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Would that be technically classified as texting? LOL

Nothing in this thread is considered legal advice. All information is strictly to use at your own risk. If you have serious legal questions, I highly recommend consulting an attorney. This subject came up in another thread. I didn't want to derail that thread and it did seem like an interesting topic to discuss. So, I figured I would start a new discussion about it. I live in Virginia, and there are a couple of laws that I found pretty interesting. This law is about "personal communications devices". § 46.2-1078.1. (Repealed effective January 1, 2021) Use of handheld personal communications devices in certain motor vehicles; exceptions; penalty. It not only makes it illegal to send or read text messages, it makes it illegal to even hold a device capable of sending or receiving text/email messages in your hand. There is no exemption for PRS or Amateur Radio operations. However, most PRS and Ham radios cannot send or receive text messages. This law had a 10 year sunset date. It was not reconfirmed and will be automatically repealed in a few months, Jan 1, 2021. The replacement law for the one above... § 46.2-818.2. (Effective January 1, 2021) Use of handheld personal communications devices in certain motor vehicles; exceptions; penalty. Section B4 says the provisions of this section shall not apply to "...The use of an amateur or a citizens band radio..." Unfortunately, there is no reference to PRS or commercial radio. I have an opinion that many law enforcement officers won't be able to tell what radio service you are using and likely wouldn't care due to the spirit of the law. Below is another law that is supportive of the radio community and does a better job of defining devices as "handheld mobile telephones". It also limits the law to apply only to commercial vehicles. So, for folks who drive a commercial vehicle for a living are also exempt. § 46.2-341.20:5. Prohibition on texting and use of handheld mobile telephone; penalties. This law states " 'Mobile telephone' does not include two-way or citizens band radio services." So, are you aware of any laws in your state that revolve around distracted driving that either specifically include or specifically exclude the operation of two-way radios while operating a motor vehicle? Share below!

While search the web for applicable laws in the state of Ohio, I found this for the state of Connecticut which outright prohibits the prohibition of amateur radio handhelds while driving. “AN ACT EXEMPTING AMATEUR RADIO OPERATORS USING HAND-HELD RADIOS FROM THE PROHIBITION ON USING HAND-HELD MOBILE TELEPHONES AND MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICES WHILE DRIVING” Here is the link to the government website. https://www.cga.ct.gov/2012/SUM/2012SUM00067-R01SB-00061-SUM.htm Michael WRSH965 Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Thanks for the response and forward thinking Marc. I have read your other post. Looking forward to additional replies in that thread. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I also wanted to add that the ARRL does have some minor resources about this subject, under their Regulatory and Advocacy section of their website. http://www.arrl.org/local-regulations And this is a really cool article to read about Montana legislation. Its a little dated, but relevant. http://www.arrl.org/news/montana-governor-signs-legislation-to-protect-mobile-amateur-radio-operations-from-distracted-drivin

Congrats, wish I had done the same. Have fun. for me the learning never stops with this hobby. I never thought I'd have to become a pseudo electrician (all the electrical knowledge) pseudo astrophysicst (sunspots you know)pseudo mathematician (ideal angle for the sloper is, know how do I calculate they hypotenuse again?)pseudo audiologist ( omg was that dit-dah or dah-dit need to check why I can't hear it)pseudo botanist (now honey we can't plant that tree, it won't grow fast enough to give me the height I need for the dipole, or the venerable I think this antenna needs this leaf, so it looks more like a potted plant)pseudo camo expert (paint it this shade, it hides with the sky better).