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Virginia Phone Use While Driving Laws (2026)

Restricted: Virginia requires hands-free driving: it is unlawful to hold a handheld personal communications device while driving.

RestrictedVerified Jun 18, 2026

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Virginia requires hands-free driving: it is unlawful to hold a handheld personal communications device while driving. The rule has been in place since 2021 (Va. Code 46.2-818.2).

Official source: law.lis.virginia.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Phone Use While Driving in states bordering Virginia

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

District of ColumbiaRestricted
The District of Columbia requires hands-free driving: you can't use or hold a mobile phone or other wireless device while driving unless you have a hands-free accessory (DC Code 50-1731.04).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: code.dccouncil.gov · Full District of Columbia rule →
KentuckyConditional
Kentucky bans texting while driving but not handheld calls. You can't write, send, or read a text-based communication while driving (KRS 189.292). Adults may still hold the phone to talk.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
MarylandRestricted
Maryland bans handheld use for all drivers while in motion — hands-free only. Under Md. Transp. 21-1124.2 you may not use your hands to use a handheld phone, except to start or end a call.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
North CarolinaConditional
North Carolina bans texting and email while driving for all drivers: no typing or reading messages (N.C.G.S. 20-137.4A(a)). Most adults may hold a phone to talk, but drivers under 18 may not use a phone at all while moving, even hands-free, except to reach emergency services or their own parent, guardian or spouse (20-137.3(b),(d)); school bus drivers may not use one while the bus is moving except to communicate in an emergency (20-137.4(b),(d)); commercial drivers face the federal handheld ban (20-137.4A(a1)).
Verified Sep 9, 2026 · Source: ncleg.gov · Full North Carolina rule →
TennesseeRestricted
Tennessee requires all drivers to go hands-free: it is unlawful to physically hold or support a wireless device while driving (TCA 55-8-199).
Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: publications.tnsosfiles.com · Full Tennessee rule →
West VirginiaRestricted
West Virginia requires all drivers to go hands-free: you may not physically hold or support a device, and you may not make handheld calls (WV Code 17C-14-15).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: code.wvlegislature.gov · Full West Virginia rule →

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