South Carolina’s Hands-Free Driving Act: What You Need To Know

On May 12, 2025, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster signed into law the state’s South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act. The Act targets driver distraction from cell phones and seeks to make South Carolina roads safer.

Understanding the South Carolina Hands-Free Driving Act

The law’s full name is the “South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act.” It makes several changes to South Carolina’s previous laws on cell phone use while driving. 

The new law includes several key components. Under the Hands-Free Driving Act, South Carolina drivers may not:

• “Hold or support, with any part of the body, a mobile electronic device.” This rule does not apply to earpieces or smart watches used for voice calls. 
• “Read, compose, or transmit any text.” The rule includes text messages, emails, or reading or typing information into an app or website. 
• “Watch motion,” such as a video, movie, game, or video call on a device. 

A driver may do any of the above tasks if the vehicle is “lawfully parked or stopped.” Sending voice-to-text messages is allowed, as long as the driver doesn’t hold or type into the device to do so. 

Drivers may also use devices to report an accident or emergency, receive emergency information (such as weather alerts), listen to audio, or use navigation systems. Using computer displays installed in the vehicle is also allowed. 

The legislation’s goal is to reduce distracted driving accidents. Distracted driving contributes to more than 20,000 traffic crashes in South Carolina each year, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS). Distracted driving caused at least eight deaths and 1,600 injuries in South Carolina in 2020, according to the National Safety Council.

Impact on Drivers and Road Safety

South Carolina ranks seventh in the US for “worst drivers,” according to the South Carolina Department of Insurance (DOI). The state averages two crashes per hour that involve distracted drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that texting and driving is six times more dangerous than drunk driving.

The Hands-Free Driving Act seeks to reduce South Carolina’s distracted driving injury and death rates. The Act seeks to encourage drivers to keep their minds, eyes, and hands on the task of driving. By so doing, drivers are better equipped to spot and avoid risks. 

The Hands-Free Driving Act imposes penalties for drivers who continue to manipulate mobile electronic devices by hand while driving. The law creates the new offense of “distracted driving,” with the following penalties:

• A fine of $100 for the first offense,
• A fine of $200 for a second or later offense, plus two points. 

Prior offenses stay on a driver’s record for three years. Funds raised from fines are used to defray enforcement costs and to educate the public on the risks of distracted driving. 

Drivers can take proactive steps to adapt to the law’s new requirements.

• Consider investing in hands-free devices such as a Bluetooth earpiece, especially if your job requires you to handle phone calls while driving. A dashboard cell phone holder can make your device easier to see when using maps or other tools. 
• Practice preparation: Set up GPS or map apps, start your playlist, and complete similar tasks before you start the car. 
• Develop a habit of pulling over when you need to interact with a phone or other device.
• If your car offers phone interface software like Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, set up the connection so you can use your vehicle’s built-in hands-free tools to take calls, change the music station, and more. 

Injured in an Accident? Speak to an Experienced South Carolina Distracted Driving Accident Attorney Today

The Hands-Free Driving Act will require many South Carolina drivers to alter their current habits behind the wheel. While these changes are intended to benefit those on the road, each driver has a responsibility to make the change. 

South Carolina drivers can also protect themselves by staying up to date on legislative changes. Understanding the state’s roadway rules is essential to safer driving. 

If you’ve been injured in a crash and you suspect a distracted driver is at fault, speak to an experienced South Carolina car accident lawyer today. The team at the Steinberg Law Firm can help you investigate the crash and protect your legal rights.