summary
Introduced
01/14/2025
01/14/2025
In Committee
01/14/2025
01/14/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
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 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 A 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 Unlawful Use Of A Wireless Electronic Communication Device While Operating A Motor Vehicle; 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 introduces the "South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act" to regulate the use of mobile electronic devices while driving. The legislation defines a mobile electronic device as a cellular phone, portable computer, GPS, electronic game, or similar device, and prohibits drivers from holding or supporting such devices, reading or composing text messages, or watching videos while operating a motor vehicle. Exceptions are made for drivers who are parked, using voice-based communication, reporting emergencies, using navigation features without typing, or performing work-related duties. First-time offenders will be fined $100, while second and subsequent offenses within three years will result in a $200 fine and two points added to the driver's record. Law enforcement officers are restricted from stopping drivers solely for device use, searching vehicles, or making custodial arrests based on this violation. The Department of Transportation will erect signs at interstate highway entrances to inform motorists about the new law, and during the first 90 days, officers will only issue warnings. Additionally, the Department of Public Safety must report annual citation data, including demographic information, to various state officials. The act aims to reduce distracted driving and improve road safety by limiting mobile device use while driving.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (8)
Bill Taylor (R)*,
Beth Bernstein (D),
Brandon Cox (R),
Sylleste Davis (R),
Cal Forrest (R),
Harriet Holman (R),
Tim McGinnis (R),
Mark Smith (R),
Last Action
Member(s) request name added as sponsor: M.M.Smith, Davis, Holman, B.L.Cox (on 02/05/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3536&session=126&summary=B |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/3536_20241205.htm |
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