Wireless telecommunications devices; prohibits use of while driving except in an emergency. (HB1955)

Introduced By

Del. Bobby Mathieson (D-Virginia Beach) with support from co-patron Del. Paula Miller (D-Norfolk)

Progress

Introduced
Passed Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Signed by Governor
Became Law

Description

Use of mobile telephone and other wireless electronic devices while driving.  Provides that, with certain exceptions, no person may use a mobile telephone or other wireless electronic telecommunications device while operating a moving motor vehicle on any public highway in the Commonwealth unless such mobile telephone or other wireless electronic telecommunications device is equipped with a hands-free accessory. Read the Bill »

Outcome

Bill Has Failed

History

DateAction
01/13/2009Committee
01/13/2009Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/14/09 098528618
01/13/2009Referred to Committee on Militia, Police and Public Safety
01/27/2009Assigned MPPS sub: #2
01/29/2009Subcommittee recommends incorporating into HB1769 by voice vote
02/10/2009Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety

Comments

Mike Mitchell writes:

The provision for "other wireless electronic telecommunications" is sufficiently vague as to open the bill to challenge. For example, licensed amateur radio operators (so called "hams") and long-haul truckers using CB radios have operated their moving motor vehicles safely for decades with these devices.

Current laws governing "inattentive driving" are sufficient to cover the recent instances of a small subset of the population that is incapable of driving and doing anything else, and is sufficient to prosecute attention-grabbing activities, such as texting, while operating a moving vehicle.