Drivers weren't all thumbs in Beaufort Saturday â€" at least as far as the city's police department was concerned.

On the first day of a new texting while driving ban, police didn't write a single citation .

The ordinance, passed by Beaufort City Council in September, bans any driver from texting. It also prohibits those younger than 18 from using a cellphone while behind the wheel.

A first offense brings a $50 fine. Subsequent violations are $150. A citation doesn't add points to a driver's license.

"We didn't see any violations," Police Chief Matt Clancy said Saturday night. "We're not out there just looking for that."

South Carolina is one of only 11 states that does not have a statewide ban. There are six other localities in the Palmetto State -- Clemson, Walhalla, West Union, Columbia, Camden and Sumter -- that have a similar law.

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Beaufort texting ban for drivers starts Saturday, Nov. 07, 2012