With changes to the Virginia unlicensed farm use vehicle laws now enforceable as of July 1, 2024, the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation (VFBF), Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Virginia State Police (VSP), and Virginia Sheriffs’ Association (VSA) saw an opportunity for partnership and created an all-in-one resource to support those issuing placards, enforcing the regulations, and utilizing the farm use exemption.

“A Farmer’s Guide: Virginia Farm Use Plates” and other helpful resources are available for download on the Virginia Farm Bureau and DMV websites. Use the DMV Customer Service Center Locator to find your closest DMV.

Beginning July 1, pickup trucks, panel trucks, and SUVs claiming the unlicensed farm use vehicle exemption with a gross vehicle weight rating less than or equal to 7,500 pounds are required to display a DMV-issued permanent farm use placard on the vehicle’s front and rear. Permanent placards are available for a one-time fee of $15 and are valid for the lifetime of the vehicle. These DMV-issued placards are assigned to a specific vehicle upon application and are not transferrable. If a farmer has a qualifying vehicle under these new requirements, they are encouraged to apply for the DMV-issued permanent farm use placard as soon as possible.

"We know Virginia's farmers are working hard to ensure they are compliant, and we truly believe that this brochure will be immensely helpful as they determine which plate or placard is right for them," said Virginia DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey. "We are grateful for this opportunity to collaborate with our partners, and we are very happy to be able to share this with the public."

This comprehensive resource demonstrates what is possible through partnership and collaboration. Designed to be a helpful tool for all parties impacted by the changes to farm use, the VFBF, DMV, VSP, and the VSA worked to ensure all frequently asked questions were answered in the brochure and have prioritized its distribution amongst their membership and employees.

"The Virginia State Police understands the complexity of the changes to Virginia's farm use tags," said VSP Colonel Gary T. Settle. "That's why this collaborative outreach is so important. The ultimate objectives for our agencies are to ease the process and achieve full compliance with these new laws."

The unlicensed farm use vehicle exemption has been a resource for Virginia farmers for over 50 years. The 2023 General Assembly approved changes to the exemption to address abuses by the non-farming community, while continuing to protect a program critical to Virginia’s number one private industry. The VFBF, DMV, VSP, and VSA have continued to develop a strong partnership in the one-year grace period provided by the 2023 legislation and are eager to provide a smooth transition for all.

“The Virginia Sheriffs’ Association welcomes this partnership to educate and inform our community members of the new standards in effect July 1, 2024,” said VSA President and Frederick County Sheriff Lenny Millholland. “We look forward to a smooth and seamless transition in the implementation and enforcement of the new laws.”

Virginia farmers are encouraged by this partnership and have worked diligently in the last year to ensure compliance by the July 1 enforcement date.

“Many farmers, including myself, rely on farm use vehicles each growing season,” said VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor. “Virginia Farm Bureau is grateful for the partnership of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, the Virginia State Police and the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association to ensure that these changes do not burden those properly utilizing the program.”

Farm Bureau’s hope “is that the ‘A Farmer’s Guide: Virginia Farm Use Plates’ brochure will provide clarity on the new changes to the farm use law and make the program easier to navigate,” said VFBF Local & State Advocacy Specialist Katelyn Jordan. “Virginia farmers have long relied on the farm use exemption, and they are eager to become compliant with the new requirements and preserve access to the program.”