South Carolina is about to become the 32nd state in the US to exempt amateur radio operators from a law that bans drivers of motor vehicles from using hand-held devices.
After it is signed into law by Gov. Henry McMaster, the measure is to take effect on September 1st. Although it prohibits drivers from using portable computers, GPS receives, mobile phones, electronic games or other communication devices, the bill exempts operators of amateur, citizens bad, commercial and emergency radios.
Members of the state Senate and House of Representatives passed different versions of the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act earlier this year - overwhelmingly. They recently agreed to resolve the differences in both versions and send it in its final form, to the governor.
A similar law in Iowa - also with a ham radio exemption - is set to take effect on the 1st of July, joining a growing number of states around the US.