Friday, November 21, 2008
The General Assembly is not in session.
Tracking Virginia’s General Assembly
since 2007.
HB715: Cellular telephones; prohibits use while driving.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 46.2-1078.1 as follows:
§ 46.2-1078.1. Use of certain wireless communication devices prohibited in moving motor vehicles.
A. The use of a wireless communication device by the operator of a moving motor vehicle on a public road or highway is prohibited unless the device is designed for hands-free communication and is being used in that manner.
B. The prohibitions set forth in this section shall not be applicable if the operator:
1. Is performing his official duties as a law-enforcement officer, a member of a volunteer fire department, or an operator of an emergency vehicle as defined in subsection C of § 46.2-920;
2. Has reason to fear for his life or safety, or is witness to or may be victim of a criminal act;
3. Is reporting an emergency, including but not limited to a fire, a traffic accident, or a serious road hazard; or
4. Is initiating or terminating a telephone call or turning the wireless device on or off.
C. For purposes of this section, wireless communication devices shall not include:
1. Electronic displays used in conjunction with vehicle navigation systems;
2. Closed-circuit video monitors designed to operate only in conjunction with dedicated video cameras and used in rearview systems on trucks and motor homes; and
3. Television receivers or monitors used in government-owned vehicles by law-enforcement officers and employees of the Virginia Department of Transportation in the course of their official duties.
D. A driver may be fined not more than $50 for violating this section. No driver demerit points shall be assessed by the Department for this offense.
Additional Data
Explanation
This is the actual text of the bill — the legislation itself. Generally this is amending existing law, proposing the addition or removal of words from laws that are already on the books.
Words that are highlighted in yellow are
proposed additions, and words that are crossed out in
red are proposed removals.
The numbers with the § symbol before them are references to existing laws, and if you click on them they’ll take you to that part of the law on the state's website.