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