Sioux Falls bans texting-while-driving

Talk about it

SIOUX FALLS (AP) — South Dakota's biggest city has banned texting while driving.

The media reports that the Sioux Falls City Council voted to make sending and receiving electronic messages while operating a vehicle a crime within city limits.

The ordinance will take effect on Sept. 28 and will be punishable by a fine of up to $200 and 30 days in jail. It still will be legal to make phone calls, use GPS navigation and use hands free devices.

The South Dakota Legislature has rejected proposed statewide bans in the last two years, but Sioux Falls' home rule charter allows it to pass measures not forbidden by state law.

Tags: sioux falls, home rule, news, updates, crime, texting, state