Richmond ban on holding phone while driving starts in June

RICHMOND, Va. -- Holding a phone while driving will soon be illegal in Richmond. The new city ordinance outlawing the practice begins Tuesday, June 9.

“The goal is to increase the safety of all who use the roadways, including pedestrians, bicyclists, joggers, and other drivers,” Special Operations Division Captain Don Davenport said. “We want all motorists to begin each trip by buckling up and putting their phones down.”

Starting June 9, police can pull over drivers spotted holding their phones while driving.

You can still have a phone in your hand if:

You are stopped

You are parked

You’re an emergency vehicle driver (police officer, firefighters, etc.)

You are reporting an emergency

You are using the device during an emergency or disaster relief operation

A similar law takes effect statewide in 2021.