More tickets for these residents with this new law that just went into effect in this state. Distracted driving is becoming an increasingly prevalent problem across the country, and states are not taking this problem lightly. Keeping the lives of all road users safe on the roads is a top priority, and stamping out reckless driving behavior requires states to continue to monitor the roads and to enforce harsher penalties if necessary for anyone who is caught violating road traffic safety legislation.
States come down hard on unlawful behaviour
This year has been a year of changes for drivers across states as they have to keep up with new legislation implemented by authorities who are taking the safety of road users seriously. These changes are made in response to the realities of the road, whereby policymakers ensure that current legislation is enough to ensure safe and legal driving practices are adhered to.
One way states are showcasing that they have a zero-tolerance policy for drivers who are caught breaking the laws of the road is that harsher penalties are being implemented. Generally, a violation of a driving policy will result in you receiving a ticket from law enforcement. These fines are now coming with higher liabilities drivers have to pay, with some tickets requiring drivers to pay thousands of dollars worth of fines for violating a law.
In addition to higher fines, the risk of jail time is also now on the line for road users, especially towards those drivers who are deemed to be repeat offenders of particular violations or who are convicted of excessively breaching a road safety policy, such as excessively driving over the speed limit.
On top of these harsher penalties, which have been going into effect, more states are setting up automated camera technology to assist law enforcement with catching drivers who are still violating road safety policies in the absence of the physical presence of law enforcement.
New tickets in this state for this violation
The start of this month saw the South Carolina State Government start enforcing the new ‘hands-free’ legislation, whereby South Carolina drivers are no longer allowed to hold or use their phones in their vehicles while driving. While you may still mount your phone on your dashboard for navigation assistance or to answer a call, the state is no longer tolerating any distractions that cause you to take your eyes off the road.
“When you’re driving with your phone in your hand, you’re driving blind,” describes bill sponsor Rep. Bill Taylor, R-Aiken,. “It’s six times more deadly than drunk driving.”
While drivers are currently receiving warning tickets who are caught violating this new legislation, this will no longer be the case come March 2026, when fines of up to $100 will begin to be issued to drivers. Repeat offenders will receive a $200 fine as well as 2 points against their license.
Other states follow suit with this legislation
Hands-free laws are becoming increasingly prevalent across the country as authorities attempt to stamp out phone usage while driving. The state of Louisiana and California recently updated their own legislation regarding phone usage, with Louisiana fining drivers similar ticket amounts to South Carolina authorities of between $100-$250.
These penalties for distracted driving serve as reminders to drivers that they have a responsibility towards their fellow road users to prioritize their safety. Using your phone while driving is a sure way to increase the risk of an accident occurring while on the road, which not only can result in serious injury but can even be fatal. While it may be tempting to text and drive while on route, it is imperative that you remain aware of your surroundings for the safe of the safety of all.
