04/06/2023
We want to share some information with you about the appropriate use of “Farm Use” license plates and dispel some of the common misunderstandings about their use. Code of Virginia 46.2-665 provides that certain vehicles may be exempt from registration requirements through the Department of Motor Vehicles so long as they meet the following qualifications:
1. The owner of the vehicle has to own a farm. Virginia Code defines a farm as one or more areas of land used to produce, cultivate, grow, or harvest agricultural products. A tree farm does not qualify as a farm unless it is also part of a nursery, a Christmas tree farm, or what is otherwise a farm. (Va. Code § 46.2-698)
2. The vehicle has to be one of the following: a pickup or panel truck, a sport utility vehicle, a vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 7,500 pounds (that means your Honda Civic, moped, motorcycle, etc. can’t have farm use tags.)
3. The vehicles above as well as trailers and semi-trailers can only be used under the following circumstances to be eligible for the registration exemption:
a. Crossing a highway;
b. Operating along a highway for a distance of no more than 75 miles from one part of the owner's land to another, irrespective of whether the tracts adjoin;
c. Taking the vehicle or attached fixtures to and from a repair shop for repairs;
d. Taking another vehicle exempt from registration under any provision of §§ 46.2-664 through 46.2-668 or 46.2-672, or any part or subcomponent of such a vehicle, to or from a repair shop for repairs, including return trips;
e. Operating along a highway to and from a refuse disposal facility for the purpose of disposing of trash and garbage generated on a farm;
f. Operating along a highway for a distance of no more than 75 miles for the purpose of obtaining supplies for agricultural or horticultural purposes, seeds, fertilizers, chemicals, or animal feed and returning; or
g. Transporting the vehicle's owner between his residence and the lands being used for agricultural or horticultural purposes.
4. Virginia code requires that any vehicle exempt from registration is required to have liability insurance and provide proof of insurance when requested to by law enforcement.
So as you can see, these tags are not a way to avoid registering your vehicle or obtaining insurance on the vehicle. Finally, as of July 1st, 2024, farm use vehicles will be required to register with the DMV. The exact final regulations surrounding this code change are still being worked out by the state, therefore we are not giving any further information on these changes at this time. Stay tuned.
