The measure does include potential fines.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A bill that would make it illegal for South Carolina drivers to hold their cell phones while driving behind the wheel of their car is headed to the governor’s desk for his signature.
The South Carolina House passed the bill late Wednesday afternoon. The legislation also bans drivers from resting their phones in their laps.
Hands-free technology would still be allowed, meaning drivers could use Bluetooth or voice-activated features to make calls or send messages.
Under current law, texting while driving is banned, but this bill would extend the restriction to any physical phone use. One of the bill’s sponsored explained that people can answer the phone, as long as they don’t pick it up and look at it.
The bill gained traction this year because of the threat of losing $50 million in federal funding if the state doesn’t adopt a ban on handheld cell phone use while driving. The federal government is requiring the state to update its statute to qualify for the transportation safety funding.
The bill sets fines of $100 for a first violation and $200 for a second.
