WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 451

Duty of care and liability of landowner; injury or death of person operating off-road motorcycle.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Emily Jordan

SB 451 adjusts Virginia landowner liability standards for off-road motorcycle injuries, likely expanding or clarifying protections for property owners permitting this recreational use.

Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 451

Legislative bill overview

SB 451 modifies Virginia's landowner liability laws specifically regarding injuries or deaths caused by off-road motorcycles on private property. The bill establishes new duty of care standards and liability protections for property owners who allow recreational off-road motorcycle use on their land. This represents a targeted adjustment to existing tort law governing landowner-guest relationships in the context of a specific recreational activity.

Why is this important

Landowners currently face uncertain liability exposure when permitting recreational activities on their property, which can discourage private land access for outdoor enthusiasts. Off-road motorcycle use is a popular recreational activity, and clarifying legal responsibilities could either encourage or restrict this access depending on the bill's specific provisions. The outcome affects property rights, recreational access, and insurance considerations for Virginia landowners.

Potential points of contention

  • Liability shield scope: Unclear whether the bill provides broad immunity to landowners or maintains significant duty standards; this will determine if landowners can safely permit motorcycle use
  • Assumption of risk vs. negligence: The balance between requiring riders to assume inherent risks versus protecting them from landowner negligence (maintenance, dangerous conditions)
  • Insurance and injury compensation: How the liability changes affect riders' ability to recover damages and insurance markets' willingness to cover recreational activities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.