Va. Code § 46.2-1553: Operation without license plate prohibited

No manufacturer or distributor of or dealer in motor vehicles shall cause or permit any motor vehicle owned by him to be operated or moved on a public highway without there being displayed on the motor vehicle a license plate or plates issued to him, either under § 46.2-711 or under § 46.2-1548, except as otherwise authorized in §§ 46.2-733, 46.2-1554 and 46.2-1555.1988, c. 865, § 46.1-550.5:11; 1989, c. 727; 1995, cc. 767, 816.