LIS

Virginia Law

Administrative Code

Creating a Report: Check the sections you'd like to appear in the report, then use the "Create Report" button at the bottom of the page to generate your report. Once the report is generated you'll then have the option to download it as a pdf, print or email the report.

Virginia Administrative Code
Title 19. Public Safety
Agency 30. Department of State Police
Chapter 70. Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Regulations
12/31/2024

19VAC30-70-630. Hood latch system; batteries.

A. "Hood" means any exterior movable body panel forward of the windshield that is used to cover an engine, luggage, storage or battery compartment.

B. Inspect for and reject if:

1. Each hood is not provided with a hood latch system that will securely hold the hood in its proper fully-closed position.

2. The latch release mechanism or its parts are broken, missing or badly adjusted so that the hood cannot be opened and closed properly.

3. Latching system on a vehicle equipped with a tilt cab is defective, broken, missing, or not properly adjusted so that the tilt cab is held securely when it is in its latched position.

C. Battery mounting and storage. Inspect for and reject if:

1. A battery is not securely attached to a fixed part of the motor vehicle or trailer. A battery is not protected by a removable cover or enclosure if the battery is installed in a location other than the engine compartment.

2. All brackets, hardware, bolts, and bushings used for securely mounting the battery to the vehicle are not present.

3. Removable covers or enclosures are not substantial and are not securely latched or fastened.

4. The battery compartment does not have openings to provide ample battery ventilation and drainage.

5. Whenever the cable to the starting motor passes through a metal compartment, the cable shall be protected against grounding by an acid and waterproof insulating bushing.

6. Whenever a battery and a fuel tank are both placed under the driver's seat, (i) the battery and fuel tank are not partitioned from each other or (ii) each compartment is not provided with an independent cover, ventilation, and drainage.

Statutory Authority

§ 46.2-1165 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR545-01-07 § 63, eff. May 1, 1990; amended, Virginia Register Volume 10, Issue 8, eff. February 9, 1994; Volume 32, Issue 24, eff. October 3, 2016; Volume 35, Issue 25, eff. September 1, 2019.

Website addresses provided in the Virginia Administrative Code to documents incorporated by reference are for the reader's convenience only, may not necessarily be active or current, and should not be relied upon. To ensure the information incorporated by reference is accurate, the reader is encouraged to use the source document described in the regulation.

As a service to the public, the Virginia Administrative Code is provided online by the Virginia General Assembly. We are unable to answer legal questions or respond to requests for legal advice, including application of law to specific fact. To understand and protect your legal rights, you should consult an attorney.