http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/ge...ws.asp?id=5558

For those of you in the VA-DC-MD area, a new law, in VA, goes into effect Wednesday, July 1, though it is a rather weak one. Police can now issue citations for text-messaging while driving, though it is in the "secondary" category, meaning that police cannot write you up for text-messaging alone, but only if they see you doing something else illegal first, like speeding, running a red light, etc.....

It also exempts drivers while "parked", although it is unclear if "parked" means parked in a lot, or merely stopped at a red light or stop sign. First offense is only $20; the second, $50.

D.C. already has a no-text-message-while driving law on the books (somewhat stronger than VA's), and MD will add one this fall, Oct 1.

With the huge number of people using cell-phones while driving and not getting caught or fined, I don't see how police are going to be able to widely enforce this new law either, but it is now on the books, and will net you a fine if you do get caught.

NC has this on the books to take effect in Jan 2010 as well.

It was only a matter of time, the other day I was on I-95 south the car in front of me was swerving left to right, I thought it was a drunk driver. I went around the car and looked over the young female driver had her phone on top of steering wheel texting and trying to steer with her forearms/elbow. I just shook my head and kept on driving.

It's about time something was put on the books! I'm so sick of seeing people text and drive. I thought it was bad enough with talking on the phone and driving, but the texting is much worse. Sometimes when I see people doing this and not paying as much attention to the road as they should I like to give them a little awareness move by either a brake tap or lane change which makes them put the texting on hold. I can understand why this was put in the secondary category because when people are texting it doesn't take much to break some kind of law be it improper lane change, swerving, etc.

PS.. The fine should be much worse considering that someone who has been drinking and driving has more awareness than someone behind the tiny keypad.

talking to a passenger or listening to a loud stereo can be distracting to, is that next?

nice way to make money tho

LOL no probably not. At least while talking to a passenger or listening to music your eyes can remain on the road.

Old news in CA, might prevent some accidents.

if the threat of causing an accident isn't going to deter a person from texting how is a $20/$50 fine suppose to deter someone from texting. I usually question the effectiveness of laws like this. Also to be effective the police have to go out and seek out people that are texting. They would generate more money doing speeding tickets anyways. Not sure why a cop would initiate a dangerous traffic stop over $20/$50.

the fine needs to be higher if you really want to stop people, like $200.

Texting vs. talking to your passenger? Sorry--no comparison.

The threat of causing an accident will NOT deter people, because they all think they can handle texting will driving 50 mph in a 2-ton death machine.

how are the cops gonna try to enforce this? it could be i was looking at the time on my phone, or see who is calling me

oh there's a law on that in CA???
Geez, I see people swerving and texting like there's no law

if you think we don't all see you tapping away on your phone, you are wrong.

With your tint they won't see you in the first place

muahahah.. my thoughts exactly!!!