Ticketing begins soon for SC drivers under new hands-free law. Here’s when & the cost
South Carolina drivers who are still reaching for their phones behind the wheel could soon pay the price.
Starting Feb. 28, law enforcement officers across the Palmetto State will begin issuing tickets under the new hands-free driving law, marking the end of the 180-day warning period.
The South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act, signed into law by Gov. Henry McMaster on May 12, was designed to reduce crashes caused by distracted driving and bring the state in line with almost 30 others that already enforce hands-free driving rules.
The law took effect on Sept. 1, but officers have only issued warnings in an effort to educate drivers and allow time to adjust.
What does this law change?
Under the law, drivers are prohibited from holding or supporting a mobile electronic device with any part of their body while operating a motor vehicle. This includes activities such as texting, scrolling, watching videos or making handheld phone calls.
A “mobile electronic device” is defined as any portable device capable of voice or data communication, including smartphones, tablets, GPS units, electronic games and other stand-alone devices.
Specifically, drivers may not:
- Hold or support a mobile device with any part of their body
- Write, send or read text-based communications
- Watch motion, including videos, movies, games or video calls
The law does allow the use of hands-free technology such as an earpiece or wrist-worn devices for voice-based communication.
Map navigation through systems like CarPlay is also permitted, so long as the driver is not holding a phone.
What are the penalties?
Violations of this act lead to fines and license points, which include:
- First offense: $100 fine
- Second or subsequent offenses: $200 fine and two points added to the driver’s license (After 12 points, a driver’s license is suspended.)
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, 145,761 traffic collisions were reported statewide in 2023.
Of those, 9,067 were attributed to distracted driving, 87 to cell phone use and 56 to texting.
Distracted driving with the use of a phone falls under all three types of distractions for drivers: visual, manual and cognitive.
While South Carolina banned texting while driving in 2014, officials say the broader hands-free law helps further restrict dangerous behavior behind the wheel.
What are the exceptions to the Hands-Free Act?
Drivers are permitted to use their phones in certain situations, which include:
- When lawfully parked or stopped
- Using a device in voice-activated or hands-free mode
- Using a mobile device for audio content like navigation, music or podcasts without holding it
- Reporting traffic accidents, hazardous conditions or medical emergencies
- Law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical personnel are exempt while performing official duties
For more information on the new hands-free law and penalties, click here.
This story was originally published February 4, 2026 at 4:30 AM.
