FAQs

Answers to Your Questions

This new law does not prohibit making or receiving phone calls using “hands-free” technology, such as Bluetooth or integrated systems within the motor vehicle. Simply said, you cannot hold your phone while driving for any reason. If you must use your device, we encourage you to pull over to a safe location and park your car before handling your smartphone.

This web page is part of the answer. The General Assembly mandated that traffic safety organizations like DRIVE SMART Virginia shall develop and provide educational materials to the public regarding the provisions of this act prior to its effective date. Messaging through social and digital media, publications, news stories and columns, and public service announcements will carry educational messaging.

It is illegal for a driver to operate a motor vehicle while holding a cellphone or mobile device.

Yes, but you may not hold the phone. Use “hands-free” technology, such as Bluetooth or integrated systems within the motor vehicle.

  • The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police and DRIVE SMART Virginia shall create training and educational materials on the implementation and enforcement of this act to be made available to law-enforcement agencies.
  • DRIVE SMART Virginia and other traffic safety organizations shall develop and provide educational materials to the public regarding the provisions of this act prior to its effective date.
  • The Chairmen of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary and the House Committee for Courts of Justice shall annually request the Office of the Executive Secretary to report all of the citations issued pursuant to the provisions of this act and, to the extent available, the relevant demographic characteristics of those persons issued a citation.