46.2-1077 - Motor vehicles not to be equipped with television within view of driver; viewing motion pictures or similar displays while driving.

§ 46.2-1077. Motor vehicles not to be equipped with television within view ofdriver; viewing motion pictures or similar displays while driving.

A. No motor vehicle registered in the Commonwealth of Virginia shall beequipped with, nor shall there be used therein, a television receiver forwardof the driver's seat or the screen of which would otherwise be visible to thedriver while driving the vehicle. The operator of a motor vehicle which isnot required to be registered in Virginia shall not operate a televisionreceiver which violates the provisions of this section while driving in theCommonwealth.

The prohibitions contained in this subsection shall not, however, include:

1. Electronic displays used in conjunction with vehicle navigation systems;

2. Closed circuit video monitors designed to operate only in conjunction withdedicated video cameras and used in rear-view systems on trucks, motor homes,and other motor vehicles;

3. Television receivers or monitors used in government-owned vehicles bylaw-enforcement officers and employees of the Virginia Department ofTransportation in the course of their official duties; and

4. Visual displays used to enhance or supplement the driver's view forward,behind, or to the sides of a motor vehicle for the purpose of maneuvering thevehicle.

B. Except for displays explicitly authorized in subsection A, no driver ofany motor vehicle shall view any motion picture or similar video displaywhile driving.

(Code 1950, § 46-219.1; 1950, p. 882; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-202; 1989, c. 727;1994, c. 117; 2005, cc. 210, 913; 2007, c. 110.)