ROANOKE - Here at WSLS we took some time to lay out the facts regarding cell phone laws in Virginia. Here are the highlights
Virginians can legally talk on their cell phones while driving if you are over 18 and not driving under a provisional license. Texting is illegal. As of July 1st 2009 texting has been banned in Virginia with a fine of up to $50 if caught. It is a secondary offense so drivers must be pulled over for something like speeding before they can be ticketed for texting.
During the 2010 legislative session, the Senate did pass a cell phone ban but it never made it all the way to law. Only 8 states all out prohibit people from using hand held cell phones while driving, but hands free are allowed.
Virginia does have a cell phone law which was passed back in 2007 where drivers with a learners permit and drivers under 18 are not allowed to be on the phone while driving a car. It is also a second offense with exceptions made for emergencies.
Virginia is one of 18 states that makes it illegal for school bus drivers to use their cell phone to call or text while passengers are on the bus. Again exceptions are made for emergencies
In 2010 a number of Virginia lawmakers tried to pass cell phone legislation including House Bill 22 which would have banned using a handheld device while not only operating cars, but mopeds and bicycles. House Bill 212 would have moved a texting offense from secondary to primary.
Those issues could come back up and possibly signed into law in July 2011. If the house adopts the cell ban passed by the Senate, and it is signed into law, violators will pay from $50 to $200.
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