Virginia laws by category

Virginia's Statewide Fire Prevention Code bars buying, selling, storing, using or igniting fireworks. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

A permit is required to carry a concealed handgun on your person (Va. Code § 18.2-308), and you must be 21 or older to apply. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Virginia is a control state: the Virginia ABC Board establishes and operates government stores for the sale of spirits (plus farm-winery wine, distiller-made low-alcohol coolers, vermouth and mixers), and it sets the retail prices charged there (Va. Code 4.1-119). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Virginia bans radar and laser detectors and jammers: it is unlawful to drive a motor vehicle on Virginia highways equipped with any device that detects or interferes with police speed-measuring radar or laser, to use one, or to sell one in Virginia. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

In Virginia, landowners must pile debris or clear around it before burning so fire cannot spread to other land, and any open-air fire within 150 feet of woods, brush or dry grass must be attended and fully put out (Va. Code 10.1-1142). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

In Virginia, you need a freshwater fishing license from age 16. Licenses are issued by the Virginia Dept. of Wildlife Resources (DWR); saltwater fishing falls under VMRC.

In Virginia, adults 21 and older may possess up to 2 ounces of marijuana on their person or in public; more is a civil penalty of up to $25, more than 4 ounces outside a residence is a misdemeanor, and more than 1 pound is a felony (Va. Code 4.1-1100). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

In Virginia, when hunting any species during a firearms deer season and on youth/apprentice deer weekend, every hunter and every person accompanying a hunter must wear solid blaze orange or blaze pink. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Virginia sports betting is legal, primarily online/mobile with retail sportsbooks, and you must be 21+. Retail is at licensed casinos; online/mobile has been live since Jan 2021. Regulated by the Virginia Lottery.

Virginia requires every operator, of any age, of a motorboat with a 10 hp or greater engine, and every PWC operator, to have a boating safety course completion card on board. No one under 14 may operate a PWC, and 14- and 15-year-olds must show proof of an approved course, not the challenge exam.

Virginia's concealed-weapons law (Va. Code 18.2-308) does not list switchblade knives, but it still makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to carry hidden a dirk, bowie knife, stiletto knife, ballistic knife, machete, razor or any weapon of like kind. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.