Brief Summary on Statewide Texting Ban S. 459, which creates a statewide ban on texting while driving, was signed by the Governor on Monday (6/9/2014). It is now unlawful for a person to “use a wireless electronic communication device to compose, send, or read a text-based communication while operating a motor vehicle on the public streets and highways of this State.” This ban is now in effect across the state, however the bill states that law enforcement officers can only issue warning tickets for this offense for the first 180 days following the Governor’s signature. The fine for this citation will be $25 for the first offense and $50 for subsequent offenses. There will be no fees, assessments or surcharges on these tickets and the offense will not be reported to insurance companies. There may be some difficulty in enforcing this new statute, but the belief is that most people will not text in drive simply because it is now illegal and law enforcement officers can use this law to educate the public on the dangers of texting while driving. To read S. 459 in its entirety, please follow this link: scstatehouse.gov/sess120_2013-2014/bills/459.htm.
Posted on: Thu, 12 Jun 2014 14:11:13 +0000
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