COLUMBIA - South Carolina motorists would be fined $25 if they're caught sending or reading text messages while they drive under legislation that won approval in the House.
The chamber gave the bill a second reading by a 98-18 vote today. Final approval is expected on Thursday.
Opponents tried to broaden the bill's scope.
Republican state Rep. Kris Crawford of Florence proposed ticketing drivers for taking off a jacket, eating a sandwich or putting on makeup while driving. He also wanted the bill to include a ban on drivers handling iPods.
The bill started out with a $100 fine with the loss of two driving record points. The penalty under the current proposal carries the $25 fine but no points. Violations can't be reported to insurers.
$25 fine! That will keep those hands on the steering wheel-LOL
Great, just like serving 6 months for child molestation.
The SCHP will have a field day with this one. Imall for no texting but there are numerous activities that mimic handling the phone in your lap.
$25 fine for texting: Just another example of why SC remains at or near the very bottom of state rankings for almost everything having to do with automobile safety. And, Rep. Crawford's obstructionist effort to make the bill totally unacceptable in SC simply mirrors the behavior of the Republicans in Washington, DC as they propose stipulations in bills under consideration recently (When they do not "just say no" they choose to make bills unacceptable by adding asinine inclusions). GGpap
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