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What are the cellphone rules for drivers in West Virginia?

On Behalf of | May 13, 2015 | Car Accidents |

Car accidents happen for a wide variety of reasons, but one of the most infuriating causes of a car accident is texting while driving. Such a blatant disregard for other people’s safety — and for the task at hand — is just plain stupid, let alone a perfect way to make yourself liable for any accident that you may be involved in. That’s why many states were quick to ban texting while driving and cellphone use while driving in the years that followed the cellphone boom.

So what are the rules that apply to cellphone use while driving in the state of West Virginia? 

The rules here are straightforward. For those who have a learner’s permit or an intermediate license, you can’t use your cellphone or text while driving. For those that have a regular driver’s license, using a hand-held cellphone is strictly forbidden. What this means is that those with a regular license can use a Bluetooth device or other hands-free technology and devices to use a cellphone while driving.

Violating these rules can result in fines that reach hundreds of dollars total, in addition to points on your license.

But more than just the fine and license points, violating these rules could lead to you harming an innocent person on the road. Victims of distracted driving certainly have a case to make, if they choose to file a civil lawsuit. Drivers who used their cellphone during an accident can be held liable for the wreck and have to pay extensive damages to the victim.

Source: DMV, “West Virginia Safety Laws,” Accessed May 8, 2015