Bill Text: VA SB1139 | 2021 | Regular Session | Prefiled

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Bill Title: Animal-drawn vehicles; establishes equipment requirements for vehicles operating on the highways.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2021-01-21 - Passed by indefinitely in Transportation with letter (14-Y 0-N) [SB1139 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2021-SB1139-Prefiled.html

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21101485D
SENATE BILL NO. 1139 Offered January 13, 2021 Prefiled January 4, 2021 A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Title 46.2 a chapter numbered 10.1, consisting of a section numbered 46.2-1193, relating to animal-drawn vehicle equipment. ---------- Patron-- Peake ---------- Referred to Committee on Transportation ----------

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Title 46.2 a chapter numbered 10.1, consisting of a section numbered 46.2-1193, as follows:

CHAPTER 10.1. ANIMAL-DRAWN VEHICLE EQUIPMENT AND SAFETY.

§46.2-1193. Equipment requirements.

All animal-drawn vehicles operated on highways in the Commonwealth shall be equipped with the following equipment:

1. The carriage or vehicle being drawn by the animal shall have a braking system in safe operating condition, including a parking brake system adequate to hold the vehicle on a surface free from ice and snow on a 20 percent grade and a breakaway system adequate to stop and hold the vehicle upon breakaway from the animal;

2. Tires or wheels in good condition suitable for the size of the vehicle. Such tires and wheels shall not be out of alignment to such a degree that control of the vehicle is affected;

3. At least one headlamp in safe operating condition located on each side of the vehicle centerline with an automatic or manual dimmer switch. Such headlamps shall be operated between sunset and sunrise or during periods of reduced visibility, and no auxiliary equipment shall be placed so as to obstruct the light beam of the headlamps;

4. A red reflector or reflective tape with a minimum of three square inches of surface on the rear of each side of the vehicle and an amber reflector or reflective tape with a minimum of three square inches of surface on the front of each side of the vehicle;

5. Two amber hazard warning lamps on the front of the vehicle and two red hazard warning lamps on the rear of the vehicle;

6. A rearview mirror in safe operating condition that provides the driver with an unobstructed view of the highway to the rear of the vehicle for a distance of not less than 200 feet; and

7. A horn or warning device audible under normal conditions at a distance of not less than 200 feet.