Cities Enforcing Bans on Texting While Driving

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - In the absence of a state ban on texting while driving, South Dakota cities have started to enforce their own bans on the practice.

The Legislature has rejected proposals to ban texting while driving statewide. But Sioux Falls, Brookings, Watertown, Vermillion, Huron and Mitchell have passed ordinances to impose local bans.

KELO-TV reports that Sioux Falls police have issued 17 tickets to drivers since January. Huron's ban also took effect in January, and police there have cited six drivers so far.

Brookings police say they have cited just one driver since its ban took effect, and that was after an accident.

Watertown also has issued just one ticket after the city council passed a ban in December.

Mitchell and Vermillion just recently passed bans on texting while driving.

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