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
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