HD17 - Vehicle Use on Tangier Island

  • Published: 1994
  • Author: Department of State Police and Department of Transportation and Department of Motor Vehicles and State Corporation Commission and Bureau of Insurance
  • Enabling Authority: House Joint Resolution 654 (Regular Session, 1993)

Executive Summary:
This report is the result of House Joint Resolution No. 654 passed by the 1993 Session of the General Assembly. The purpose of this report is for the Department of State Police and three other state agencies to review vehicle use on Tangier Island. Specifically, the task is to review the use of "golf cart-like" vehicles, trams, and "Cushman" vehicles operated by residents of the island and to determine how to regulate their use.

The committee, made up of individuals of the four agencies, toured Tangier Island and identified and discussed the problems with the Mayor and town council. It became apparent that the town council is concerned about the resident and island liability aspects of these vehicles and their operation around the town. The town council indicated that they had been grappling with this problem for several years and thought that it was solved with the revision to § 46.2-676 of the Code of Virginia, exempting golf carts on Tangier Island from vehicle registration. Initially, there were only a few two-person golf carts that were imported onto the island for the residents' personal use. In the ensuing years, larger vehicles that could hold either more passengers or more cargo were introduced to the island. These new vehicles or trams were becoming a problem in terms of liability, insurance and safety.

The committee has proposed several recommendations that should assist the town of Tangier with their problem. The first and foremost recommendation is to exempt the town of Tangier from Title 46.2 of the Code of Virginia. This will prevent numerous revisions to the Code that will exempt vehicles located on Tangier Island and the peculiar situation brought about by the island. The committee has also suggested that the town consult with their town attorney or the Office of the Attorney General to obtain responses to their liability questions. Additionally, the committee has proposed a sample ordinance that may assist the town in the regulation of the trams.