South Carolina’s new texting and driving law is in effect NOW! So what is it and how does it effect you? Ive reviewed the new law and prepared a summary of common questions and issues: • What is a text? For purposes of this law, a text is text based communication sent by a cell phone, computer, PDA, or other electronic device. Checking e-mails or reading online articles also counts as texting under the new law. Using a GPS (or your phone’s GPS app), emergency communication, or dialing a phone number is not considered texting for purposes of this statute. • When am I not allowed to text under the new law? Anytime the vehicle is in motion, texting is not allowed. However, you can text if the car is legally stopped or parked. • What happens if law enforcement catches me? If law enforcements spots you texting, then they can pull you over. But they cannot search or ask to search your phone or car just to obtain evidence of a texting violation. Keep in mind that anything else they observe during the stop could lead to a subsequent search. • How much is the fine? The fine is $25.00 for a single violation, and no more than $50.00 for multiple violations. This isn’t a criminal fine, and doesn’t go toward your driving record. You can’t go to jail for this unless you do not pay the fine, so be sure to remember to pay! • Are there circumstances where the law is stricter on cell phone use? Yes, anyone driving through a school zone with a flashing indicator sign is prohibited from ANY cellphone use. Also, anyone with a beginner’s permit or a restricted driver’s license cannot use a cellphone while operating the vehicle. Of course, the best way to avoid any of these issues is to limit phone usage while driving and pay attention to the road! (special thanks to my law clerk, Joe Catalano for his research)
Posted on: Fri, 13 Jun 2014 19:06:35 +0000
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