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2018 SESSION

18101008D
SENATE BILL NO. 441
Offered January 10, 2018
Prefiled January 9, 2018
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 46.2-1078.2, relating to use of handheld personal telecommunications devices on school property or in reduced-speed school crossing zones.
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Patron-- Wexton
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Referred to Committee on Transportation
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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 46.2-1078.2 as follows:

§ 46.2-1078.2. Use of handheld personal communications devices on school property or in reduced-speed school crossing zones.

As used in this section, "reduced-speed school crossing zone" means an area located within the vicinity of a school at or near a highway where the presence of children on or near such school property reasonably requires a special warning to motorists. Such school crossing zones are marked and operated in accordance with the requirements of § 46.2-873 with appropriate warning signs or other traffic control devices indicating that a school crossing is in progress.

It shall be unlawful for a person to use a handheld personal communications device while operating a moving motor vehicle (i) within any reduced-speed school crossing zone on a day school is in session or (ii) upon school property, unless such handheld personal communications device is specifically designed and configured to allow voice and hands-free operation and the device is being used in that manner.

Nothing in this section shall apply to the operator of any emergency vehicle as defined in § 46.2-1078.1 while he is engaged in the performance of his official duties.