About The Law
Pedal Down? Phone Down!
On January 1, 2021, it became illegal to hold a handheld personal communications device (e.g., your smartphone) while driving a moving motor vehicle on Virginia highways. This new law is one of many ways the state is buckling down on distracted driving.
What’s Off-Limits?
While driving, it will be illegal to hold a mobile device in your hand while doing some activities, such as:
- Dial a phone number
- Send a text message
- Update/browse social media
- Video conference
- Shop online
- Watch movies
- Check the weather
- Play games
- And more.