S.C. Hands-Free Driving Law Begins Next Week
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
South Carolina joins 33 other states next week with a hands-free driving law aimed at keeping drivers’ hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
The legislation, H.3276, will mean those in violation of the law face a $100 fine for a first offense, and other infractions within a three-year period would cost $200 and two points on their motor vehicle record.
A 180-day warning period, during which time tickets would not be issued, starts Sept. 1, and the warning period for ends on March 30, 2026.
The law aims to reduce distracted driving by prohibiting a wide range of actions.
What's Illegal?
The law bans drivers from using a handheld wireless communication device for activities such as:
Writing, sending, or reading a text-based message.
Watching or recording a video.
Engaging in a video call.
Manually entering data.
Using an application.
Holding a phone to their ear for a call.
Basically, you can't have the phone in your hand to do anything while driving.
What's Still Allowed?
Hands-Free Use: You can still use your phone with a hands-free accessory, such as a Bluetooth earpiece, a vehicle’s built-in system, or a mounted device.
Emergency Calls: The law permits using a handheld phone to make calls to emergency services (911).
Stationary Vehicle: You can use your phone when your vehicle is parked or stopped outside of a lane of traffic (e.g., in a parking lot).
