Handheld personal communications device; prohibits use while operating motor vehicle, etc., penalty. (HB22)

Introduced By

Del. Algie Howell (D-Norfolk)

Progress

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

Description

Use of handheld personal communications devices; penalty.  Prohibits any use of a handheld personal communications device while operating a motor vehicle, bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped on the highways in the Commonwealth and makes such use a primary offense. Read the Bill »

Outcome

Bill Has Failed

History

DateAction
12/16/2009Committee
12/16/2009Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/13/10 10100264D
12/16/2009Referred to Committee on Militia, Police and Public Safety
01/19/2010Assigned MPPS sub: #2
01/21/2010Subcommittee recommends laying on the table
02/16/2010Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety

Comments

Karen Cole writes:

This is ridiculous!!! It was one thing to introduce this for inexperienced drivers where a majority of the problems have occurred. It is quite another to introduce it for everyone - the majority of which have not been causing problems.

People use these devices as part of their daily lives and use them responsibly. This is an example of excessive legislation! If this bill goes through, then law enforcement should get NO exemption from it. They are drivers like the rest of us.

Kenneth Ehrenthal writes:

Both hand held and hands-free devices should be prohibited. Both cause inattention to the primary function of the automobile, and that is driving safely.

tg4360 writes:

This and the law it modifies is another example of the GA wasting time and money. I doubt that any tickets have been issued for this as it is almost un-enforceable.

It's a waste of time and money to even attempt to amend a law that is defective in the first place and should be repealed.