Bill Text: SC S0059 | 2011-2012 | 119th General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Traffic rules
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-03-07 - Referred to Subcommittee: Rankin (ch), Campsen, Coleman, Davis, Nicholson [S0059 Detail]
Download: South_Carolina-2011-S0059-Introduced.html
A BILL
TO AMEND ARTICLE 31, CHAPTER 5, TITLE 56 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO TRAFFIC RULES, BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-3815, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO DRIVE CARELESSLY AS A RESULT OF BEING DISTRACTED, TO DEFINE CARELESSLY, AND TO PROVIDE FOR A FIFTY DOLLAR FINE WITH NO POINTS ASSIGNED.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. Article 31, Chapter 5, Title 56 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 56-5-3815. (A) It is unlawful for a motor vehicle driver, while driving on a road, street, or highway of the State to drive carelessly as a result of reading, writing, personal grooming, interacting with passengers, pets or unsecured cargo, using a computer, using a wireless telephone, using personal communication technologies, or engaging in any other activity which causes the driver to be distracted.
(B) For purposes of this section, 'drive carelessly' means operating a vehicle without care and caution and without full regard for the safety of persons or property.
(C) A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined fifty dollars, no part of which may be suspended. Court costs, assessments, or surcharges may not be assessed against a person who violates a provision of this section, and no points, pursuant to Section 56-1-720, may be assigned to the driver."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
