Cell Phones and Texting: Distracted Driving Laws in West Virginia
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Cell Phones and Texting: Distracted Driving Laws in West Virginia

09.11.2022 /

Texting while driving is illegal in West Virginia. Drivers are also banned from using handheld cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. Furthermore, drivers who are under the age of 18, have a permit, or an intermediate license are prohibited from using any type of wireless communication device. These bans includes:

  • Looking at images or data
  • Composing, reading, sending, browsing, accessing, transmitting, or reading email
  • Phone call

Законодательство

  • Drivers may not use handheld cell phones
  • No texting while driving
  • Drivers under 18, have a permit, or an intermediate license cannot use a wireless communication device

Exceptions

There are several exceptions to these laws.

  • Paramedic, emergency medical technician, firefighter, or law enforcement officer using a vehicle in their official duties
  • Report a traffic accident, fire, road hazard
  • Activating or deactivating the hands free feature

The handheld cell phone law is a primary law. This means a law enforcement officer can pull a driver over for using a cell phone without having committing any other moving violation.

Fines and penalties

  • First violation - $100.
  • Second violation - $200.
  • Third violation - $300.
  • On the third and subsequent convictions, there are three points added to the driver’s license

Texting and using handheld cell phones are illegal in West Virginia. It is a good idea for drivers to invest in a hands free device if they must make calls while going down the road

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