As of 2021, Virginia law prohibits police from stopping motorists solely for minor infractions such as a broken tail light, as part of reforms to limit pretextual traffic stops.
This means that if your tail light is broken or malfunctioning, an officer cannot pull you over specifically for that reason in Virginia.
However, if you are stopped for another valid reason (such as speeding, running a stop sign, or another moving violation), and the officer discovers your tail light is broken, they can issue a summons for the tail light violation at that time.
In summary, a broken tail light is not sufficient grounds for a primary traffic stop, but it remains a ticketable offense if discovered during a stop for another reason.
Additionally, Virginia law requires vehicles to have two properly functioning red tail lights plainly visible from 500 feet to the rear.
While police cannot stop you for failing to illuminate your license plate with a white light, the main tail light function is still a safety requirement—though, again, not a primary reason for a stop as of recent law changes.
Sources:
- https://www.oldtownlawyers.com/what-to-do-when-pulled-over-for-a-traffic-violation-in-virginia/
- https://www.valegalservices.com/blog/what-is-a-pretextual-traffic-stop/
- https://hamptonroadslawfirm.com/downgrading-minor-traffic-offenses-in-virginia/
- https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter10/section46.2-1013/