Starting January 1, 2021, it is illegal to hold a phone while driving a moving motor vehicle on Virginia highways. (§ 46.2-818.2 – Use of handheld personal communications devices in certain motor vehicles; exceptions; penalty.)
Alternative Options
- Drivers are allowed to use “hands-free” technology, such as Bluetooth or integrated systems within the vehicle.
- If you choose to use headphones, VA law states you may only have one earbud in while driving
- Use a cell phone mount
- Use a cell phone while legally parked or stopped
“Texting is by far the most egregious form of distracted driving and increases your crash risk by 2300% because it involves all three kinds of distraction – manual, visual, and cognitive.”
Virginia Tech Transportation Institute
Violation Penalties
- $125 for the first offense
- $250 for the second and subsequent offenses
It will be illegal to do the following activities on your mobile device
- Dial a number
- Send a text
- Browse social media
- Video conference
- Shop
- Watch movies
- Check the weather
- Play games and so on
Exceptions
- Reporting an emergency
- Anyone operating an emergency vehicle while on duty
- The use of an amateur or citizens band radio
For more information, please visit “Phone Down. It’s The Law” page
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