It Will Be Illegal To Hold A Cellphone While Driving In The New Year Details Published: 28 December 2020 On Jan. 1, 2021, a new law will go into effect in Virginia that bans drivers from holding a cellphone while driving. The previous law only banned texting while driving. Janet Brooking, the Executive Director for DRIVE SMART Virginia, said this update is a crucial step forward for safer roads in the state. “Either you’re holding the phone or you’re not,” she said. “It doesn’t matter what you’re using it for.” Virginia also bans cell phone use completely for school bus drivers and novice drivers who have a learner’s permit or provisional license.