It could soon be illegal to even hold a cell phone while driving.
House bill 4480 makes “DUI-E,” or, driving under the influence of an electronic device, a crime.
If it is passed, getting caught with a phone while driving could result in a two-point penalty on a driver’s license.
The current penalty for texting while driving is a $25 ticket. There are no penalties for making phone calls.
A bi-partisan group of legislators, including Rep. William Cogswell, Jr. of Charleston County and Representative Joseph H. Jefferson, Jr. of Berkeley and Dorchester counties, introduced the bill in December.
It’s currently being discussed in committee.