The first element is the genitive case of the word vágr which means "bay" or "inlet".

Bruvik's arms were granted on 14 December 1960, just a few years earlier, and they were in use until 16 November 1990 when a new design was approved.

This means the arms have a blue field (background) and the charge is a cogwheel with a chevron shape above it.

The charge has a tincture of argent which means it is commonly colored white, but if it is made out of metal, then silver is used.

The official blazon is "Or, three shuttles sable palewise two and one" (Norwegian: På gul grunn tre opprette svarte skytlar).

The shuttles were chosen to represent the past and present textile industry of the municipality.

It is part of the Hardanger og Voss prosti (deanery) in the Diocese of Bjørgvin.

[13] Dale and Vaksdal are industrial villages that arose around factories utilising the hydro-electric power resources provided by the mountainous terrain and rainy climate.

During the German invasion of Norway during World War II, from 19 April to 24 April, there was heavy fighting within the borders of the present municipality, with German forces advancing along the railway line from Bergen towards Voss.

The municipal council (Kommunestyre) of Vaksdal is made up of 21 representatives that are elected to four year terms.

The tables below show the current and historical composition of the council by political party.