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Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
S. 59
STATUS INFORMATION
General Bill
Sponsors: Senator L. Martin
Document Path: l:\s-rules\drafting\lam\014dist.ec.lam.docx
Introduced in the Senate on January 11, 2011
Currently residing in the Senate Committee on Judiciary
Summary: Traffic rules
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
Date Body Action Description with journal page number
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12/1/2010 Senate Prefiled
12/1/2010 Senate Referred to Committee on Judiciary
1/11/2011 Senate Introduced and read first time (Senate Journal-page 31)
1/11/2011 Senate Referred to Committee on Judiciary
(Senate Journal-page 31)
3/7/2011 Senate Referred to Subcommittee: Rankin (ch), Campsen, Coleman,
Davis, Nicholson
View the latest legislative information at the LPITS web site
VERSIONS OF THIS 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.
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