Bill Text: VA SB736 | 2013 | Regular Session | Engrossed

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Bill Title: Motor vehicle doors; requires drivers and passengers to wait for reasonable opportunity to open.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2013-02-12 - Failed to report (defeated) in Transportation (7-Y 7-N) [SB736 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2013-SB736-Engrossed.html

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13100546D
SENATE BILL NO. 736 Senate Amendments in [ ] -- January 21, 2013 A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 46.2-818.1, relating to opening and closing of motor vehicle doors. ---------- Patron Prior to Engrossment--Senator Petersen ---------- Referred to Committee on Transportation ----------

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 46.2-818.1 as follows:

§46.2-818.1. Opening and closing motor vehicle doors; penalty.

No person shall open the door of a motor vehicle on the side adjacent to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so. [ Nor shall the person keep the vehicle door open for longer than is reasonably necessary to load or unload passengers. ]

A violation of this section shall constitute a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of no more than $100. No demerit points shall be awarded by the Commissioner for a violation of this section.

The provisions of this section shall not apply to any law-enforcement officer, school guard, firefighter, or member of a rescue squad engaged in the performance of his duties.