BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–The next time you text and drive in Berkeley County or anywhere else in the Palmetto State, it could cost you.
Starting Sunday, law enforcement agencies across the state will begin ticketing drivers caught texting behind the wheel.
Governor Nikki Haley signed the measure into law on June 9th, 2014.
The new law will pre-empt the state’s many local distracted driving regulations.
The new South Carolina texting law would be primary, meaning police are empowered to stop and cite offenders.
The law would not affect use of cell phones for making calls. Drivers would be able to use the GPS functions of their hand-held devices. They can can lawfully text inside their vehicle when fully stopped or parked.
Police would not be allowed to “seize, search, view, or require the forfeiture” of a wireless electronic communication device involved in a violation.
Some critics argue that the fines associated with the texting and driving ban aren’t high enough–just a mere $25 for the first offense. For repeated offenses, the fine goes up to $50. Failing to pay the fine would lead to a warrant for the driver’s arrest.
The new law now makes South Carolina the 44th state in the country to outlaw texting and driving.
To read the law in its entirety, click here.
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