Everyone knows by now that talking on a cell phone without a hands-free device while driving in the District is illegal — even if it is a poorly enforced and largely ignored law. But given the increasing popularity of SMS (and really, who actually talks on the phone anymore? I recently found myself incredibly frustrated that a close friend left me a voicemail. Who leaves garbled voicemail when you can shoot a quick, clear text? You want me to call who? Just send me a text, ZOMG!!1!), what’s the rule on the arguably more dangerous practice of texting while driving? Turns out, there is none, and in Virginia at least, some legislators would like to change that.

WTOP says that Virginia Delegate James Scott (D-Falls Church) has introduced legislation that would make it illegal to send, receive or read text messages while driving an automobile, riding a bike, using an electric wheelchair or riding a scooter.

Does Del. Scott’s legislation go too far? If actually trying to type while driving isn’t more dangerous than just holding a phone to your ear, we don’t know what is. But an electric wheelchair? We dunno ’bout that.

Should the legislation pass the General Assembly, don’t be too surprised to see similar legislation introduced in the D.C. Council.