A. No person shall drive, cause to be driven, or permit the driving of a "for hire" motor vehicle on the highways in the Commonwealth unless the legal name or trade name of the motor carrier as defined in Chapter 20 (§ 46.2-2000 et seq.) or Chapter 21 (§ 46.2-2100 et seq.) operating the vehicle is plainly displayed on both sides of the vehicle. The letters and numerals in the display shall be of such size, shape, and color as to be readily legible during daylight hours from a distance of 50 feet while the vehicle is not in motion. The display shall be kept legible and may take the form of a removable device which meets the identification and legibility requirements of this section.

B. This section shall not apply to any motor vehicle:

1. Having a registered gross weight of less than 10,000 pounds;

2. Which is used exclusively for weddings or funeral services;

3. Which is rented without chauffeur and operated under a valid lease which gives the lessee exclusive control of the vehicle; or

4. Which is used exclusively as an emergency medical services vehicle.

C. Subsection A shall also apply to tow trucks used in providing service to the public for hire. For the purposes of this section, "tow truck" means any motor vehicle which is constructed and used primarily for towing, lifting, or otherwise moving disabled vehicles.

D. No person shall drive on the highways in the Commonwealth a pickup or panel truck, tractor truck, trailer, or semitrailer bearing any name other than that of the vehicle's owner or lessee. However, the provisions of this subsection shall not apply to advertising material for another, displayed pursuant to a valid contract.

Code 1950, § 46-63; 1950, p. 251; 1958, c. 541, §§ 46.1-64, 46.1-158.1; 1960, c. 79; 1972, cc. 77, 609; 1974, c. 400; 1975, c. 124; 1979, c. 620; 1989, c. 727; 2013, cc. 165, 582; 2015, cc. 502, 503.