Virginia Dealer Manual - Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

Virginia Dealer’s Manual
October 1, 2009
NOTE: YOU CANNOT SELL ANY VEHICLES UNTIL YOU RECEIVE YOUR NEW
LICENSE.
1.9 DLR 140-PURPOSE & USES OF DEALER LICENSE PLATES
• Code of Virginia: § 46.2-1546, § 46.2-1547
1.9.1 Dealer Plates Available
All vehicles must be licensed and must display a valid license plate when driven on public roads or
highways. Every manufacturer, distributor, or dealer, before he commences to operate vehicles in his
inventory for sale or resale, shall apply to the Commissioner for a dealer's certificate of vehicle
registration and license plates. These dealer plates may be used under specific regulated circumstances
when vehicles owned or assigned to a dealer are being operated on public roads. Liability insurance or
self insurance certificate must be maintained on every dealer license plate assigned to the dealership as
long as the plate remains valid.
1.9.2 Drive-Away Plates
Unregistered and unlicensed vehicles may not be operated or moved on a public highway by a dealer by
using Drive-Away plates.
1.9.3 Uses of Dealer Plates
Dealer plates may not be used:
a. on any service vehicle, wrecking cranes or tow trucks
b. on any vehicle not held in inventory for sale or resale
c. on a vehicle which the dealer leases, rents, or lends to anyone not permitted to use dealer plates
d. on vehicles used to deliver or transport other vehicles, portions of vehicles, vehicle components,
parts, accessories, fuel, or for any other business, on a vehicle of a type for which their use is not
authorized
e. by spouses of employees or children of employees
Dealer Plates May be Used:
f. on a vehicle in inventory for sale by dealer/operators, the dealer/operator’s spouse and employees
(Employee defined as one who works at least 25 hours/week on a regular basis and is
compensated.)
g. on a dealer-owned vehicle when driven by:
• a customer who is a bona fide prospective purchaser when accompanied by a licensed
salesperson or with written permission Form DSD-27, “Permission to Use Dealer's License
Plate”
• a customer whose own vehicle is being repaired by the dealer, and has a DSD-27 in the vehicle
at all times
h. The dealer completes and issues DSD-27, “Permission to Use Dealer's License Plate” for 5 days
only, to the customer, keeping the duplicate on file at the dealership for a period of one (1) year.
The customer must carry the completed DSD-27 “Permission to Use Dealer's License Plate” while
driving the vehicle on public highways.
i. No more than two successive DSD-27 Forms may be issued to the same customer for the same
vehicle.
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