Council Moves Toward Hands-Free Requirement

Mount Pleasant is taking steps toward passing an ordinance requiring drivers to use hands-free functions while operating a cell phone behind the wheel.

The proposed law would give police the ability to pull over anyone handling a cell phone or mobile device while behind the wheel. The aim is to reduce distracted driving caused by texting and using mobile phones.

Councilmen have two times previously considered banning texting while driving, but the proposed ordinances did not pass. This time, there will be no outright ban on texting while behind the wheel. Instead, Mayor Billy Swails has asked the town attorney and Chief Carl Ritchie to draft a hands-free ordinance.

"I don't think we can use banning texting," Swails said. "I think we need to move toward distracted driving or a hands-free (ordinance)."

The attorney and chief agreed to bring back a proposed ordinance at the August police, legal and judicial committee meeting. Town council requires a yes vote at that committee meeting and two affirmative votes before the full council for an ordinance to become law.