WASHINGTON – The Virginia Senate has approved a bill banning drivers from opening a car door without first checking to see if a bike, vehicle or pedestrian is coming.

The Washington Examiner reports the bill largely aims to protect cyclists from “dooring” — when a vehicle door is opened and hits a passing biker.

Violators could receive a traffic citation and $100 fine. The legislation now moves to the House of Delegates, the Examiner says.

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