summary
Introduced
01/10/2023
01/10/2023
In Committee
01/10/2023
01/10/2023
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/09/2024
05/09/2024
Introduced Session
125th General Assembly
Bill Summary
A bill to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws BY ENACTING the "South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act"; by aDding Section 56-5-3995 so as to PROVIDE THE CIRCUMSTANCES UPON WHICH IT IS UNLAWFUL TO USE WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICES, TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF DISTRACTED DRIVING, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES; by amending Section 56-1-720, relating to THE Point system established AND THE schedule of points for violations, so as to PROVIDE A SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE OF DISTRACTED DRIVING IS A TWO-POINT VIOLATION; TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SHALL ERECT SIGNS ADVISING MOTORISTS OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; BY REPEALING SECTION 56-5-3890 RELATING TO OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE WHILE USING AN ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE; TO PROVIDE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS SHALL ISSUE WARNINGS FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS OF THIS ACT DURING THE NINETY-DAY PERIOD FOLLOWING ITS EFFECTIVE DATE; and TO PROVIDE AT THE END OF EACH FISCAL YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY SHALL ISSUE A REPORT CONTAINING THE AGE, GENDER, AND RACE OF EVERY DRIVER ISSUED A CITATION.
AI Summary
This bill, the "South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act," aims to prohibit the use of mobile electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle on public roads, except in limited circumstances. It creates the offense of "distracted driving" and imposes fines for first and subsequent offenses. The bill also amends the state's point system for driving violations, adding a two-point penalty for a second or subsequent distracted driving offense. The Department of Transportation is required to erect signs advising motorists of the new law, and law enforcement officers must issue warnings during the first 90 days after the law takes effect. Additionally, the Department of Public Safety must report annually on the age, gender, and race of drivers issued citations under the law.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (16)
Bill Taylor (R)*,
Heather Bauer (D),
Beth Bernstein (D),
Don Chapman (R),
Sylleste Davis (R),
Jason Elliott (R),
Tom Hartnett (R),
Ryan McCabe (R),
Tommy Pope (R),
Robby Robbins (R),
Bill Sandifer (R),
Mark Smith (R),
Anne Thayer (R),
Jay West (R),
Will Wheeler (D),
Joe White (R),
Last Action
Member(s) request name added as sponsor: White (on 05/16/2023)
Bill Topics
Civil Rights, Minority Issues, and Civil Liberties
- ‐ Ethnic Minority and Racial Group Discrimination
Law, Crime, and Family Issues
- ‐ Criminal and Juvenile Delinquent Prosecution, Procedure, and Sentencing
Transportation
- ‐ Highway Construction, Maintenance, and Safety
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location | Created |
|---|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3394&session=125&summary=B | 12/08/2022 |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov//sess125_2023-2024/prever/3394_20221208.htm | 02/01/2023 |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess125_2023-2024/prever/3394_20221208.htm | 12/08/2022 |
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