City Council unanimously passes Mayor Stoney’s ordinance prohibiting the use of handheld communications devices while driving
At the December 9 meeting of
Richmond City Council, the body unanimously passed a ban on driving while using
a handheld communications device, proposed by Mayor Stoney's administration.
Under the ordinance, using a
handheld communications device, such as a cellphone, while driving in the City
of Richmond is punishable by a $125 fine on the first offense and a $250 fine
for each subsequent offense.
“A holistic Vision Zero plan
requires engineering, education, and enforcement,” said Mayor Stoney. “Prohibiting
the use of a cellphone while driving is necessary to change both ingrained attitudes
and dangerous habits.”
The ordinance, which was
introduced at the October 14 council meeting and was recently amended, is an
attempt to curb traffic fatalities and promote pedestrian safety. Distracted
drivers have killed or injured 218 people in the City of Richmond so far this
year, according to the Richmond Police Department.
“As we continue to
experience population and density growth, improving the travelling safety of
Richmond through creative techniques, legislation and education becomes more
and more important,” said Police Chief William Smith. “We are thankful for the
Mayor’s leadership in supporting Vision Zero legislative proposals.”
“Keeping drivers’ hands on
the wheel, and not handling their phones, means their attention is where it
should be – on driving safely,” said Louise Lockett Gordon, Director of Bike
Walk RVA. “We are excited to see the city pass a commonsense policy that will
help save the lives of people using our streets, especially our most vulnerable
people walking and biking.”
“We commend Mayor Stoney and the City for their
commitment to safer roadways,” said Executive Director of Drive Smart VA Janet
Brooking. “Manipulating a handheld phone while driving is by far the most
egregious of all distracted driving behaviors as it involves all three kinds of
distraction – manual, visual and cognitive. This ban is an important step
towards saving lives and reducing injuries, and we look forward to working with
the City to educate citizens on the importance of hands-free driving.”
The ordinance will go into
effect six months after passage to allow for an education period, ensuring drivers
are aware of the change in traffic law. The language allows for exceptions for
public safety personnel and drivers experiencing emergencies.
With the passage of this ordinance,
the City of Richmond joins the City of Hampton and Spotsylvania County as the
only localities in Virginia to enact laws targeting driving while using a
handheld communications device. A proposed statewide ban failed earlier this
year in the General Assembly. The legality of the city ordinance is not
contingent on the passage of a statewide ban.
“It’s just not acceptable to
use a cellphone while driving when we know the dire consequences,” said Mayor
Stoney. “With this ban, Richmond sends a clear message: whether you’re texting
or not, put down the phone, or there will be consequences. I hope the General
Assembly will send the same message this year.”
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