South Carolina’s Hands-Free Driving Law Now in Effect: What Drivers Need to Know
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina drivers must now put their phones down behind the wheel. The state’s new Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act officially took effect on September 1, 2025, marking a sweeping change aimed at curbing distracted driving crashes across the state.
Lawmakers and safety officials say the law was overdue, with distracted driving already linked to more than 20,000 collisions each year, according to the O’Connor Law Firm.
What the Law Prohibits
The new law goes beyond South Carolina’s old texting ban. Drivers are no longer allowed to hold or support a mobile device with any part of the body, including hands, shoulder, or fingers. That means no texting, emailing, scrolling social media, or video calls while driving.
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety explains that streaming video, gaming, and other screen use is also banned unless the device is mounted or voice-activated (SC DPS). Hands-free options such as Bluetooth, dashboard mounts, or headsets remain permitted.
Limited Exceptions
Certain situations remain exempt:
- Contacting 911 or emergency services.
- Using a device while the car is legally parked off the roadway (not at a red light).
- Emergency workers such as law enforcement, firefighters, and EMTs while on duty.
- Hands-free navigation and music apps.
Officials emphasized that even with exemptions, drivers must keep their focus on the road.
Enforcement Timeline
The law includes a 180-day warning period that runs through February 28, 2026. Officers may stop violators but will issue warnings only during this phase.
After March 1, 2026, penalties take effect. The first offense carries a $100 fine, while a second offense within three years results in a $200 fine and two points on the driver’s license.
Commercial drivers face stricter outcomes. The South Carolina DPS confirmed that two violations within three years can trigger a 60-day disqualification for CDL holders.
Highway Patrol spokesperson Cpl. David Jones made enforcement clear, telling WIS-TV:
“If we see the phone in your hand, that’s enough. You’re breaking the law.”
Why the Law Was Passed
Legislators noted South Carolina was one of the last states without a comprehensive handheld ban. Rep. Bill Taylor, who sponsored the bill, argued that distracted driving is “six times more deadly than drunk driving,” as reported by Live5News.
The change also ensures compliance with federal safety requirements. Without it, South Carolina risked losing as much as $50 million in highway funding, according to AP News.
Community and Law Enforcement Response
Governor Henry McMaster praised the law as “common sense” and urged drivers to adapt quickly. To spread awareness, the state has installed roadside signs at interstate entry points and tourism centers, noted The Sun.
Some drivers support the shift, saying it was time to cut down on reckless phone use. Others remain skeptical about whether enforcement will make a difference.
Traffic safety experts, however, believe the warning period is key.
“It’s a mess right now because people are confused about what’s allowed. But six months gives drivers time to adapt before the fines start hitting,” said law professor Dorit Reiss, who studies traffic safety laws.
What’s Next for Drivers
The Department of Public Safety is expected to launch a statewide awareness campaign through fall and winter so motorists understand the rules before fines begin. Patrol officers will also focus on high-traffic corridors where distracted driving is most common.
Officials stressed the stakes: in 2024 alone, more than 600 people died in South Carolina traffic crashes, with distracted driving cited as a major factor.
Do you think South Carolina’s six-month warning period is enough to change driver behavior, or should fines begin immediately? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
