Virginia Code 46.2-322: Examination of licensee believed unable to drive safely; suspension or restriction of license; license application to include questions as to abilities of applicant; false answers; examination of applicant; physician’s, advan…
A. If the Department has good cause to believe that a driver is impaired and therefore unable to drive a motor vehicle safely, after written notice of at least 15 days to the person, it may require him to submit to an examination to determine his fitness to drive a motor vehicle. If the driver so requests in writing, the Department shall give the Department’s reasons for the examination, including the identity of all persons who have supplied information to the Department regarding the driver’s fitness to drive a motor vehicle. However, the Department shall not supply the reasons or information if its source is a relative of the driver or a physician, a physician assistant, an advanced practice registered nurse, a pharmacist, or other licensed medical professional as defined in § 38.2-602 treating, or prescribing medications for, the driver.
Attorney's Note
Under the Virginia Code, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class 2 misdemeanor | up to 6 months | up to $1,000 |
Terms Used In Virginia Code 46.2-322
- Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
- in writing: include any representation of words, letters, symbols, numbers, or figures, whether (i) printed or inscribed on a tangible medium or (ii) stored in an electronic or other medium and retrievable in a perceivable form and whether an electronic signature authorized by Virginia Code 1-257
- Person: includes any individual, corporation, partnership, association, cooperative, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, government, political subdivision, or any other legal or commercial entity and any successor, representative, agent, agency, or instrumentality thereof. See Virginia Code 1-230
- suspension: means that the document or privilege suspended has been temporarily withdrawn, but may be reinstated following the period of suspension unless it has expired prior to the end of the period of suspension. See Virginia Code 46.2-100
- Vehicle: means every device in, on or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn on a highway, except personal delivery devices and devices moved by human power or used exclusively on stationary rails or tracks. See Virginia Code 46.2-100
B. As a part of its examination, the Department may require a physical examination by a licensed physician, licensed advanced practice registered nurse, or licensed physician assistant and a report on the results thereof. When it has completed its examination, the Department shall take whatever action may be appropriate and may suspend the license or privilege to drive a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth of the person or permit him to retain his license or privilege to drive a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth, or may issue a license subject to the restrictions authorized by § 46.2-329. Refusal or neglect of the person to submit to the examination or comply with restrictions imposed by the Department shall be grounds for suspension of his license or privilege to drive a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth.
C. The Commissioner shall include, as a part of the application for an original driver’s license, or renewal thereof, questions as to the existence of impairments that affect the ability of the applicant to drive a motor vehicle safely. Any person knowingly giving a false answer to any such question is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. If the answer to any such question indicates the existence of such condition, the Commissioner shall require an examination of the applicant by a licensed physician, licensed physician assistant, or licensed advanced practice registered nurse as a prerequisite to the issuance of the driver’s license. The report of the examination shall contain a statement that, in the opinion of the physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse, the applicant’s physical or mental condition at the time of the examination does or does not preclude his safe driving of motor vehicles.
Code 1950, § 46-378; 1952, c. 666; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-383; 1960, c. 201; 1966, c. 631; 1968, c. 167; 1972, c. 419; 1974, c. 453; 1978, c. 353; 1984, c. 780; 1988, c. 798; 1989, c. 727; 1997, c. 801; 2004, cc. 351, 855; 2006, c. 396; 2011, c. 441; 2023, c. 183; 2024, c. 414.