Charleston City Council to Consider Ban on Texting While Driving

Charleston City Council is the latest municipality in South Carolina to consider making it illegal to text behind the wheel.

The Post and Courier reports the council will consider the ordinance Wednesday. The prohibition would apply to texting, emailing, typing or reading within city limits but would not apply to talking on a cell phone.

The fine would be $100 plus court costs.

Mayor Joe Riley says it’s time for Charleston to join nearly a dozen local governments with similar bans.

But the chairman of the committee that will first review of the proposal is not a supporter. Still, Councilman Bill Moody says he’ll schedule a public hearing and welcomes the debate.

Mount Pleasant Town Council recently voted to ban texting while driving. A second vote is required.