Sioux Falls city council votes to ban texting-while-driving - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

South Dakota's biggest city has banned texting while driving, a move some state lawmakers hope will boost the chances of passing a statewide ban.
   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 Sen. Craig Tieszen of Rapid City says the Sioux Falls City Council's action will lend momentum to the effort to pass a law that would apply statewide.