West Virginia House Targets Drivers’ Cell Phone Use

If you’re on the phone while driving and have your hands on your cell instead of the wheel, that could mean a misdemeanor charge in West Virginia.

Legislation passed 80-18 by the House to the Senate aims to limit drivers to hands-free devices.

The measure targets hands-on talking and texting with wireless devices, including cell phones and computers.

But violating the proposed law could not be the primary reason for a traffic stop. The House also limited the maximum penalty to a $25 fine.

The bill exempts emergency calls as well as devices not deemed wireless, such as CB radios.

Several states are considering such a measure this year, and at least six already ban hand-held phone use by all drivers.

Latest Comments

• April 1, 2009 at 6:28 am

  Paul Masley says:

  Eli, from your comment, it appears that you must be from some backwoods third world country. There is more in this state than your supposed impression of outhouses, running b... read more
• April 1, 2009 at 12:43 pm

  JustAnObserver says:

  While were busy at creating the nanny state, let's ban all forms of distracted driving, including the application of make-up, reading, adjusting the radio or climate controls,... read more
• April 1, 2009 at 8:34 am

  Paul Masley says:

  Just because you lived in Wheeling, does not give you an insight to the rest of the State. You must not have left Wheeling and traveled through the rest of the State. Of cours... read more