Chapter 14. Evidence · Article 9. Miscellaneous Provisions · Last amended 2024 · Last verified July 16, 2026
In one sentenceSection 8.01-419.1 lets a party prove a vehicle’s fair market value using tabulated retail values from recognized guides such as the NADA books or the J.D. Power Official Used Car Guide, subject to other evidence showing the vehicle’s actual condition made its value higher or lower than the guide reflects.
Full Text of § 8.01-419.1
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Whenever in any case not otherwise specifically provided for the value of an automobile is in issue, either civilly or criminally, the tabulated retail values set forth in the National Automobile Dealers' Association (NADA) "yellow" or "black" books, the J.D. Power Official Used Car Guide, or any vehicle valuation service regularly used and recognized in the automobile industry that is in effect on the relevant date, shall be admissible as evidence of fair market value on the relevant date.
The determination of value shall be subject to such other creditable evidence as any party may offer to demonstrate that the value as set forth in the NADA or J.D. Power publication or any vehicle valuation service utilized by another party fails to reflect the actual condition of the vehicle and that therefore the value may be greater or less than that shown by the NADA or J.D. Power publication or any vehicle valuation service.
Plain-English Summary
When a case not otherwise governed by a specific statute turns on what a car was worth, this section supplies a shortcut. The tabulated retail values in the NADA “yellow” or “black” books, the J.D. Power Official Used Car Guide, or any regularly used and recognized vehicle valuation service, as they stood on the relevant date, come in as evidence of fair market value — civil or criminal.
That published figure is not the final word. Any party can offer other credible evidence showing that the guide’s number does not reflect the vehicle’s actual condition — accident damage, unusual mileage, or upgrades, for example — and that the real value runs higher or lower than what the book says.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a published guide like NADA be used to prove what a car was worth?
Yes. Tabulated retail values from the NADA books, the J.D. Power Official Used Car Guide, or a similarly recognized valuation service are admissible as evidence of fair market value.
Does this section apply only in civil cases?
No. It applies whenever a vehicle’s value is at issue, either civilly or criminally, in a case not otherwise specifically provided for.
Which date’s valuation figures matter?
The guide or valuation service in effect on the relevant date to the case.
Can a party argue the car was worth more or less than the guide says?
Yes. Other creditable evidence may be offered to show the vehicle’s actual condition made its value greater or less than the published figure.
Is a formal appraisal required to prove a vehicle’s value under this section?
No. A recognized published guide’s tabulated value is admissible on its own, without an independent appraisal.
Amendment History
1993, c. 759; 2006, c. 402; 2024, c. 480.
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Code of Virginia, published by the
Code of Virginia, Virginia Division of Legislative Automated Systems. Last verified July 16, 2026.
· Official source
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