The Senate has passed a bill banning talking on a cell phone unless you have a hands free device.
Unlike the texting ban, this ban is very enforceable.
It is not unusual to see people talking on their cell phone while driving.
"I see a lot of people driving and they have the phone and they're either going too slow or too fast, and they never stay the speed limit because they're distracted when they're talking on the phone," said John O'Brian, Hampton Roads driver.
But State Senator Tommy Norment, who represents the Peninsula, wants to make it a primary offense to drive and talk - unless you're using a bluetooth or hands free device.
If this bill becomes a law, anyone caught talking on their cell phone while driving would be fined and given points on their driving record. If passed, it would go into effect starting July 1.
The first offense comes with a $20 fine, the second time is $50.
"I think its going to be difficult with all the people with jobs to not be able to talk on the cell phone while they're driving...but it's a work in progress I guess," said local resident Matt Wolfe.
NewsChannel 3 saw plenty of drivers talking behind the wheel around Hampton Roads.
Nicole Geer admits she is one of them.
"I know I need to use my phone for work, so I don't have to pull over on the side of the road every time I need to make a phone call. It's the same as kind of talking to someone sitting next to you I feel like," Geer said.
But the bill has passed its first hurdle with a 25-15 victory in the State Senate.
Now it heads to the House before its final stop on Governor Bob McDonnell's desk.
If it clears by this summer police won't need any other reason to pull you over.
"When you are talking on the phone, or texting or doing anything thats distracting to you, in the vehicle, you aren't giving your full attention to driving which is what you need to be doing to make sure you don't get into an accident," said Adam Bernstein, Virginia Beach police.
If passed, fines would go up to $50 and $200 starting July 1, 2011.
The ban would not apply to those driving emergency response vehicles, drivers who are stopped or parked, or anyone using a phone to report an emergency.
Unlike the texting ban, this ban is very enforceable.
It is not unusual to see people talking on their cell phone while driving.
"I see a lot of people driving and they have the phone and they're either going too slow or too fast, and they never stay the speed limit because they're distracted when they're talking on the phone," said John O'Brian, Hampton Roads driver.
But State Senator Tommy Norment, who represents the Peninsula, wants to make it a primary offense to drive and talk - unless you're using a bluetooth or hands free device.
If this bill becomes a law, anyone caught talking on their cell phone while driving would be fined and given points on their driving record. If passed, it would go into effect starting July 1.
The first offense comes with a $20 fine, the second time is $50.
"I think its going to be difficult with all the people with jobs to not be able to talk on the cell phone while they're driving...but it's a work in progress I guess," said local resident Matt Wolfe.
NewsChannel 3 saw plenty of drivers talking behind the wheel around Hampton Roads.
Nicole Geer admits she is one of them.
"I know I need to use my phone for work, so I don't have to pull over on the side of the road every time I need to make a phone call. It's the same as kind of talking to someone sitting next to you I feel like," Geer said.
But the bill has passed its first hurdle with a 25-15 victory in the State Senate.
Now it heads to the House before its final stop on Governor Bob McDonnell's desk.
If it clears by this summer police won't need any other reason to pull you over.
"When you are talking on the phone, or texting or doing anything thats distracting to you, in the vehicle, you aren't giving your full attention to driving which is what you need to be doing to make sure you don't get into an accident," said Adam Bernstein, Virginia Beach police.
If passed, fines would go up to $50 and $200 starting July 1, 2011.
The ban would not apply to those driving emergency response vehicles, drivers who are stopped or parked, or anyone using a phone to report an emergency.
