A new law will take effect in Virginia on January 1, 2021, banning drivers from using handheld cell phones while driving. 

Virginia’s hands-free driving law technically took effect in July, but police have waited until 2021 to enforce the law in order to give drivers time to adjust. Beginning in January, the law will be fully imposed on the Commonwealth’s nearly 6 million drivers. 

Distracted driving is a problem in Virginia 

Previously, Virginia laws only prohibited reading and sending text messages while driving and using a cell phone while driving in a work zone. 

“Last year, believe it or not, there were more than 23,000. I repeat 23,000 crashes in Virginia that were caused by distracted driving and 120 of those individuals lost their lives,” said Virginia Governor Ralph Northam in a virtual press conference. 

In January 2019, Virginia was declared to be one of 11 states considered “dangerously behind” in driving safety laws.

What is Virginia’s hands-free driving law?

The law declares that it is illegal for any person to operate a moving motor vehicle in the Commonwealth while typing, reading emails or texts, or holding a handheld device.

What are the exceptions to Virginia’s hands-free driving law?  

Exceptions to the law include operators of emergency vehicles performing official duties, drivers who are lawfully parked or stopped, anyone using a handheld phone to report an emergency, using an “amataeur or citizens band radio,” or operating a Department of Transportation vehicle. 

What is the punishment for Virginia’s hands-free driving law?

Violating Virginia’s new law is punishable, for a first offense, by a fine of $125 and, for a second or subsequent offense, by a fine of $250.

Breaking the law in a highway work zone is punishable by a mandatory $250 fine.

Sign Hunter’s Pledge to End Distracted Driving

Hunter’s Pledge was designed to encourage drivers to commit to safe driving habits.

Since 2016, tens of thousands of drivers have signed the pledge and permanently changed their driving behaviors.

Studies show that signing a pledge can dramatically and permanently change behaviors. In fact, 55 percent of people who sign Hunter’s Pledge have changed their driving behavior. 
Sign the pledge by clicking here.

Hunter’s Fund

Hunter’s Fund honors the life of Hunter Watson, a young man of extremely diverse talents who was killed at 20-years-old when he was fatally injured as a passenger in a distracted driving collision.

Through distracted driving education and awarding grants to help young people’s involvement in performing arts, music, computer science, and entrepreneurship, Hunter’s Fund empowers young people in their careers and keeps Hunter’s spirit alive.

Does your fraternity or organization want to get involved with Hunter’s Pledge? Click here for more information, or contact Natalie Kwon natalie@hunterwatson.org.