Handheld personal communications devices, use while driving. (SB1341)

Introduced By

Sen. Richard Stuart (R-Westmoreland) with support from co-patrons Sen. Scott Surovell (D-Mount Vernon), and Sen. Frank Wagner (R-Virginia Beach)

Progress

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

Description

Use of handheld personal communications devices while driving. Expands the prohibition on using a handheld personal communications device while operating a motor vehicle to all uses unless the device is specifically designed to allow hands-free and voice operation and the device is being used in that manner. Current law prohibits only the reading of any 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; (ii) as an amateur radio or a citizens band radio; (iii) to activate, deactivate, or initiate a factory-installed feature or function on the vehicle; or (iv) for official Department of Transportation or traffic incident management services. Amends § 46.2-1078.1, of the Code of Virginia. Read the Bill »

Status

01/08/2019: Awaiting a Vote in the Transportation Committee

History

Date	Action
01/08/2019	Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/09/19 19104282D
01/08/2019	Referred to Committee on Transportation
01/17/2019	Impact statement from DPB (SB1341)

Duplicate Bills

The following bills are identical to this one: HB1811.