No Cell Phones or Text Messaging for Drivers Under 18 in Virginia
Virginia law will ban cell phones and text messaging for drivers under 18, effective July 1, 2007. According to a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) press release, "The new law prohibits the use of cell phones, even if they are considered to be hands-free. It also prohibits text-messaging while driving... All Virginia drivers under the age of 18 are issued provisional driver's licenses. A provisional license carries other limitations as well, such as restrictions on the number of passengers and driver curfews. The ban on cell-phone usage while driving is considered a secondary violation, similar in Virginia to safety belt laws."
The agency directs customers with questions to contact the Customer Contact Center at its toll-free number: 1-866-DMVLINE (1-866-368-5463).
The Virginia DMV also advises drivers to avoid distractions by:
- "Keeping your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel at all times.
- Set or adjust the controls on the vehicle and other devices as soon as you get in the car and before you begin driving.
- Keep your body alert; sit straight, but relaxed. Look in the direction that you want to go."
