Opening a car door without first checking to see if a bicyclist might crash into that door could soon cost Virginia motorists a hefty fine.

The state Senate on Tuesday approved a bill that bans motorists from opening car doors without first checking first to see if a bicycle, vehicle or pedestrian is headed their way. Failing to wait for a reasonable opportunity to open the door, or leaving it open for too long, could result in a traffic infraction and a $100 fine.