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Bill > SB686
VA SB686
VA SB686Holding a handheld personal communications device while driving; driver improvement clinic.
summary
Introduced
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
In Committee
03/03/2026
03/03/2026
Crossed Over
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Holding a handheld personal communications device while driving; driver improvement clinic. Clarifies that a court may order, for a first violation of texting and driving, the satisfactory completion of a driver improvement clinic in lieu of a conviction.
AI Summary
This bill amends Virginia law to allow courts to offer an alternative to a conviction for a first-time offense of holding a handheld personal communications device while driving, which refers to using a phone or similar device while operating a moving vehicle. Specifically, for a first violation, a judge can now order the driver to complete a driver improvement clinic, as outlined in a separate section of the law (§ 46.2-505), instead of issuing a formal conviction for the offense. This provision aims to provide a rehabilitative option for drivers who commit this infraction for the first time.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Reported from Transportation (21-Y 0-N) (on 03/03/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB686 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB686) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1134081.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB686/text/SB686 |
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