Citations for Motor Carrier Violations
Overweight Citation (Form MCS-1)
A Virginia overweight citation is issued when a carrier is operating a vehicle on Virginia highways and the vehicle's weight exceeds the statutory weight limits per the Code of Virginia § 46.2-1133.
A Virginia overweight citation is directed to the owner, operator or other person(s) responsible for the offense as determined by the issuing officer or agent. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is responsible for collecting payment for Virginia overweight citations and is not authorized to waive or adjust the assessed amount of a citation.
Motor Carrier Citation (Form MCS-303)
A Virginia motor carrier citation is issued when a carrier is in violation per the Code of Virginia § 46.2-613.1 of any of the following:
- Failure to obtain/display vehicle registration, title, or license plate.
- Non-compliance with Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)
- Failure to pay vehicle registration fee or proper vehicle registration fee.
- Failure to obtain International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) or Operating Authority registration.
- Failure to to display IFTA or Operating Authority Registration.
- Operating after IFTA or Operating Authority registration has been revoked, cancelled, or suspended.
- Exceeding size limitations.
NOTE: For certain violations, the driver may be instructed to park and not move the vehicle until full compliance is satisfied.
A Virginia motor carrier citation is directed to the owner, operator or other person(s) responsible for the violation as determined by the issuing officer or agent. DMV is responsible for levying a civil penalty and a processing fee and collecting payment for Virginia motor carrier citations. DMV is not authorized to waive or adjust the amount due for the citation.
Penalties
Failure to make full payment or submit a written Notice of Elect to Contest Request to DMV within 21 calendar days of the offense date will result in the suspension of your privilege to operate on Virginia highways. In addition, a $50 reinstatement fee will be assessed. Your vehicles may be detained in Virginia until the total amount due is paid.
Contesting the Citation
You may deliver the signed citation to DMV by mail or in person to contest the charge. Your contest request must be received by DMV within 21 calendar days after the citation is served.
- Check the "Contest the Charge" box in the "How To Comply" section on the front side of the citation document.
- Sign and date the citation.
- Notify DMV (in person or by mail)
NOTE: IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you send your request to DMV by Certified Mail and that you retain confirmation in your records. Timely delivery by regular mail is at your risk.
- By mail: Send the signed citation to the following address:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Motor Carrier Services, Room 608
P.O. Box 27412
Richmond, VA 23269-0001 - In person: Present the signed citation to any Virginia DMV Customer Service Center.
- By mail: Send the signed citation to the following address:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
- Customer notification: DMV will send you a written confirmation within five (5) business days that your request has been received and processed, and that your case has been forwarded to the court for trial. Contact DMV Motor Carrier Services at (804) 249-5130 if you do not receive this written confirmation.
- You must then appear in court prepared to contest your case on the date, time, and location specified in your written confirmation.
- Once your case is heard, a final case disposition is issued by the court. The Code of Virginia requires that the disposition be satisfied within 30 calendar days after the trial date.
- Failure to satisfy the final case disposition within 30 calendar days will result in the suspension of your privilege to operate on Virginia highways. In addition, a $50 reinstatement fee will be assessed. Your vehicles may be detained in Virginia until the total amount is paid.
