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.