virginia cell phone law 2021
Jul 8, 2020. If possible provide the vehicle's license plate number, make, location and travel direction. Yes. A new law in 2021 will make it illegal to hold a handheld cell phone while driving. 90% OFF! Violating Virginia’s handheld cell phone law will bring fines of $125 (first offense) and then $250. This law will begin to be enforced on Jan 1, 2021. Virginia’s new cell phone law is designed to reduce these alarming numbers and make our roads safer. Call 911 if you suspect that an unattended child left in a locked vehicle is in danger. Before this law, it was only illegal for drivers to text while driving or to hold a cell phone while driving in a construction zone. Confederate statues. However, distracted driving is 100% preventable if drivers simply choose to put away their phones and focus on the road. Starting January 1, … Call our Eastern Virginia office today for a free consultation at (804) 413-6777 or toll free (855) 781-6777. Jul 8, 2020. 7. Updated: 7:19 AM EST January 1, 2021. The provisions of this section shall not apply to: 1. That means no scrolling social media, playing a game, checking your Table of Contents » Title 46.2. B. WASHINGTON — The new year is bringing new laws to the region. The law is set to take effect on January 1, 2021, and applies to most Virginia drivers. A new Virginia law banning the use of cellphones while driving goes into effect Jan. 1, 2021, and Drive Smart Virginia is reminding motorists of … Our community can see these ideals lived out in our work to prevent personal injuries from happening. Law enforcement will start cracking down on Virginians for using their phone while driving, starting Jan. 1. RICHMOND, Va. — Starting Jan. 1, Virginia will enforce drivers to put their phones down while on the roads in the commonwealth. The General Assembly required a … Many of us spend a lot of our free time on our phones, and many may think that checking their phones while stopped at a red light is a natural choice. The mandate was signed by Gov. Regulation of Traffic » Article 1. If you choose to file a claim, we can represent you through the entire process. By John Singleton on December 16, 2020. Under Code of Virginia § 46.2-818.2., drivers can be charged with a traffic violation and fined $125 for the first offense and $250 for a second offense. Beginning July 1 st, 2020, it will be illegal to hold a handheld personal communications device (e.g., a smart phone) while driving a moving motor vehicle on the highways in Virginia. Governor Ralph Northam announced a … As experienced Virginia car accident attorneys, we offer compassionate and excellent legal representation after an accident. While the legal definition of the law has been expanded to include all cell phone use, the penalties for violating this law have not changed. (Effective January 1, 2021) Use of handheld personal communications devices in certain motor vehicles; exceptions; penalty. According to drivesmartvirginia.org, a first offense is punishable by a $125 fine.A second or subsequent offense is punishable by a fine of $250. A new driving law may hit the roads in 2021, according to the Washington Post. (Repealed effective January 1, 2021) Use of handheld personal communications devices in certain motor vehicles; exceptions; penalty. § 46.2-818.2. 5. Patience is a virtue, and impatience on the road is reckless. © Copyright Commonwealth of Virginia, document.write(new Date().getFullYear()). The Virginia General Assembly passed several bills in 2020 that go into effect Friday, Jan. 1. Site developed by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems (DLAS). Starting in 2021, there will be a new law to enforce that rule: it will be illegal to hold a phone while driving in Virginia. An operator who is lawfully parked or stopped; 3. Any emergency medical services vehicle designed or used for the principal purpose of supplying resuscitation or emergency relief where human life is endangered; 5. A New Cell Phone Law to Ring in 2021 January 15, 2021 WIth a new year comes a new Virginia state law requiring phone calls behind the wheel to be hands-free. Continue reading for information regarding the new law. Starting Jan. 1 it’s illegal in Virginia to hold a cell phone or other mobile device while driving. … Any person using a handheld personal communications device to report an emergency; 4. Learn more. 0. Unattended Kids in Cars. As we wrote in March, Virginia’s new cell phone law makes it illegal for anyone in Virginia to hold a cell phone in his hand while operating a motor vehicle. Self-driving cars in Virginia are closer than you think. 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. Starting January 1st, 2021, drivers seen with a phone in their hand while driving in Virginia are subject to a $125 … To discuss your case with us, call our office at (804) 413-6777 or toll-free at (855) 781-6777. E. Distracted driving shall be included as a part of the driver's license knowledge examination. RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Virginia State Police say this is your warning about a major change in what you can do inside your own car. Sign In, § 46.2-818.2. RICHMOND, Va. (WSET) -- Starting in 2021, Virginia drivers won't be able to hold a cell phone while driving. B. A new Virginia law banning the use of cellphones while driving goes into effect Jan. 1, 2021, and Drive Smart Virginia is reminding motorists of the consequences of distracted driving. This law will begin to be enforced on Jan 1, 2021. 3/4/2021. Overview of the New Cell Phone Law Drivers can now face new penalties for violating this law and putting other people on the road in danger. Currently, it is unlawful for drivers in Virginia to type on their handheld devices if they are driving. Any law-enforcement vehicle operated by or under the direction of a federal, state, or local law-enforcement officer while engaged in the performance of official duties; 2. Contact the Virginia State Police by dialing "#77" on your cell phone to report a drunk or dangerous driver. Any Department of Emergency Management vehicle or Office of Emergency Medical Services vehicle, when responding to an emergency call or operating in an emergency situation; 6. VIRGINIA — The new year means new laws will take effect on Jan. 1, 2021, in Virginia. Many laws take effect on July 1 as the start of the new fiscal year, … This new law, as outlined in House Bill 874, was signed by Governor Ralph Northam in July, and it goes … More than 23,000 drivers were involved in a distracted driving accident in Virginia alone during a recent year, and more than 13,000 people were injured, according to the Virginia DMV. The new law will not be effective until January 1 st, 2021, to allow for educating the public about its … Ralph Northam on July 8, making Virginia the 22 nd state to ban the use of handheld devices while driving. New VA Cellphone Use Laws While Driving Effective 2021 Dec 6, 2020 | VA Legal News Virginia has updated its laws when it comes to handheld devices while driving. The new law applies to every driver, but there are some situations in which using a cell phone or electronic communication device is allowed: Drivers are allowed to answer calls and respond to text messages through a Bluetooth device or voice-recognition apps, as long as they do not hold the phone in their hands. 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. RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The new year brings new laws. However, there are ways to teach ourselves new, safer habits. Ralph Northam signed a bill banning the use of a handheld personal communication device while driving a motor vehicle. Invest in a phone mount now; once this bill is signed into law by Governor Northam, Virginia will become a hands-free driving state. Offenses in highway work zones also bring a $250 fine. What does this mean for Virginia drivers? Good for you! Did you think this was already a law? As of January 1st, 2021, Virginia New Handheld Cell Phone Law is Now Being Enforced Last updated Tuesday, March 2, 2021 22:52 ET, Source: Leary Law, P.C. Welcome, 2021! 1. The use of an amateur or a citizens band radio; or. In just a few weeks, it will be illegal for anyone to hold a cell phone while driving in the Commonwealth of Virginia. You have to put the phones down in Virginia now. Drivers Must Stop While Yielding to Pedestrians. It costs you nothing for our firm to represent you. We at GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys are here to explain and answer your questions. Drivers face a mandatory $250 fine if they hold a cell phone while driving in a highway work zone. That law … 2021 is finally here, and with the new year comes new laws throughout Virginia. We walk you through how to receive compensation for your injuries in a free, no-obligation consultation. Motor Vehicles » Subtitle III. Although it’s legally permitted, listening to and responding to texts through voice recognition technology is also distracted driving, and it can lead to a dangerous crash that results in serious injuries. If a violation of this section occurs in a highway work zone, it shall be punishable by a mandatory fine of $250. Any regional detention center vehicle operated by or under the direction of a correctional officer responding to an emergency call or operating in an emergency situation; 3. The operator of any emergency vehicle while he is engaged in the performance of his official duties; 2. Dec 31, 2020 Two types of state licenses and limits on cell phone use in vehicles change in Virginia with the arrival of 2021. All rights reserved. Here’s what you need to know. A. Letter to the Editor, Feb. 27, 2021: Law banning cell phones while driving saves lives Feb 26, 2021 Feb 26, 2021 ... Marc h 4, 2021: Gambling in Virginia will be legal and safe. "Highway work zone" means a construction or maintenance area that is located on or beside a highway and is marked by appropriate warning signs with attached flashing lights or other traffic control devices indicating that work is in progress. As of July 1, localities will have the ability to decide the fate of Confederate … Ahead of 2021 ban on holding cellphones while driving, police and public to get education. A new law in Virginia, that took effect January 1, 2021, makes it illegal to hold a handheld device including cell phones while driving. 2021 is finally here, and with the new year comes new laws throughout Virginia. Prohibiting holding a cell phone while driving. Scrap it or repair it: what to do after a motorcycle crash? The Virginia General Assembly passed several bills in 2020 that go into effect Friday, January 1. Code of Virginia § 46.2-818.2 makes it “unlawful for any person, while driving a moving motor vehicle on the highways in the Commonwealth, to hold a handheld personal communications device.” The operator of any Department of Transportation vehicle or vehicle operated pursuant to the Department of Transportation safety service patrol program or pursuant to a contract with the Department of Transportation for, or that includes, traffic incident management services as defined in subsection B of § 46.2-920.1 during the performance of traffic incident management services. Many drivers, including teenagers, are not aware of the dangers of driving while texting. Drivers, start using Bluetooth or storing your cell phone out of reach. Any vehicle authorized to be equipped with alternating, blinking, or flashing red or red and white secondary warning lights pursuant to § 46.2-1029.2. In our experience working with accident victims, we have seen far too many tragic results of distracted driving. By Ken Gibson on March 28, 2020. Mar 3, 2021; The state Senate voted Tuesday in favor of a bill that would prohibit holding a phone while driving a motor vehicle on Virginia roadways and which implements a … House Bill 874, sponsored by Del.Jeff Bourne (D- Richmond), bans holding a cell phone in your hand while driving a motor vehicle in Virginia. New Virginia cell phone law goes into effect in 2021: What does it mean for you? § 46.2-1078.1. Website Design and Legal Internet Marketing by SLS Consulting, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration. … Drivers, start using Bluetooth or storing your cell phone out of reach. While Richmond's hands-free driving law has already taken effect, a state law that bans holding cellphones while driving goes into effect Jan. 1, 2021. Driving phone-in-hand will now be illegal in Virginia A new law has made driving while holding a phone illegal in the state of Virginia. The new ban on handheld devices while driving technically became a law on July 1, but it won’t actually be enacted until January 1, 2021. Ralph Northam signed a bill in July focusing to improve the safety of drivers in the state. On March 10, 2020, Gov. 3/4/2021. The Virginia Law website data is available via a web service. Gov. All rights reserved. This includes any “handheld personal communications device,” such as smartphones or pagers. It is unlawful for any person to operate a moving motor vehicle on the highways in the Commonwealth while using any handheld personal communications device to: 1. Cell phone laws are just one way to help reduce the number of distracted driving accidents in Virginia, and these laws should be enforced with proper education and awareness. A. Once the report is generated you'll then have the option to download it as a pdf, print or email the report. Ralph Northam signed a bill Wednesday, July 8for legislation aimed at … Additionally, texting while driving can lead to three points being added to a license by the Virginia DMV, which can affect insurance premiums. We only get paid when you do. Cell Phone Driving Laws by State 2021. The Virginia cell phone law that was enacted this year which bans drivers from holding a handheld personal communications device in their hands. So, we have a few tips to help everyone prevent distracted driving accidents, including: We at GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys hope that you are never involved in a distracted driving accident, but we have seen firsthand how common and destructive these accidents are. Operation » Chapter 8. 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. Gov. The chapters of the acts of assembly referenced in the historical citation at the end of this section may not constitute a comprehensive list of such chapters and may exclude chapters whose provisions have expired. Any Department of Corrections vehicle designated by the Director of the Department of Corrections, when (i) responding to an emergency call at a correctional facility, (ii) participating in a drug-related investigation, (iii) pursuing escapees from a correctional facility, or (iv) responding to a request for assistance from a law-enforcement officer; and. New cellphone ban inching closer to law in Virginia – what will it mean for you? GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys PLLC, Drivers of emergency vehicles, such as firefighters and ambulance drivers, if they are in the middle of an emergency, Drivers who are reporting a crime, accident, or other emergencies, Drivers who are lawfully parked or stopped on the side of the road, Drivers who are operating a Department of Transportation vehicle or are performing work for the Department of Transportation. The Code of Virginia, Constitution of Virginia, Charters, Authorities, Compacts and Uncodified Acts are now available in both EPub and MOBI eBook formats. GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys PLLC4073 George Washington Memorial Highway, Hayes, Virginia 23072Phone: (804) 413-6777 • Map/Directions, Main Website | Blog | RSS | Contact Us | Blog Sitemap, ©2021 GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys PLLC. Virginia lawmakers approved the distracted driving bill in late February with clear majorities. A. (Effective January 1, 2021) Use of handheld personal communications devices in certain motor vehicles; exceptions; penalty, Division of Legislative Automated Systems (DLAS). (Effective January 1, 2021) Use of handheld personal communications devices in certain motor vehicles; exceptions; penalty. In just a few weeks, it will be illegal for anyone to hold a cell phone while driving in the Commonwealth of Virginia. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “distracted driving” is a major menace on America’s roads, and the biggest distraction is using a cell phone while driving. Amy Friedenberger. Any vehicle used to fight fire, including publicly owned state forest warden vehicles, when traveling in response to a fire alarm or emergency call; 4. General and Miscellaneous » § 46.2-818.2. Prevention, empathy, and diligence are hallmarks of everything we do at GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys. Creating a Report: Check the sections you'd like to appear in the report, then use the "Create Report" button at the bottom of the page to generate your report. This law reminds us all that Virginia State Police will not take this offense lightly and will hold drivers who break this law accountable. At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, we want to educate everyone we can about the dangers of distracted driving. This new law, as outlined in House Bill 874, was signed by Governor Ralph Northam in July, and it goes into effect on January 1, 2021. Get ready, Virginia drivers!