated all-terrain vehicle or off-road motorcycle operated on a highway or sidewalk within the City of Norfolk may be seized and impounded under the direction of a police officer or other person authorized to enforce the provisions of this article (a person other than a police officer means one authorized under the law). The person seizing the all-terrain vehicle or off-road motorcycle pursuant to this section shall immediately make a written report thereof to the police department and to the person in charge of the impound location setting forth the date, time, and place of, and the reason for, such seizure, and a description of the vehicle including the serial or vehicle identification number if one exists. (b) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, upon final adjudication finding the unlawful operation of the motor vehicle on a highway or sidewalk within the City of Norfolk, an all-terrain vehicle or off-road motorcycle seized under the authority granted by this section may be disposed of by the city through lawful means including destruction or sale at public auction. (c) Prior to disposal of the vehicle, the city shall make a reasonable effort to determine if the vehicle was reported as stolen at the time of seizure. Such efforts may include checking (i) the police department's own records, and (ii) the records of a nationally recognized crime database. If the city determines that the vehicle had been reported as stolen at the time of seizure, a notice of seizure will be sent to the identified owner provided the owner was not also the driver of the vehicle at the time of seizure. The notice of seizure shall be sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. The notice shall describe the vehicle, including if available the year, make, model, and serial or vehicle identification number, and set forth the location where the vehicle is being held. The notice shall inform the owner of their right to redeem the vehicle subject to proof of ownership and payment of costs of towing and impoundment, and notify the owner that unredeemed vehicles may be disposed of by the city within a time certain identified in the notice of seizure. (d) For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply. The terms "all-terrain vehicle" and "off-road motorcycle" shall have the meaning set forth within Virginia Code § 46.2-100. The terms "motor vehicle" or "vehicle" shall mean all-terrain vehicles and off-road motorcycles. (Ord. No. 49,843, § 1, 1-28-25)

Source: City of Norfolk, Virginia, City Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/va/norfolk/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COCI_CH25MOVECO_ARTIVOPVEGEFetched: 11/1/2026