Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

What must every person operating a motor vehicle on a highway carry?

1. Insurance documentation only

2. Operator's License and Registration Card

3. Emergency contact information

4. Traffic safety pamphlet

The correct answer is: Operator's License and Registration Card

To operate a motor vehicle on a highway legally, every person must carry both an operator's license and a registration card. The operator's license serves as proof that the individual is legally permitted to drive, having passed the necessary tests and met state requirements. The registration card provides evidence that the vehicle is registered with the state and meets ownership and legal standards. While insurance documentation is also necessary and is often required to show proof of financial responsibility, it is not listed as a mandatory item in this specific context alongside the license and registration. Emergency contact information and traffic safety pamphlets, while useful, are not legally required to be carried when driving. Thus, possessing both a valid operator's license and a vehicle registration card is critical to ensure compliance with state laws governing motor vehicle operation.