SB225: Motor vehicle doors; drivers and passengers to wait for a reasonable opportunity to open.


SENATE BILL NO. 225
Senate Amendments in [ ] -- January 27, 2014
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 46.2-818.1, relating to opening and closing of motor vehicle doors.
Patron Prior to Engrossment--Senator Petersen
Referred to Committee on Transportation

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 46.2-818.1 as follows:

§ 46.2-818.1. Opening and closing motor vehicle doors; penalty.

No person shall open the door of a motor vehicle on the side adjacent to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so.

A violation of this section shall constitute a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of no more than  [ $100 $50 ] . No demerit points shall be awarded by the Commissioner for a violation of this section.

The provisions of this section shall not apply to any law-enforcement officer, school guard, firefighter, or member of a rescue squad engaged in the performance of his duties.

SENATE BILL NO. 225

Offered January 8, 2014
Prefiled January 3, 2014
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 46.2-818.1, relating to opening and closing of motor vehicle doors.
Patron-- Petersen
Referred to Committee on Transportation

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 46.2-818.1 as follows:

§ 46.2-818.1. Opening and closing motor vehicle doors; penalty.

No person shall open the door of a motor vehicle on the side adjacent to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so.

A violation of this section shall constitute a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of no more than $100. No demerit points shall be awarded by the Commissioner for a violation of this section.

The provisions of this section shall not apply to any law-enforcement officer, school guard, firefighter, or member of a rescue squad engaged in the performance of his duties.