Text-based communications prohibited

20 V.I.C. § 509a — under Regulation of Traffic.

20 V.I.C. § 509a

(a) A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using an electronic wireless communications device to write, send, or read a text-based communication.

(b) As used in this section “write, send, or read a text-based communication” means(1) using an electronic wireless communications device to manually communicate with any person using a text-based communication, including, but not limited to, communications referred to as a text message, instant message, or electronic mail; or(2) using an electronic wireless communications device to manually read, select, or enter a telephone number or name in an electronic wireless communications device for the purpose of making or receiving a telephone call.

(1) using an electronic wireless communications device to manually communicate with any person using a text-based communication, including, but not limited to, communications referred to as a text message, instant message, or electronic mail; or

(2) using an electronic wireless communications device to manually read, select, or enter a telephone number or name in an electronic wireless communications device for the purpose of making or receiving a telephone call.

(c) A violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a fine of fifty dollars ($50) for a first offense.

(d) A second or subsequent violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a fine of not less than seventy dollars ($75) [sic], but not more than two hundred dollars ($200).

(e) Three or more violations of this section within a three year period are punishable by a fine of not less than two hundred dollars ($200), but not more than four hundred dollars ($400), and a person to whom this subsection applies may have his driver's license suspended for a period not to exceed l year.