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

NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft

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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-Prefiled.html

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13100546D
SENATE BILL NO. 736 Offered January 9, 2013 Prefiled December 12, 2012 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-- 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.