Source: https://peterlouielaw.com/2020/06/04/unlawful-to-hold-a-cell-phone-while-driving/
Timestamp: 2020-07-07 05:49:12
Document Index: 756644636

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 46', '§ 46', '§ 46', '§ 46', '§ 46', '§ 46']

by Peter J. Louie, Esq. | Jun 4, 2020 | Traffic Law
Starting January 1, 2021, it will be a traffic infraction to hold a cell phone while driving.
Starting January 1, 2021, it will be unlawful for any person that is driving to hold a cell phone. There are exceptions to drivers who are parked or stopped, reporting an emergency, driving an emergency vehicles and using a phone for work duties, or drivers using a CB radio. A first offense shall have a fine of $125.00. For subsequent offenses or if the offender was driving in a work zone, the fine will be $250.00.
This new law will be codified under Virginia Code § 46.2-818.2 and repeals Virginia Code § 46.2-1078.1. Under § 46.2-1078.1, the law is confusing to enforce because you could use a phone for its GPS or to dial a number but not to read email or send text messages. The new statute makes “holding” a cell phone the offense and provides less exceptions to the rule.
It is still possible for a law enforcement officer to charge a driver with reckless driving if they feel that a driver was endangering the life, limb, or property of another by their distracted driving. Under Virginia Code § 46.2-868, if someone is convicted of reckless driving while holding a cell phone, there will be a mandatory fine of $250.00 for the reckless driving conviction.
The exact text of Virginia Code § 46.2-818.2 shall read:
§ 46.2-818.2. Use of handheld personal communications devices in certain motor vehicles; exceptions; penalty.
A. It is unlawful for any person, while driving a moving motor vehicle on the highways in the Commonwealth, to hold a handheld personal communications device.
3. Any person using a handheld personal communications device to report an emergency;
4. The use of an amateur or a citizens band radio; or
C. A violation of this section is a traffic infraction punishable, for a first offense, by a fine of $125 and, for a second or subsequent offense, by a fine of $250. If a violation of this section occurs in a highway work zone, it shall be punishable by a mandatory fine of $250.
Schedule a free traffic law consultation with us today if you need help on a traffic charge in the Virginia Beach or greater Hampton Roads area.