EXHIBIT 99


                         PREMIER BANKSHARES CORPORATION

          This proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors.


         The  undersigned  hereby  appoints  William  R.  Rakes  and Jay  Robert
Buchanan  and  each  of  them,  Proxies  of  the  undersigned,   with  power  of
substitution,  to  vote  all  shares  of  Common  Stock  of  Premier  Bankshares
Corporation  ("Premier") which the undersigned could vote if personally  present
at the  Special  Meeting  of  Stockholders  to be  held  May ,  1997,  or at any
adjournment or adjournments thereof.


PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE  AFFILIATION  AND MERGER OF PREMIER  WITH AND INTO FIRST
VIRGINIA  BANKS,  INC.  ("FIRST  VIRGINIA"),  AS PROVIDED IN AND PURSUANT TO THE
AGREEMENT  AND PLAN OF  REORGANIZATION  DATED AS OF  OCTOBER  29,  1996  BETWEEN
PREMIER AND FIRST  VIRGINIA,  AND THE RELATED PLAN OF MERGER DATED AS OF OCTOBER
29, 1996 BETWEEN PREMIER AND FIRST VIRGINIA.

          [   ] FOR               [   ] AGAINST          [   ] ABSTAIN


                 (Continued and to be signed on the other side)

         The undersigned  further gives the Proxies  authority to vote according
to their best judgment with respect to any other matters  properly coming before
the meeting and any adjournment or adjournments thereof.

         This proxy when properly  executed will be voted in the manner directed
herein by the  undersigned.  If no direction is given,  this proxy will be voted
FOR the proposal to approve the  affiliation and merger of Premier with and into
First Virginia.

         The undersigned  acknowledges  receipt of the Notice of Special Meeting
of Stockholders and of the Proxy Statement-Prospectus,  both dated April , 1997.
Please sign exactly as name(s) appear(s) below.

- --------------------------------------------
Signature


- --------------------------------------------
Signature, if held jointly


Date:_______________________________________


PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN
THIS PROXY PROMPTLY USING THE
ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.