CHAPTER 238

An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Title 19.1 thereof a
chapter numbered 8.1 containing sections numbered 19.1-186.1
through 19.1-186.2, to allow presentation and consideration by courts
or juries, before imposition of sentence, of prior traffic records of
persons found guilty of certain traffic offenses; and of certain sus-
pensions and revocations of certain licenses; and to provide the pro-
cedure in such cases.

(S 70]

Approved March 31, 1964

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia :
1. That the Code of Virginia be amended by adding in Title 19.1 thereof
a chapter numbered 8.1 containing sections numbered 19.1-186.1 and
19.1-186.2, as follows:
CHAPTER 8.1

§ 19.1-186.1 (a) The term “traffic offense” when used in this Chapter
shall mean any moving traffic violation described or enumerated in Para-
graphs (a) and (b) of § 46.1-412.

(b) The term “Prior Traffic Record” when used in this Chapter shall
mean the record of prior suspensions and revocations of an operator’s or
chauffeur’s license, and the record of prior convictions of traffic offenses
described in Paragraph (a) of this section.

§ 19.1-186.2. When any person is found guilty of a traffic offense, the
court or jury trying the case may consider the prior traffic record of the
defendant before imposing sentence as provided by law. After the prior
traffic record of the defendant has been introduced, the defendant shall be
afforded an opportunity to present evidence limited to showing the nature
of his prior convictions, suspensions and revocations.