Ban on drivers holding cellphones heads to SC Senate floor

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – A bill that would make it illegal for drivers to hold a cellphone in their hands in South Carolina is heading to the Senate floor. The proposal passed the Senate Transportation Committee on Wednesday. The bill requires anyone using a cellphone while driving to use hands-free features, like Bluetooth or speakerphone. The fine for a first offense would be $100 and any subsequent convictions would be $300 fines and two points on driver’s licenses. The proposal is similar to a hands-free cellphone law currently on the books in Georgia. Similar proposals have failed for several years in the South Carolina House.