South Dakota Legislature Approves Texting While Driving Ban

After years of debate on the issue, the South Dakota Legislature has finally approved a statewide ban on texting while driving.

The state House voted 52-18 in favor of the measure and senators approved it by a 28-7 vote.

The measure makes texting behind the wheel a petty offense carrying a $100 penalty. It would be considered a secondary offense, meaning a law officer could ticket someone for a texting violation only after first stopping that driver for another traffic offense.

The bill does not prohibit local governments from having texting bans that are stricter than the state law.

Topics Personal Auto