# Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-13: Operation of aircraft while under influence of intoxicating liquors or drugs; reckless operation

> Virginia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-13

## Section

- **Citation:** Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-13
- **Heading:** Operation of aircraft while under influence of intoxicating liquors or drugs; reckless operation
- **Jurisdiction:** Virginia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Virginia Code / Title 5.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 2 / Section 5.1-13

## Text

Any person who operates any aircraft within the airspace over, above or upon the lands or waters of the Commonwealth while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or of any narcotic or marijuana or any habit-forming drugs is guilty of a felony and shall be confined in a state correctional facility not less than one nor more than five years, or, in the discretion of the court or jury trying the case, be confined in jail not exceeding 12 months and fined not exceeding $500, or both such fine and imprisonment.

Any person who operates any aircraft within the airspace over, above or upon the lands or waters of the Commonwealth carelessly or heedlessly in willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others, or without due caution and circumspection and in a manner so as to endanger any person or property, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 5-10.1; 1964, c. 416; 1966, c. 576; 2026, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1 .

## Nearby sections

- [Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-13 Operation of aircraft while under influence of intoxicating liquors or drugs; reckless operation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-13.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-14 Operation of unregistered aircraft](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-14.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-15 Operation of aircraft by unlicensed persons](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-15.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-16 Tampering with, etc., airplanes or markings of airports, landing fields or other aeronautical facilities](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-16.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-16.1 Misuse of licensed airports](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-16.1.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-17 Use of aircraft for hunting](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-17.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-18 Repealed](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-18.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-20 Pilot may restrain or arrest person interfering with operation of aircraft carrying passengers for hire](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-20.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-21 Powers of conservator of the peace conferred upon pilot](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-21.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-21.1 Powers of conservators of the peace conferred upon airport managers or designees](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-21.1.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-22 Interference with operation of aircraft; penalties; venue](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-22.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-23 Jurisdiction of local and State Police](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-23.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-24 Penalties](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-24.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-25 Operation of aircraft by nonresident](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-25.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-13. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.