South Carolina drivers could face stiff fines for holding a mobile device behind the wheel.
According to an article by the Post and Courier, a group of state lawmakers, law enforcement officers, bikers and others concerned about distracted driving spoke in favor of a “driving under the influence of an electronic device,” or DUI-E, bill before a House transportation panel this week.
“We’re not very good drivers in our state,” S.C. Department of Insurance Director Ray Farmer testified. “We need to learn to put the phone down.”
The bill proposes amending the state’s 2014 texting ban to make picking up a mobile device for any reason other than an emergency call while driving illegal, regardless of whether a vehicle is in motion or at a stoplight or sign.
The fine for distracted driving would be increased from $25 to $200. There will be no points placed on driving records for violations.
Currently, S.C. drivers cannot be punished for the use of a mobile device unless they are texting.
Cutting down on distracted driving accidents will lower insurance premiums, bill backers said.
A stricter law also would leave less of a grey area for law enforcement. Since only texting is illegal, officers have a tough time deciphering how drivers are using their phones.
