When evidence is admissible as to one party or for one purpose bu t not admissible as to another party or for another purpose, the court upon motion must restrict such evidence to its proper scope and instruct the jury accordingly. The court may give such limiting instructions sua sponte, to which any party may object.
Rule 2:105.PROOF ADMITTED FOR LIMITED PURPOSES
Part Two: Virginia Rules of Evidence · Last amended 2021 · Last verified July 16, 2026
In one sentenceRule 2:105 requires a court, on motion, to restrict evidence that is admissible for one party or purpose but not another to its proper scope and instruct the jury accordingly, while also allowing the court to give that limiting instruction on its own.
Full Text of Rule 2:105
Plain-English Summary
Some evidence is admissible for a narrow reason — it might be relevant to one party’s claim but not another’s, or admissible to prove one fact but not a related one. Rule 2:105 requires the court, when a party asks, to restrict that evidence to its proper scope and tell the jury what it can and cannot use the evidence for.
The rule does not require a party to ask first. A court may give a limiting instruction on its own, without waiting for a motion, though any party is free to object if it disagrees with how the court frames the instruction or whether one is warranted.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Rule 2:105 come into play?
Whenever evidence is admissible as to one party or for one purpose but not admissible as to another party or purpose. The rule requires the court, on motion, to restrict the evidence to its proper scope.
Do I have to ask for a limiting instruction, or will the court give one automatically?
A court can give a limiting instruction sua sponte, without a motion. Rule 2:105 also lets a party request one, and the court must restrict the evidence and instruct the jury accordingly once asked.
Can I object to a limiting instruction the court gives on its own?
Yes. Rule 2:105 states that when the court gives a limiting instruction sua sponte, any party may object to it.
What kind of evidence typically needs a limiting instruction?
Evidence relevant to one claim, defense, or party but not another is a common example — such as evidence admissible against one co-defendant but not another, or admissible to show a fact like motive but not to prove a person’s general character.
What happens if the court doesn’t restrict evidence admitted for a limited purpose?
A party can move the court to restrict the evidence to its proper scope and instruct the jury. Failing to seek that relief, or failing to object to how a sua sponte instruction is framed, can affect whether the issue is preserved for later review.
Amendment History
Adopted and promulgated by Order dated June 1, 2012; effective July 1, 2012. Last amended by Order dated November 13, 2020; effective July 1, 2021.
Source & verification. Rule text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Rules of Supreme Court of Virginia, published by the
Supreme Court of Virginia. Last verified July 16, 2026.
· Official source
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