56-550 - Police powers; violations of law.
§ 56-550. Police powers; violations of law.
A. The roadways and highways constructed or operated under this chapter maybe policed in whole or in part by officers of the Department of State Police,even though all or some portion of any such projects lie within the corporatelimits of a municipality or other political subdivision, and just as if theroadway and highway were a part of the state highway system. The operator andthe Department of State Police shall agree upon reasonable terms andconditions pursuant to which the activities contemplated in this section maytake place. Such officers shall be under the exclusive control and directionof the Superintendent of State Police and shall be responsible for thepreservation of public peace, prevention of crime, apprehension of criminals,protection of the rights of persons and property, and enforcement of the lawsof the Commonwealth, within the limits of any highway and roadway. All otherpolice officers of the Commonwealth and of each county, city, town or otherpolitical subdivision of the Commonwealth through which any roadway, orportion thereof, extends shall have the same powers and jurisdiction withinthe limits of such roadways and highways as they have beyond such limits andshall have access to the highway and roadway at any time for the purpose ofexercising such powers and jurisdiction. This authority does not extend tothe private offices, buildings, garages and other improvements of theoperator to any greater degree than the police power extends to any otherprivate buildings and improvements.
B. The traffic and motor vehicle laws of the Commonwealth shall apply topersons and motor vehicles on the roadway or highway, as shall Chapter 6 (§33.1-344 et seq.) of Title 33.1, and the powers of arrest of police officersshall be the same as those applying to conduct on the state highway system.Punishment for offenses shall be as prescribed by law for conduct occurringon the state highway system.
(1988, c. 649.)