Virginia legal term
Highway in Virginia Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session
In Virginia criminal law, “Highway” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Virginia criminal code.
What does “Highway” mean in Virginia criminal law?
"Highway" means the entire width between the boundary lines of every way or place open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel in the Commonwealth, including the streets and alleys, and, for law-enforcement purposes, (i) the entire width between the boundary lines of all private roads or private streets that have been specifically designated "highways" by an ordinance adopted by the governing body of the county, city, or town in which such private roads or streets are located and (ii) the entire width between the boundary lines of every way or place used for purposes of vehic (Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-100)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Driving after forfeiture of license
- Aggressive driving
- Burning cross on property of another or public place with intent to intimidate
- Burning object on property of another or a highway or other public place with intent to intimidate
- Devices for puncturing motor vehicle tires
- Disorderly conduct in public places
- Displaying noose on property of another or a highway or other public place with intent to intimidate
- Drinking while operating a motor vehicle
- Driving while license, permit, or privilege to drive suspended or revoked
- Firearm in unattended motor vehicle
- Ignition interlock system and remote alcohol monitoring device
- Malicious bodily injury to law-enforcement officers, firefighters, search and rescue personnel, or emergency medical services personnel
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.