Starting July 1, drivers in South Dakota will no longer be able to use mobile electronic devices, including cell phones, for texting or other purposes while they drive.

House Bill 1169, which was passed during the 2020 legislative session, prohibits drivers from using a phone for social media uses. The new law allows drivers to hold the phone to their ear to talk, but any data entry other than putting the contact number into the device must be done under a hands-free mode.

Violation of the new law is a primary offense and is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Exceptions to the law are:

• Emergency...