I support HB 55 to use technology to address car and tractor trailer loud harassing NOISE LEVELS thru purposely modified exhaust systems which SERVES NO GOOD RATIONAL in modern day Virginia. Schools go into shut down emergency steps when a car exhaust system sounds like a gun shots that is purposely designed to mimick gun shots. Tractor Trailer exhaust systems when purposely modified to remove noise canceling parts of the exhaust system in conjunction with using ENGINE Brakes is a turning their trucks and dump trucks into "Weapons of Harassment" towards other drivers, home owners, businesses and schools. With the ports of Virginia Growth being a constant growth it is per State Police a increasing amount of tractor trailers from many other states bringing older versions of tractor trailers that do NOT have the 2015 to 2026 model year tractor trailers improved noise canceling devices in relation to Engine Brake use. Tractor trailers have the option to always use the quiet regular brakes as found on all vehicles, but many drivers choose the Engine Brake so save on wearing down of regular normal braking systems however the side effect is the LOUD BOOMING Blast wave for models 2014 and back to 1950's tractor trailers especially when the exhaust system is purposely modified.

I support HB 55 and HB 1349 using 21st century camera and noise recording technology to support police in addressing loud and purposely modified exhaust systems on automobiles and Tractor Trailers that are harassing and dangerous to other drivers, Schools, home owners an businesses that can also trigger vehicle crashes. HB 1349 specifically addresses the Engine Brake Harassment Noise. Police simply cannot be present all the time where this abuse is taking place on a constant daily basis. HB 55 was originally written in 2025 to address automobile drivers who purposely modify their exhaust systems to SOUND exactly like LOUD gun fire causing schools to go into emergency lock down protocols where children hide under their desks and police are called. This disrupts schools in a way that becomes like being in a war zone due to our recent society of having school shootings with children and teachers murdered or maimed. The tractor trailer purposely modified exhaust stacks, or allowed to fall out of proper noise dampening calibrations per State Police Standards is NOT a gun fire sound, but a worse BOOMING Blast Wave Percussion wave that is both FELT physically and HEARD. It penetrates walls, doors and windows easily, and wakes adults and children up, disrupts home study for education and general turning their tractor trailers into "Weapons of Harassment" as the intent. In states like Montana, California, Colorado, etc.. they have laws with HIGHER fines and signs specifically posted to alert tractor trailer drivers that "ENGINE BRAKE (a.k.a Jake Brakes) Exhaust Mufflers Required" because the booming loud blast wave from miles away can trigger avalanches and rock slides. With the Ports of Virginia Booming growth for many years now that relies heavily on in state and out of state tractor trailers to deliver cargo to the inland marine port in Front Royal Virginia, and beyond in all directions, HB 1349 addresses the long term abuse on citizens public safety lives. From my research speaking with ex-tractor trailer drivers and diesel mechanics that understand the design of the Engine Brake this is what I am providing the committee members and other citizens reading this now: 1. Tractor Trailer model years 2015 to 2026 have automatic built in engine brake noise canceling devices. Model years 2014 and prior back to the 1950's tractor trailers DO NOT have this noise canceling engine brake technology and it apparently is expensive to implement. 2. Tractor Trailer drivers who choose to harass other drivers, schools, businesses and homeowners along the roads they use will purposely invest MONEY into removing the top exhaust muffler cap, widen the diameter of their exhaust stacks and remove internal exhaust stack baffling so when the engine jake brake is used its now is a "Weapon of Harassment". ALL trucker drivers regardless of model year have the OPTION To choose the regular QUIET braking system, or the ENGINE brakes. Engine Brakes DO NOT wear down as fast a quieter regular braking system, however it is because they were designed to be for EMERGENCY DOWN HILL heavy loads. HB 1349 is a smart bill, and can be be amended so that the Engine Brake can be used in a TRUE EMERGENCY situations requiring a quick slowing down or stopping in residential home areas along roads with proper signage posted. A law exists that protects truckers from being harassed, but they are allowed to harass other drivers and people in their homes.

I strongly support HB 200, because it would advance transit access for Virginians and boost economic opportunity for our working class, while simultaneously addressing environmental costs (air quality impacts) and social injustices (high expense of car ownership).

See attached.

Written testimony in favor of HB 1003.

On behalf of Chamber of Progress – a tech industry association supporting public policies to build a more inclusive society in which all people benefit from technological advancements – I respectfully urge you to oppose HB 1003, which risks raising prices for Virginia riders, reducing earning opportunities for drivers, and threatening rideshare access for the communities that need it most.

Chair & Members of the Committee: I submit this written comment in support of HB1003 on behalf of Virginia rideshare drivers. Over recent years rideshare drivers have experienced substantial decline in net earnings after Uber & Lyft have switched to upfront fares model instead of time & distance model. Passenger fares & platform fees have increased. While companies frequently cite gross pay figures, Those numbers do not reflect the true costs drivers must absorb. In Virginia, the total cost of operating a vehicle for rideshare purposes including fuel, maintenance, repairs, tires, insurance & depreciation ranges approx. $0.65 to $0.75/ mile, depending on vehicle type & market conditions. Many rides share trips compensate at or below this cost, before accounting for unpaid waiting time, dead miles, traffic delays or labor. In effect drivers subsidize rides with personal vehicle equity and assume financial risks that no other transportation provider is expected to bear. HB1003 Represents a necessary step toward: 1) Increased transparency in rideshare compensation. 2) Economic sustainability for drivers. 3) Long-term reliability of Virginia’s transportation network. 4) Reduced dependence on public assistance among working drivers. The concerns raised by the drivers are supported by a recent groundbreaking research project by Columbia Business School researchers https:Sherman.medium.com/how-uber-became-a-csh-generating-machine-ef78e7a97230 I am attaching two pdf documents from Lyft showing their rate chart & costs for driving from 2024. I respectfully urge the committee to support HB1003 and recognize that sustainable driver pay is in the best interest of Virginia’s residents, workforce & economy. Respectfully Submitted, Sanjiv Vashist Virginia Rideshare Driver.

See attachment.

These bikes should be licensed with a registration fee and banned from residential neighborhoods.

Chair and Members of the Committee: On behalf of Broadlands Association, Inc., I am submitting testimony in strong support of HB 1120, which proposes the creation of a workgroup to review and modernize Virginia law regarding e‑bikes and other electric personal mobility devices. Broadlands, like many communities in Loudoun County, has experienced a significant increase in the use of e‑bikes, electric scooters, and similar devices—many of which exceed 750 watts. While these devices provide mobility and recreational benefits, they have also resulted in growing safety, behavioral, and property damage concerns, particularly when used by minors without adequate training, supervision, or understanding of applicable rules. Within our community, we have observed: Unsafe operation by minors, including failure to follow traffic rules or use appropriate protective equipment. Reckless riding on streets, sidewalks, and community trails, creating hazards for pedestrians, cyclists, pets, and motorists. Damage to common areas, landscaping, and natural spaces caused by off‑path riding and misuse. Challenges for law enforcement, including the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, in applying existing statutes because current laws do not clearly address these emerging device types. Local deputies have repeatedly communicated to us that many of these devices do not clearly fall into current statutory definitions for bicycles, mopeds, or motor vehicles. This makes it difficult to enforce safety expectations, apply age or operational requirements, or issue citations that hold up legally. The gap between existing law and modern technology leaves communities without effective tools to manage safety risks. HB 1120 is a necessary and timely step. A formal, structured workgroup—bringing together legislators, law enforcement, community associations, technical and safety experts, and industry participants—is the appropriate means to develop clear, consistent, and enforceable standards. Such a workgroup can provide thoughtful recommendations on: Appropriate age, training, and supervision requirements; Safety and equipment standards, including wattage classifications; Rules for operation on public roads, sidewalks, and multi‑use trails; Updated device classifications that reflect current technologies; Enforcement mechanisms that law enforcement agencies can reliably apply. Updating the legal framework will help ensure the safe use of e‑bikes and electric mobility devices, protect residents, reduce property damage, and support responsible, enjoyable recreation throughout our community. For these reasons, Broadlands Association, Inc. strongly supports HB 1120 and respectfully urges its passage. Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony.

On behalf of the Ashburn Village Community Association (AVCA), I am submitting testimony in strong support of HB 1120, which proposes the formation of a workgroup to examine and recommend updates to Virginia law regarding e‑bikes and other electric personal‑mobility devices. Our community has experienced a rapid increase in the use of e‑bikes, electric scooters, and similar devices with motors of 750 watts or more. While these technologies provide convenient and sustainable transportation options, they have also raised significant safety and property‑damage concerns, particularly when operated by minors or inexperienced users who may lack training or awareness of road rules. AVCA has observed unsafe operation by minors who often lack knowledge of traffic laws or proper safety equipment, reckless riding on streets, sidewalks, and trails that creates hazards for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists, and damage to common areas and landscaped spaces from off‑path riding or misuse. Additionally, law enforcement, including the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, faces challenges in applying existing statutes to these devices because current laws are outdated, unclear, or insufficient. These devices often do not fit neatly into existing classifications for bicycles, mopeds, or motor vehicles, making it difficult to address unsafe behavior, establish age or licensing requirements, or issue citations that hold up legally. HB 1120 represents a necessary step forward. A formal workgroup that includes lawmakers, law‑enforcement agencies, community associations, safety experts, and industry representatives can develop clear, modernized, and enforceable standards. Such a group can identify appropriate age and training requirements, establish equipment and safety standards, define operational rules for roads, trails, and sidewalks, update device classifications to reflect today’s technology, and provide effective enforcement tools that law‑enforcement agencies can reliably apply. Updating Virginia’s legal framework in this way will promote safer use of e‑bikes and other electric mobility devices, protect residents, reduce property damage, and support responsible recreation. For these reasons, the Ashburn Village Community Association strongly supports HB 1120 and urges its passage. Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony. Mark Walker General Manager Ashburn Village Community Association

Chair and Members of the Committee, On behalf of the Stone Ridge Association, I submit this testimony in support of HB 1120 and the proposed formation of a workgroup to review and modernize Virginia’s laws governing e-bikes and other electric personal mobility devices. Our community has seen a significant increase in the use of high-powered e-bikes and similar devices. While these devices offer benefits, current statutes do not clearly classify or regulate them, creating challenges for enforcement. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office has indicated that current laws make it difficult to apply age requirements, safety standards, and citations effectively in many cases. We have also observed safety concerns, including inexperienced or underage riders operating devices at unsafe speeds on streets, sidewalks, and shared trails, creating risks for pedestrians and motorists. In addition, improper use has resulted in damage to common areas and community property. A multidisciplinary workgroup is an appropriate and necessary step to establish clear classifications, safety standards, operational rules, and enforceable regulations that reflect current technology and promote public safety. For these reasons, the Stone Ridge Association respectfully urges passage of HB 1120. Thank you for your consideration. Kathy Beaulne, CMCA, AMS, LSM, PCAM General Manager Stone Ridge Association Aldie, Virginia

Good afternoon, Dear Chair and Members of the Committee, On behalf of the Birchwood Community Association, I am submitting testimony in strong support of HB 1120, which proposes the formation of a workgroup to examine and recommend updates to Virginia law related to e-bikes and other electric personal mobility devices. Birchwood is a 55+ community that includes beautiful trails that provide residents with important opportunities for fitness and offer connectivity to miles of trails leading to adjacent communities, county park facilities, and regional trailways. The Birchwood segment of the trail is located within a county-required public access easement, which allows for bicycle use. We understand that this means that Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are also permitted. Birchwood residents have expressed serious safety concerns related to the use of e-bikes, electric scooters, and similar devices of 750watts or more. Residents also express concerns about liability and property damage. Residents regularly report observations of minors disregarding road rules. The Association has engaged with neighboring communities, local law enforcement, and elected officials to share these concerns. We understand that the existing legislation makes it difficult to enforce. The existing statutes do not provide current and clear guidance for enforcement; it is difficult to visually distinguish between the various classes of e-bikes, to determine the age of the operator, and to issue citations that hold up legally. HB 1120 offers a key step forward. A formal workgroup to bring together stakeholders is vital to develop updated and actionable enforcement standards. Birchwood strongly supports HB 1120 and urges its passage. Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony. Rosemarie Linder CMCA, AMS, LSM, PCAM, General Manager Birchwood Community Association.

Written Testimony in Support of HB 1120 Brambleton Community Association (BCA) - Brambleton Virginia - Loudoun County Chair and Members of the Committee, On behalf of the Brambleton Community Association (BCA), I am submitting testimony in strong support of HB 1120, which proposes the formation of a workgroup to examine and recommend updates to Virginia law related to e‑bikes and other electric personal‑mobility devices. Our community is experiencing a rapid increase in the use of e‑bikes, electric scooters, and similar devices of 750watts or more. While these technologies offer benefits, they have also created significant safety and property‑damage concerns, particularly when operated by minors without adequate experience, training, or understanding of road rules. BCA has observed a pattern of community impacts, including: *Unsafe operation by minors who often lack knowledge of traffic laws or proper equipment. *Reckless riding on streets, sidewalks, and trails, creating hazards for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. *Damage to common areas and landscaped spaces from off‑path riding or misuse. *Difficulty for law‑enforcement agencies, including the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, in applying existing statutes to these new devices because current laws are outdated, unclear, or insufficient. Local deputies and other law‑enforcement partners regularly communicate their challenges in enforcement. The devices often do not fit neatly into existing classifications for bicycles, mopeds, or motor vehicles, making it difficult to address unsafe behavior, determine age or licensing requirements, or issue citations that hold up legally. HB 1120 provides a necessary step forward. A formal workgroup—bringing together lawmakers, law‑enforcement agencies, community associations, safety experts, and industry representatives—is the appropriate mechanism to develop clear, modernized, and enforceable standards. Such a group can help identify: *Appropriate age and training requirements *Equipment and safety standards *Operational rules for public roads, trails and sidewalks *Classification updates that reflect today’s technology *Enforcement tools that law‑enforcement agencies can reliably implement Updating the legal framework will promote safer use of e‑bikes and electric devices while protecting residents, reducing property damage, and supporting responsible recreation. For these reasons, BCA strongly supports HB 1120 and urges its passage. Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony. Rick Stone AMS, LSM, PCAM General Manager Brambleton Community Association

Please vote to Report HB1120, a much-needed effort to identify options to address safety issues caused by technology outpacing education and regulation. Education should he prominent in the scope of solutions considered. For that reason, please consider directing either or both the Department of Motor Vehicle or Department of Education to be co-leaders of the stakeholder workgroup.

We support this study because illegal and unregulated fast electric-powered personal mobility devices are a growing safety problem, both across our commonwealth and nationwide. We suggest, however, that the Department of Motor Vehicles, rather than the Department of Transportation, may be best suited to convene the referenced work group and that the Virginia dealers and distributors of such personal mobility devices should be included among the stakeholders.

Chair and Members of the Committee: I respectfully oppose HB 1124 as introduced because it risks foreclosing near-term, practical innovations that improve public transit access, especially first-mile/last-mile connections for people who cannot easily reach bus and rail service. 1) HB 1124 effectively bans driverless first-mile/last-mile shuttles on public roads. The bill requires a “human operator… physically present in the autonomous vehicle” who can monitor, intervene, and take control, including stopping the vehicle. That requirement may be workable for long-haul services, but it defeats the core value proposition of automated shuttles designed for short, low-speed, geofenced trips. It would prevent public agencies and partners from deploying driverless, ADA-supportive neighborhood circulators, station connectors, and campus-to-transit shuttles. 2) First-mile/last-mile is an accessibility and equity issue, not a novelty. Many riders, especially older adults, people with disabilities, and those without access to a car, face barriers reaching fixed-route transit. Automated shuttles can provide reliable, low-speed connections where sidewalks are incomplete, hills are steep, or crossings are challenging. Blocking these deployments risks worsening access gaps rather than improving them. 3) The bill’s one-size-fits-all approach could raise costs and reduce service. Requiring an in-vehicle human operator for every automated shuttle trip adds recurring labor costs and undermines the affordability of short-distance operations. For transit agencies already facing constrained budgets, this would force a trade-off: either abandon innovative connector service or cut existing routes/frequency to pay for staffing. That is the opposite of what Virginia should encourage. 4) Virginia should regulate for safety without prohibiting innovation. Safety is paramount, and autonomous operations should meet all applicable federal vehicle safety requirements and robust state safety standards. But HB 1124 goes further by embedding an in-vehicle operator mandate that eliminates the option of driverless, low-speed, geofenced deployments—even where those deployments may be appropriate and well-regulated. 5) Recommended path forward. Rather than an outright in-vehicle operator requirement, Virginia should: Allow limited, well-defined first-mile/last-mile deployments (e.g., low-speed, geofenced routes, defined ODD, strong remote monitoring and incident response). Require transparent safety plans, data reporting, and coordination with local governments and transit agencies. Provide an approval/permit framework for pilot programs with clear performance and safety benchmarks. Request: Please oppose HB 1124 as introduced, or amend it to explicitly preserve the ability of transit agencies and local partners to implement driverless first-mile/last-mile shuttle solutions under a rigorous safety and oversight framework. Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

Please find my written comments urging caution when considering this far-reaching legislation that would effectively ban the commercial use of fully autonomous vehicles.

See attachment.

As a blind No.VA resident, I am strongly against driverless vehicles coming into our state without important liability and insurance considerations first being worked out.

On behalf of Chamber of Progress, a tech industry association supporting public policies to build a society in which all people benefit from technological advances, I respectfully urge you to oppose HB 1124, which would require a human operator to be physically present in all commercial autonomous vehicle operations, undermining innovation and delaying proven safety benefits.

My name is Mike Godino. I reside at 301 Claybrook Drive in Waynesboro, VA 22980. here in the valley, we have very limited transportation and I am legally blind; therefore, I need and will access all options available to get from here to there. I oppose HR1125 as my inability to read the DMV eye chart prevents me from acquiring a driver's license in the state of Virginia. HR1125 requires the passenger has a driver's license. this requirement would disenfranchise my consideration to travel independently. forcing me to travel with a licensed driver. This requirement is as futile as not having a vehicle here in the valley thus leaving me without a reliable ride. I do however support HR1124 for the simple fact it would offer me more options of getting around. Since losing my vision in 1992, I have learned to trust technology and the benefits it can provide. Please pass HR1124 offering people who are blind more transportation options. Thank you, Mike Godino 540-471-8116

Please accept the attached testimony on behalf of the R Street Institute in opposition to HB1124.

On behalf of the Virginia Airport Operators Council (VAOC), which proudly represents the 66 public-use airports across the Commonwealth. Virginia’s airports are critical economic gateways, providing safe, secure, and efficient access to both our largest cities and our smallest communities. The VAOC is committed to ensuring that Virginia’s airport system remains commercially healthy and continues to safely serve the flying public. The VAOC strongly supports HB1231. This legislation makes permanent the improvements adopted in the last budget that significantly enhanced the administration of the Commonwealth Aviation Fund. The fund is vital to Virginia’s airport system, and its benefits to the Commonwealth have been substantial. As demonstrated in the Virginia Department of Aviation’s report, these changes have benefited airports statewide in a fair and equitable manner, while positioning the Commonwealth to remain responsive to the growing and evolving needs of its airports. We respectfully urge your favorable consideration and support of HB1231, and we look forward to its passage. Thank you for your time and consideration

Written testimony in favor of HB 1270.

Chair & Members of the Committee: I submit this written comment in support of HB1003 on behalf of Virginia rideshare drivers. Over recent years rideshare drivers have experienced substantial decline in net earnings after Uber & Lyft have switched to upfront fares model instead of time & distance model. Passenger fares & platform fees have increased. While companies frequently cite gross pay figures, Those numbers do not reflect the true costs drivers must absorb. In Virginia, the total cost of operating a vehicle for rideshare purposes including fuel, maintenance, repairs, tires, insurance & depreciation ranges approx. $0.65 to $0.75/ mile, depending on vehicle type & market conditions. Many rides share trips compensate at or below this cost, before accounting for unpaid waiting time, dead miles, traffic delays or labor. In effect drivers subsidize rides with personal vehicle equity and assume financial risks that no other transportation provider is expected to bear. HB1003 Represents a necessary step toward: 1) Increased transparency in rideshare compensation. 2) Economic sustainability for drivers. 3) Long-term reliability of Virginia’s transportation network. 4) Reduced dependence on public assistance among working drivers. The concerns raised by the drivers are supported by a recent groundbreaking research project by Columbia Business School researchers https:Sherman.medium.com/how-uber-became-a-csh-generating-machine-ef78e7a97230 I am attaching two pdf documents from Lyft showing their rate chart & costs for driving from 2024. I respectfully urge the committee to support HB1003 and recognize that sustainable driver pay is in the best interest of Virginia’s residents, workforce & economy. Respectfully Submitted, Sanjiv Vashist Virginia Rideshare Driver.

On behalf of the Ashburn Village Community Association (AVCA), I am submitting testimony in strong support of HB 1120, which proposes the formation of a workgroup to examine and recommend updates to Virginia law regarding e‑bikes and other electric personal‑mobility devices. Our community has experienced a rapid increase in the use of e‑bikes, electric scooters, and similar devices with motors of 750 watts or more. While these technologies provide convenient and sustainable transportation options, they have also raised significant safety and property‑damage concerns, particularly when operated by minors or inexperienced users who may lack training or awareness of road rules. AVCA has observed unsafe operation by minors who often lack knowledge of traffic laws or proper safety equipment, reckless riding on streets, sidewalks, and trails that creates hazards for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists, and damage to common areas and landscaped spaces from off‑path riding or misuse. Additionally, law enforcement, including the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, faces challenges in applying existing statutes to these devices because current laws are outdated, unclear, or insufficient. These devices often do not fit neatly into existing classifications for bicycles, mopeds, or motor vehicles, making it difficult to address unsafe behavior, establish age or licensing requirements, or issue citations that hold up legally. HB 1120 represents a necessary step forward. A formal workgroup that includes lawmakers, law‑enforcement agencies, community associations, safety experts, and industry representatives can develop clear, modernized, and enforceable standards. Such a group can identify appropriate age and training requirements, establish equipment and safety standards, define operational rules for roads, trails, and sidewalks, update device classifications to reflect today’s technology, and provide effective enforcement tools that law‑enforcement agencies can reliably apply. Updating Virginia’s legal framework in this way will promote safer use of e‑bikes and other electric mobility devices, protect residents, reduce property damage, and support responsible recreation. For these reasons, the Ashburn Village Community Association strongly supports HB 1120 and urges its passage. Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony. Mark Walker General Manager Ashburn Village Community Association

We support the intent of this bill and our members are working with the patron on minor technical edits.