Do You Know Virginia’s Law on Cell Phone Use while Driving?

By Peter DePaolis
Attorney
businesswoman driving car and talking on cell phone concentrating on the road

Last month we blogged about the federal law banning cell phone use while driving for commercial truck drivers. That federal law went into effect earlier this month for truck drivers and bus drivers on interstate routes. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) urged all states to pass similar laws banning cell phones behind the wheel.

As the new year begins, it will be interesting to see if any states act on the NTSB’s recommendation. So far, there are nine states, along with Washington, D.C., with laws in place banning cell phone use while driving. Virginia has the following laws pertaining to cell phones and driving:

  • It is illegal for school bus drivers to operate cell phones while driving on the job
  • Juvenile drivers cannot use cell phones while driving
  • It is illegal for all drivers in Virginia to text message while driving

A state bill hoped to ban cell phones outright behind the wheel. The proposal passed in the Senate but it failed in the House of Delegates. Have you been a passenger in a car with a distracted driver? Contact our office immediately and we will review your case.

Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP

Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia Injury Attorneys

Approved by attorney Thomas McWeeny

About the Author
Peter DePaolis joined the firm in 1980 and has since represented a large number of individuals involved in automobile collisions, truck accidents, bus crashes, defective products, and medical malpractice cases. A significant portion of Mr. DePaolis’ practice is devoted to working on behalf of people suffering from asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related cancers. He has led his firm’s fight against the asbestos industry and has recovered over $30 million in damages for asbestos victims and their families.