Cell Phones and Texting: Distracted Driving Laws in West Virginia

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
  • Making a phone call

Laws

  • 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 a few 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 offense is $100
  • Second offense is $200
  • Third offense is $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


The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

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