Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has issued a proclamation that expedites the safety inspection process for commercial motor vehicles traveling the state's highways, in an effort to get more trucking fleets titled and registered in the state.


Effective immediately, any commercial motor vehicle, subject to regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), that is registered in Virginia and operates in interstate commerce, and is found to meet the federal requirements for annual safety inspection, is in compliance with Virginia safety inspection laws.

"Previously, heavy trucks that operate in multiple jurisdictions were required to display a Virginia safety inspection sticker if the vehicle displayed Virginia license plates," said McDonnell. "Many large trucking firms meet safety inspection requirements through a self-inspection program authorized by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. By accepting the federally authorized safety inspection programs, Virginia affords trucking companies flexibility to keep fleets safely moving from state to state without stopping at a Virginia inspection station once a year."

"As a result of the Commonwealth's adoption of the federal safety inspection requirements together with existing benefits such as permanent plates, an electronic renewal system and no sales and use tax on the purchase of trucks and trailers over 26,000 pounds, companies will be more inclined to select Virginia for vehicle titling and registration needs," said Secretary of Transportation Sean Connaughton.