Handheld personal communications devices in motor vehicles; hands-free operation, exceptions. (HB1384)

Introduced By

Del. Hala Ayala (D-Woodbridge) with support from co-patron Del. Joe Lindsey (D-Norfolk)

Description

Hands-free operation of handheld personal communications devices in motor vehicles; exceptions. Expands the prohibition on using a handheld personal communications device while operating a motor vehicle to all communications unless the device is specifically designed to allow voice and hands-free operation and the device is being used in that manner. The bill provides that if such device is mounted to the dashboard of the vehicle it shall not obscure the driver's view of any portion of the windshield other than specifically allowed. Current law prohibits only the reading of an email or text message and manually entering letters or text in the device as a means of communicating. The bill expands the exemptions to include handheld personal communications devices that are used (i) for navigation or generating audio transmissions when the device is physically mounted to the vehicle or (ii) by an operator who activates, deactivates, or initiates a factory-installed feature or function on the vehicle and removes the exemption for an operator who is lawfully parked or stopped. Read the Bill »

Outcome

History