Purcellville VA Introduces New Traffic Law to Combat Distracted Driving

Updated On: December 8, 2024 6:05 pm

Purcellville VA Introduces New Traffic Law : Purcellville, Virginia, has recently enacted a new traffic law aimed at addressing distracted driving. This change reflects a growing concern for road safety and the need for more nuanced enforcement options. Here’s what residents and visitors to Purcellville need to know about this new legislation.

Table of Contents

Understanding the New Distracted Driving Law

The Purcellville Town Council has unanimously approved a change to the town code, allowing police officers to issue citations for distracted driving. This new law provides law enforcement with more flexibility in addressing unsafe driving behaviors that don’t necessarily warrant a reckless driving charge.Key points of the new law:

Allows officers to issue citations for distracted driving
Carries a $250 fine
Does not add points to the driver’s license

Comparison with Reckless Driving Charges

The new distracted driving citation provides a middle ground between no citation and the more serious reckless driving charge. Here’s how they compare:

Offense	Fine	Potential Jail Time	License Points
Distracted Driving	$250	None	0
Reckless Driving	Up to $2,500	Up to 12 months	6

Impact on Purcellville Residents and Visitors

This new law aims to improve road safety by:

Providing officers with more discretion in traffic enforcement
Offering an educational opportunity for first-time offenders
Creating a more appropriate penalty for minor infractions

Purcellville Police Chief Barry Dufek emphasized the law’s focus on education over punishment, stating, “We’re a small town, and sometimes education is more appropriate than enforcement, anyway”.

Also Read – Missouri Traffic Law Changes: What Drivers Need to Know in 2024

Virginia’s Broader Traffic Law Context

While Purcellville’s new law is specific to the town, it’s part of a larger trend in Virginia traffic law enforcement. The state has been updating its traffic laws to address modern driving challenges:

In 2024, Virginia updated its photo speed monitoring laws for work zones, school crossing zones, and high-risk intersections.
The state has also been focusing on issues like towing regulations and parking for persons with disabilities.

Conclusion

Purcellville’s new distracted driving law represents a thoughtful approach to traffic enforcement, balancing the need for safety with appropriate penalties. As drivers in Purcellville and throughout Virginia, it’s crucial to stay informed about these changes and prioritize attentive, safe driving practices.Remember, the best way to avoid any traffic citations is to remain focused on the road and free from distractions while driving. Stay safe, Purcellville!

What constitutes distracted driving under the new Purcellville law?

Distracted driving can include behaviors such as having a dog in the driver’s face, reaching into the back seat, or any activity that takes the driver’s eyes off the road.

How does this new law differ from existing traffic laws?

Previously, officers could only charge drivers with reckless driving for similar offenses, which is a more severe charge with potentially harsher penalties.