The Daily Signal When Winter Hits, So Do Price Gouging Warnings: What Virginia Law Really Allows | Scott Goodman
Feb 11, 2026
Scott Goodman, a Charlottesville defense attorney who specializes in Virginia law, breaks down the state’s anti-price-gouging rules. He explains when the law kicks in, which goods and services are covered, and the 10-day pricing test. He also covers defenses businesses can use, how enforcement usually plays out, and why some emergency service pricing may be justified.
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What Virginia's Law Actually Prohibits
- Virginia's anti-price-gouging law bans "unconscionably higher" prices for essentials during a declared state of emergency compared to the prior 10 days.
- The law covers items like batteries, food, water, tree removal, and hotels, with hotels often easiest to prove gouging.
Las Vegas Rate Example
- Elise recounts a Las Vegas hotel listing a room rate of $14,599 per night as an example of absurd pricing.
- Scott responds that hotels would need to prove they actually charged that rate to defend against gouging claims.
How Businesses Can Justify Higher Prices
- Businesses can defend against gouging claims by showing increased supply costs and stable profit margins.
- Passing along higher supplier costs differs from doubling prices simply to exploit customers during emergencies.