Virginia § 46.2-1088.5 - Reflectors or reflectorized material required on rear end of certain trailers
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 46.2-1088.5 — Reflectors or reflectorized material required on rear end of certain trailers, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 46.2-1088.5. Reflectors or reflectorized material required on rear end of certain trailers
A. There shall be affixed to the rear end of every utility trailer that does not require state inspection either (i) two or more reflectors of a type approved by the Superintendent or (ii) at least 100 square inches of solid reflectorized material. The reflectors or reflective material shall be applied so as to outline the rear end of the trailer.
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 46.2-1013 or 46.2-1014, any trailer or semitrailer exempt from registration pursuant to § 46.2-665, 46.2-666, 46.2-670, 46.2-672, or 46.2-673 may be operated without tail lights or brake lights on the highways of the Commonwealth located in Planning Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 23, except interstate highways, between sunrise and sunset, provided that such trailer or semitrailer has affixed to the rear end either (i) two or more reflectors of a type approved by the Superintendent or (ii) at least 100 square inches of solid reflectorized material. Such a trailer or semitrailer operated without tail lights or brake lights shall keep to the rightmost lane when operating on such a highway, except when turning at an intersection or avoiding any hazard. However, any such trailer or semitrailer operated without tail lights or brake lights shall not be operated on the highways of the Commonwealth (a) during any time when, because of rain, smoke, fog, snow, sleet, insufficient light, or other unfavorable atmospheric conditions, visibility is reduced to a degree whereby persons or vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet or (b) whenever windshield wipers are in use as a result of fog, rain, sleet, or snow.
C. For the purposes of this section, "utility trailer" means a trailer whose body and tailgate consist largely or exclusively of a metal mesh.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 46.2-1088.5
What does Code of Virginia § 46.2-1088.5 cover?
Section 46.2-1088.5 ("Reflectors or reflectorized material required on rear end of certain trailers") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Virginia § 46.2-1088.5?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 46.2-1088.5" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 46.2-1088.5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.