SD Legislature Bans Cell Phone Use By Young Drivers

The South Dakota Legislature has passed a measure banning beginning drivers from using cellphones behind the wheel.

The Senate voted 23-10 Wednesday to accept a change in the bill made by the House. The measure will become law if signed by Gov. Dennis Daugaard.

The measure would ban young drivers from using cellphones or other electronic devices until they get unrestricted licenses at age 16.

The House added language that says a law enforcement officer cannot stop a young driver just for driving while using a cellphone. A law officer could issue a ticket for driving while using a cellphone only after stopping a young driver for some other traffic violation.