VA SB686

Allows courts to order completion of a driver improvement clinic in lieu of conviction for first-time violations of Virginia's handheld device law while driving

First offense for holding a handheld personal communications device while driving carries a $125 fine; second or subsequent offenses carry a $250 fine

Violations occurring in highway work zones are punishable by a mandatory $250 fine regardless of prior offenses

Exemptions apply to emergency vehicle operators on duty, parked or stopped drivers, persons reporting emergencies, amateur/citizens band radio users, and Department of Transportation traffic incident management personnel