Is it illegal to talk on the phone while driving in VA?

New 2021 Virginia Law Affects Phone Use While Driving

Here at CrossPointe Motor Cars in Winchester, VA, we’ve always advocated for safe driving. Numerous studies have shown, for instance, that texting while driving is just as bad or worse than drunk driving. Texting while driving has been illegal across the USA and in Virginia for a long time now. But how about talking on the phone? Or switching your music? Messing with navigation? Well, there’s a new law for Virginia residents that rules on that.

Is it illegal to talk on the phone while driving in Virginia? Let’s take a look.

New VA Law Prohibits All Phone Usage while Driving

As of January 1, 2021, any usage of a phone while driving is now prohibited by Virginia state law § 46.2-818.2. and is punishable via fine. The new statute prohibits the use of any handheld device for any reason while the vehicle is moving, except if the phone is being used to report an emergency (Section B.3 of the law). This means that drivers cannot call, text, check emails, change music, use GPS, or utilize their handheld device in any way while driving.

The WSLS 10 News station interviewed Roanoke County police Sgt. Spencer Hoopes, who had this to say:

“The ultimate goal here is safety on the roadway … [Drivers] could be looking at their phone for GPS purposes, they could be changing music, looking at various other apps, dialing a phone number, all of which pose a potential distraction … You’ve got this device in your hand while you’re moving, this is a violation of law so we can take necessary protective action.”

Sgt. Spencer Hoopes, Roanoke County Police Department

When Can I Use my Phone?

It should be noted that use of a handheld device is okay if the vehicle “lawfully parked or stopped” (Section B.2 of the law). Whether it affects the use of a vehicle’s built-in infotainment system (such as Bluetooth, Android Auto, or Apple CarPlay) is unclear.

Apple CarPlay & Android Auto vs Bluetooth

Where Can I Find the New Law?

To see the new law in its entirety, visit the official Virginia Law site where § 46.2-818.2. is listed out in full.