Last week, the Purcellville Police Department finalized a distracted driving ordinance for drivers in minor vehicle crashes. 

Why is this important? Before the change, if you were in a fender bender caused by your distracted driving, you were charged with reckless driving. This meant, at maximum, 12 months of jail time and $2,500 in fees as well as demerit points on your license. 

The town council found this was too harsh for the regular driver. Instead of being charged with the state crime of reckless driving, distracted driving offenses would lead to $250 in fees, but no demerit points.

The town council feels this new charge will better represent minor driving incidents and provide the driver with fair treatment while still punishing them for their crime. 

In the ordinance, examples where the distracted driving charge would be applied include eating and drinking while driving, using a navigation app, texting while driving, looking at or observing objects outside the vehicle, addressing passengers and allowing animals to roam around the vehicle. 

The ordinance aligns with similar regulations  implemented in Leesburg and Loudoun County.