Permanent Registration and License
Plates for Vehicles
Owned and Used by Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Departments
Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) registration exemption permits (DMV permits) were previously issued to vehicles owned by volunteer rescue squads and fire departments and used for lifesaving and first aid, rescue, or firefighting purposes.
As of July 1, 1999, DMV permits will no longer be valid. During the 1999 session of the General Assembly, legislation was introduced (HB 2656) and passed which provides for permanent registration, free of charge, for vehicles owned by volunteer rescue squads and volunteer fire departments and used by them exclusively for rescue, lifesaving, and firefighting purposes. This replaces a system of exemption from registration for these vehicles.
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[H 2656] Approved March 22, 1999
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
46.2-649.1:1. Registration of vehicles owned and used by volunteer rescue squads or volunteer fire departments.
Upon application therefor, the Commissioner shall register and issue permanent license plates without year or month decals for display on any (i) firefighting truck, trailer, and semitrailer on which firefighting apparatus is permanently attached when any such vehicle is owned or under exclusive control of a volunteer fire department or (ii) ambulance or other vehicle owned or used exclusively by a volunteer fire department or volunteer lifesaving or first aid crew or rescue squad if any such vehicle is used exclusively as an ambulance or lifesaving and first aid vehicle and is not rented, leased, or lent to any private individual, firm, or corporation, and no charge is made by the organization for the use of the vehicle. The equipment shall be painted a distinguishing color and conspicuously display in letters and figures not less than three inches in height the identity of the volunteer fire department, lifesaving or first aid crew or rescue squad having control of its operation.
No fee shall be charged for any vehicle registration or license plate issuance under this section.
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IMPLEMENTATION: At the end of May, 1999, a letter of explanation will be mailed to all volunteer rescue squads and volunteer fire departments. This letter will include a set of permanent license plates without year or month decals and registration card for each emergency services vehicle on file at DMV.
As of July 1, 1999, license plates are required to be displayed on vehicles, front and rear, before the equipment may be operated on the highways in the Commonwealth. The license plate will have "Virginia" at the top of the plate and "Emergency Vehicle" at the bottom of the plate. Communiplates (personalized) will not be available. After July 1, 1999, permanent license plates may be requested from local DMV customer service centers. These plates will not be stocked locally and must be manufactured and mailed. In the interim, a sixty (60) day temporary tag will be issued and must be displayed on the vehicle.
Upon receipt of the letter, should you need assistance with registering any other emergency vehicles or have questions or need additional information, you may contact Mr. Jim Davidson of DMV at (804) 367-0379 or fax him at (804) 367-0363.