Virginia § 58.1-3717 - Peddlers; itinerant merchants

Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 58.1-3717 — Peddlers; itinerant merchants, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 58.1-3717. Peddlers; itinerant merchants

A. For the purpose of license taxation pursuant to § 58.1-3703, any person who shall carry from place to place any goods, wares or merchandise and offer to sell or barter the same, or actually sell or barter the same, shall be deemed to be a peddler.

B. For the purpose of license taxation pursuant to § 58.1-3703, the term "itinerant merchant" means any person who engages in, does, or transacts any temporary or transient business in any locality and who, for the purpose of carrying on such business, occupies any location for a period of less than one year.

C. Any tax imposed pursuant to § 58.1-3703 on peddlers and itinerant merchants shall not exceed $500 per year. Dealers in precious metals shall be taxed at rates provided in § 58.1-3706.

D. This section shall not apply to a peddler at wholesale or to those who sell or offer for sale in person or by their employees ice, wood, charcoal, meats, milk, butter, eggs, poultry, game, vegetables, fruits or other family supplies of a perishable nature or farm products grown or produced by them and not purchased by them for sale. A dairyman who uses upon the streets of any city one or more vehicles may sell and deliver from his vehicles, milk, butter, cream and eggs in such city without procuring a peddler's license.

E. The local governing body imposing such tax may by ordinance designate the streets or other public places on or in which all licensed peddlers or itinerant merchants may sell or offer for sale their goods, wares or merchandise.

F. Any locality that requires a peddler or itinerant merchant to display its license at its vehicle or temporary place of business shall provide to the peddler or itinerant merchant a decal, sticker, or other adhesive label that satisfies such requirement.

Code 1950, §§ 58-266.8, 58-340; 1982, c. 633; 1983, c. 550; 1984, c. 675; 2017, c. 28.

Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 58.1-3717

What does Code of Virginia § 58.1-3717 cover?

Section 58.1-3717 ("Peddlers; itinerant merchants") 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 § 58.1-3717?

A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 58.1-3717" (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 § 58.1-3717 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.