Beginning in Columbia, South CarolinaAs the state’s new hands-free driving law goes into effect on September 1, South Carolina drivers will be subject to more stringent regulations regarding the use of cellphones while driving. It is anticipated that the law, which was passed earlier this summer, will affect almost 4 million licensed drivers throughout the state.
What the Law Prohibits
The Hands-Free and Distracted Driving rule prohibits drivers 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.
For a first infringement, there will be a $100 fine; for consecutive infractions, there will be $200 fines and two points deducted from a driver’s license.
Warnings Before Enforcement
The Department of Public Safety declared that officers will only give warnings for the first 180 days, emphasizing education above punishment.
Point evaluations and ticket sales will start on February 28, 2026.
The strategy is intended to assist drivers in adjusting, according to Robert Woods, director of the Department of Public Safety:
We acknowledge that many drivers’ driving habits will be drastically altered by this regulation. So, we’ll start with education. We are sure that this law will save lives by preventing collisions.
Why It Matters
In South Carolina, distracted driving has been connected to thousands of collisions annually. The bill’s sponsor, State Representative Bill Taylor, stated that he has been advocating for this type of legislation for almost ten years.
“I am excited to see all the progress South Carolina is making to keep our citizens safe as they travel through our great state,” Taylor said, adding that highway safety is a topic close to my heart.
What s Next
In order to educate the public before enforcement starts, the Department of Public Safety is putting together a statewide education campaign that will use billboards, radio, and social media.
The first news outlet to report on the law’s implementation was Newsweek.
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