South Carolina Hands-Free Driving Law Impacts 4 Million Residents
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – Starting September 1, South Carolina drivers will face stricter rules on cellphone use behind the wheel as the state’s new hands-free driving law takes effect. The legislation, passed earlier this summer, is expected to impact roughly 4 million licensed drivers statewide.
What the Law Prohibits
Under the “Hands-Free and Distracted Driving” law, motorists will be banned from:
- Holding or supporting a phone or electronic device with any part of their body.
- Reading, composing, or sending text messages, emails, or app interactions.
- Watching videos, movies, or motion-based content, including video calls and games.
Violations will carry a $100 fine for a first offense, followed by $200 fines and two points on a driver’s license for subsequent violations.
Warnings Before Enforcement
The Department of Public Safety announced that for the first 180 days, officers will issue warnings only, focusing on education rather than penalties.
Ticketing and point assessments will begin on February 28, 2026.
Robert Woods, director of the Department of Public Safety, said the approach is meant to help drivers adjust:
“We recognize that this law will cause a very significant change in driving habits for many drivers. So, we will educate first. We are confident this law will prevent collisions and save lives.”
Why It Matters
Distracted driving has been linked to thousands of collisions each year in South Carolina. State Representative Bill Taylor, the bill’s sponsor, said he has pushed for such a law for nearly a decade.
“The issue of highway safety is near and dear to me, and I am thrilled to see all the progress South Carolina is making to keep our citizens safe as they travel through our great state,” Taylor said.
What’s Next
The Department of Public Safety is preparing a statewide education campaign using billboards, radio, and social media to inform residents before enforcement begins.
Full details on the law’s rollout were first reported by Newsweek.
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