Cell Phone Laws?

Patriot201 · Feb 8, 2012

I was informed by a police officer at a restaurant the other night that it is illegal in Virginia to use a cell phone, even with a hands-free device, while driving. He said it is a primary offense.

I can't find that.

Am I reading this incorrectly?

I see that TEXTING is illegal while driving, and that young drivers (under 18) cannot use a phone while driving, but I don't see that speaking is illegal for people over 18. I also only see that it is a primary offense for bus drivers and novice drivers.

http://www.iihs.org/laws/cellphonelaws.aspx

It looks like there have been several proposed laws about this, but that none passed, correct?
http://handsfreeinfo.com/virginia-cell-phone-laws-legislation

HEVY · Feb 8, 2012

I believe that was mentioned here before, that states were trying to pass that law, it wasn't that long ago so I don't think it was passed yet, cop was probably trying to scare you or jumping the gun.

Seriously though, there are more people here on the phone, and not hands free, than in NJ/NY. Including the cops.

Patriot201 · Feb 8, 2012

It was a weird conversation. I was on my phone while standing outside the restaurant and when I hung up, he said something about how it was good I wasn't driving when talking on my phone. When I looked at him with a quizzical look, he told me about how it is illegal to use a phone, even hands-free, in VA.

Pixels · Feb 8, 2012

This article is VERY recent (4 hours old) and certainly implies that talking on the phone is a-okay. http://www2.dailyprogress.com/news/2012/feb/08/texting-bill-ups-ante-safe-driving-ar-1671429/

This says that other than bus driver and novice drivers, talking, even without a hands-free, is fine. http://www.drivinglaws.org/virginia.php

Patriot201 · Feb 8, 2012

Thanks!

Guest · Feb 9, 2012

I think he was just trying to scare you.

Still, since we're all about safety here, I can't help but mention it's not a good idea to talk while driving, even if legal. The handsfree ban is a joke. That's not what makes talking on the phone really dangerous (altho it doesn't help). It's the fact that your brain and body aren't fully focused on driving.

Course, yelling at screaming kids in the back seat, eating in the car, etc all have that same effect. Some people can multi task better than others. Course, some people can drive while drunk a lot better than others too.

P1ally · Feb 9, 2012

:yeahthat: to codex. As the great Oprah said- "It's not where your hands are, it's where your head is!"

Patriot201 · Feb 9, 2012

codex57 said:
I think he was just trying to scare you.

Still, since we're all about safety here, I can't help but mention it's not a good idea to talk while driving, even if legal. The handsfree ban is a joke. That's not what makes talking on the phone really dangerous (altho it doesn't help). It's the fact that your brain and body aren't fully focused on driving.

Course, yelling at screaming kids in the back seat, eating in the car, etc all have that same effect. Some people can multi task better than others. Course, some people can drive while drunk a lot better than others too.

Oh, I totally agree and I *very rarely* speak on the phone while driving.

But he said something to me while I was standing outside a restaurant. Standing. For all he knew, I took the subway or a bus to the restaurant. Or maybe someone drove me.

I was just curious if he was even right that it is illegal. I hadn't heard that, so I was just curious.

Guest · Feb 13, 2012

That's what makes it really weird. You're standing. I got that from your first post. Makes his comment very weird.

The only thing I can think of is him having a bug up his butt about driver's on cell phones and he's actively trying to scare anyone he sees with a cell phone. Whether they're using it legally or not.

Or, it's just a VERY weird way to initiate contact with you to maybe get your phone number. Kinda like the awkward beginning btw the girl and the cop in Bridesmaids.

Cell Phone Laws?

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