On September 28th, of the L-O-L's, B-R-B's, T-T-Y-L's will not be allowed in the C-A-R.
The texting ordinance bans you from typing and sending a text message, instant message or email on several electronic devices and that doesn't mean just your cell phone or smart phone.
You can put laptops, tablets, PDA's on the list, too, pretty much anything that requires typing and sending an electronic message.
This is where it might get tricky. You can get a $200 fine if you are doing any of the above while you are driving. You also cannot text or message, while you are stopped at a stop light or stop sign. If you are in a lane of traffic, do not do it.
A lot of phones have apps that will let you recite a text message while it types it for you. According to Sioux Falls City Council member Greg Jamison, you cannot do that either. Jamison said that is because it is still considered sending a text message and the whole point of this ordinance it to bar any type of text, electronic or instant messaging while driving.
What can you use your phone for in the car? If someone calls you, you can answer. Need to find a phone number? You can look it up. If you want to call someone, go ahead. The ordinance does not ban GPS use. If you follow these rules, you should be able to save yourself from throwing away $200 to pay for a fine.
When in doubt, maybe the best and safest solution is to just put your phone down all together.
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