VA: Move to make cell usage a primary offence

[Slide Panda]

I'm a little slow to post this since I, 1st hear the news. Though it is/wasn't expected to make it through both houses in Virginia there was a bill in the house that would make using a cell w/o hands free device and texting while driving a primary offense. Making it a primary offense, means that one could get pulled over for it without any other primary offense  like speeding etc. Right now, in VA, you can get an additional fine for using a cell w/o a headset or texting, but only if you are pulled over for something like speeding, failing to stop etc.

While I'm not a fan of a nanny state, and I really think that the Distracted Driving statues already cover cell shenanigans, I have to admit that I did like to hear legislators pushing (what I personally feel is)  a good bill.

[ducatiz]

One clarification.

Virginia law has no prohibition on anyone 18 and older using a handheld while driving.

Except for :  CDL drivers are prohibited from using a cel phone or texting.

Everyone is prohibited from texting.

If you get pulled over for speeding, and you're talking on your phone, you will not get a ticket for it UNLESS there was also distracted driving in which case that's the second cite.

[Slide Panda]

Ah, I was under the impression using a cell handset while driving was a secondary - thanks for the clarification.

Having my commute go from VA to MD every day I've seen the big notice signs about handhelds and texting at the VA to MD border... but I guess people in MD haven't gotten the hint since I still see lots of folks talking on their phone w/o a hands-free device.

[zooom]

Having my commute go from VA to MD every day I've seen the big notice signs about handhelds and texting at the VA to MD border... but I guess people in MD haven't gotten the hint since I still see lots of folks talking on their phone w/o a hands-free device.

you mean like I do all the time while I am riding my moto across the American Legion bridge?....J/K...LOL