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Senate transportation panel gives favorable report to hands-free driving bill, cites safety and federal fund risk
Summary
The Senate Transportation Committee’s subcommittee reported favorably on H3276, the South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act, adopting an amendment and sending the bill forward as amended. Sponsors said the law targets distracted driving and is tied to federal highway funding at risk if the state does not meet federal criteria.
The Senate Transportation Committee on Thursday gave a favorable report as amended to H3276, the South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act, after the subcommittee adopted an amendment and committee members voted to advance the bill.
The bill, presented by Subcommittee Chairman Sen. Greg Embry, would make it unlawful to hold or support a mobile electronic device while driving, prohibit reading or composing texts and viewing video while operating a vehicle, and set penalties for violations. Embry said the statute includes common-sense exceptions for emergency calls, first responders and navigation functions.
The move matters because, Embry said, South Carolina ranks among the most dangerous states for drivers and is averaging about 12 road deaths per week. “We are, right now, we’ve been warned that if we don’t pass a distracted driving bill that meets that this one does meet that criteria … we’re gonna lose $50,000,000 in state highway funds this year, and going forward that will increase to $100,000,000 year after year,” Embry said.
Under the language explained to the committee, a first offense would carry a $100 fine; a second and subsequent offense would carry a $200 fine and two points assessed against the driver, with only offenses within three years counted as repeats. The bill lists several exceptions, including when a vehicle is lawfully stopped and use of earpieces or wrist-worn devices for voice communications. The subcommittee adopted a technical amendment that restores the original reasonable-suspicion standard for stops (the House had amended that to probable cause), and the committee rejected removal of a provision that would report points to insurers.
Committee procedure: the subcommittee amendment was moved, seconded and adopted on a voice vote; the motion for a favorable report as amended was likewise moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
The committee did not record roll-call vote tallies in the transcript; the chair announced, “the ayes have it,” when the measures passed.
What’s next: The bill, as amended, will move forward on the Senate calendar. Members discussed enforcement questions and technical cleanups that may be addressed in future floor amendments.
Ending: Committee leaders emphasized the combination of safety and funding motives behind the bill as they advanced it.
