Distracted driving; handheld personal communications devices, driving with an animal. (HB177)

Introduced By

Del. Dickie Bell (R-Staunton)

Progress

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

Description

Distracted driving; handheld personal communications devices; driving with an animal. Prohibits a vehicle operator from using his hands to use a handheld personal communications device while driving. Current law only prohibits the use of a handheld personal communications device for certain purposes while operating a moving vehicle. The bill exempts any person who is using a radio-based communications device during an emergency or disaster relief operation or who is using a handheld personal communications device to initiate or terminate a telephone call; the bill maintains the current exemptions for any person who is stopped or parked, emergency personnel, and reporting an emergency. The bill also prohibits any person, while operating a moving motor vehicle, to (i) have an animal on his lap, (ii) permit an animal to impede his free access to and use of vehicle controls, or (iii) obstruct his vision. Read the Bill »

Outcome

Bill Has Failed

History

DateAction
12/23/2017Committee
12/23/2017Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/10/18 18101015D
12/23/2017Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
01/30/2018Assigned Courts sub: Subcommittee #1
02/02/2018Subcommittee recommends passing by indefinitely (7-Y 0-N)
02/15/2018Left in Courts of Justice