Handheld personal communications devices; use while driving, penalty. (HB461)
Introduced By
Del. Rich Anderson (R-Woodbridge) with support from co-patrons Del. Gordon Helsel (R-Poquoson), Del. Ken Plum (D-Reston), Del. Sam Rasoul (D-Roanoke), and Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-Herndon)
Progress
✓ |
Introduced |
✗ |
Passed Committee |
☐ |
Passed House |
☐ |
Passed Senate |
☐ |
Signed by Governor |
☐ |
Became Law |
Description
Use of handheld personal communications devices while driving; penalty. Expands the prohibition on manually entering multiple letters or text in a handheld communications device while operating a motor vehicle to also prohibit the manual selection of multiple icons and removes the condition that such manual entry is prohibited only if performed as a means of communicating with another person. The bill prohibits the operator of a motor vehicle from reading any information displayed on the device; current law prohibits reading an email or text message. The bill provides that this prohibition does not apply to reading any information displayed through the use of a global position system for the purposes of navigation. The bill eliminates the current exemption from the prohibition on using a handheld personal communications device while operating a motor vehicle when the vehicle is stopped or not moving; the current exemption from the prohibition when the vehicle is parked is not affected. Amends § 46.2-1078.1, of the Code of Virginia. Read the Bill »
Outcome
History
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 01/08/2016 | Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/13/16 16100911D |
| 01/08/2016 | Referred to Committee on Militia, Police and Public Safety |
| 01/15/2016 | Referred from Militia, Police and Public Safety |
| 01/15/2016 | Referred to Committee on Transportation |
| 01/29/2016 | Assigned Transportation sub: Subcommittee #1 |
| 02/08/2016 | Subcommittee recommends reporting (6-Y 1-N) |
| 02/11/2016 | Continued to 2017 in Transportation |
| 12/01/2016 | Left in Transportation |
Comments
Thank you to those who sponsored this important legislation. I frequently drive on Fairfax County Parkway, I-95, 395, and 495.
Each day I am behind someone or beside someone who is clearly texting. Texters impede traffic, they disrupt trafffic, but most of all, they pose a safety hazard. I do my best to avoid the distracted car weaving and erratic speeds, but I find myself constantly praying the texters will look up and not hit me.
How this bill died is beyond me.
Please revive it. Recent Traffic accident reports justify the need to send a clear message that texting is dangerous and unacceptable. Texters shouldn't get a free pass to make our roads unsafe.
Sincerely,
Marilyn Harriman