Anti-texting CDL penalty OK’d by lawmakers

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In addition to the texting while driving ban approved Tuesday, the South Dakota Senate agreed that state residents should face possible disqualification of their commercial driver licenses if caught violating texting bans anywhere in the nation while operating a commercial vehicle.

Sen. Mike Vehle, R-Mitchell, explained the CDL penalty on behalf of the state Department of Public Safety.

He said South Dakota would lose federal highway aid — five percent the first year and 10 percent each year after — unless it’s passed. The Senate OK’d it 23-10.

Both texting and driving measures now head to the House of Representatives for consideration.

The CDL disqualification is sought by the federal government as a national policy. It could be a suspension, revocation or cancellation of the special license to operate commercial vehicles. “It’s not as if it just occurs in South Dakota, it’s anywhere,” Vehle said.

Sen. David Omdahl, R-Sioux Falls, opposed Vehle’s ban but supported the CDL penalty.

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