summary
Introduced
01/14/2025
01/14/2025
In Committee
04/15/2025
04/15/2025
Crossed Over
04/10/2025
04/10/2025
Passed
05/07/2025
05/07/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/19/2025
05/19/2025
Introduced Session
126th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Enacting The "south Carolina Hands-free And Distracted Driving Act" By Amending Section 56-5-3890, Relating To Unlawful Use Of Wireless Electronic Communication Devices While Operating Motor Vehicles, So As To Delete Certain Terms And Their Definitions, To Define The Term "mobile Electronic Device," To Provide The Circumstances When Mobile Electronic Devices May Not Be Used While Operating A Motor Vehicle, To Create The Offense Of Distracted Driving And Provide Penalties, To Provide For The Disbursement Of Fines Imposed Pursuant To This Section, To Provide The Circumstances Upon Which This Section May Be Enforced, To Provide For The Sharing Of Certain Information With The Department Of Public Safety, And To Provide This Section Is Not Subject To Provisions Related To Citizens Arrests; By Amending Section 56-1-720, Relating To Points That May Be Assessed Against A Person's Driving Record For Motor Vehicle Driving Violations, So As To Provide That 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; To Provide Only Warnings May Be Issued For Certain Violations For A Certain Period; And To Provide The Department Of Public Safety Shall File A Report With Certain Officials Containing Information About Persons Stopped Pursuant To This Act. - Ratified Title
AI Summary
This bill establishes the "South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act," which prohibits drivers from holding or supporting mobile electronic devices while operating a vehicle on public highways. Specifically, drivers cannot hold a mobile electronic device with any part of their body, read or compose text messages or emails, or watch videos while driving. The law allows for some exceptions, such as using hands-free devices, using GPS navigation without typing, reporting emergencies, or using devices while lawfully parked. For first-time offenders, the fine is $100, and for subsequent offenses, the fine increases to $200 and two points are added to the driver's record. During the first 180 days after the law takes effect, law enforcement will only issue warnings. The bill also requires the Department of Transportation to post signs at interstate highway entrances and mandates that the Department of Public Safety report annual data on citations, including demographic information. The law will take effect on September 1, 2025, and is designed to reduce distracted driving and improve road safety by limiting mobile device use while driving.
Committee Categories
Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (19)
Tommy Pope (R)*,
Carl Anderson (D),
Beth Bernstein (D),
Jeff Bradley (R),
Paula Calhoon (R),
Don Chapman (R),
Shannon Erickson (R),
Cal Forrest (R),
Chris Hart (D),
Tom Hartnett (R),
Bill Hixon (R),
Randy Ligon (R),
Tim McGinnis (R),
Weston Newton (R),
Robby Robbins (R),
Carla Schuessler (R),
Mark Smith (R),
Bill Taylor (R),
Chris Wooten (R),
Last Action
Act No. 40 (on 05/19/2025)
Official Document
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