On July 1, 2025, the South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act officially went into effect. After years of debate, signature by Gov. Henry McMaster, and overwhelming support in the SC House and South Carolina Senate, the Hands-Free Driving Act is now law across the Palmetto State. This significant shift is designed to reduce traffic collisions, prevent injury crashes, and improve roadway safety by limiting mobile device usage behind the wheel.
We break down everything drivers need to know , from what counts as a violation, to what hands-free technology is legal, to what happens if you get caught. We’ll also examine how this new SC law compares to past efforts like the texting ban, what tools can help you stay compliant, and what this means for drivers across South Carolina.
Why South Carolina Passed the Hands-Free Law
South Carolina has consistently ranked among the worst states for texting while driving and driver distraction. Public safety officials, including the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, noted that text messages, cell phone calls, and even Tik Tok videos contributed to a rise in fatal crashes and reckless vehicular homicide cases on Lowcountry roadways, including areas like Murrells Inlet.
Backed by safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and the National Safety Council, legislators decided that it was time to follow other states by enacting a true primary ban on handheld devices. The resulting legislation , often referred to as the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act, or just the South Carolina Hands Free Act , passed and was sent to the governor’s desk, where it was signed by Gov. Henry McMaster in early 2025.
What the Law Bans: Mobile Device Use in the Driver’s Seat
Under the new SC hands-free driving rules, drivers are no longer permitted to hold or operate a mobile electronic device while driving. This includes:
- Reading or composing a text message
- Making a video call or Zoom call
- Watching a Tik Tok video
- Using a GPS app that requires touch input
- Scrolling through social media
- Recording video
- Playing a mobile game
Even using your cell phone while stopped at a red light can be a violation under the South Carolina Hands-Free Driving Law. Officers across South Carolina law enforcement departments are now trained to identify these behaviors.
What Is Allowed Under the Law?
The Hands-Free Driving Act allows some specific uses of mobile electronic devices if the interaction is completely hands-free. Examples include:
- Voice-activated commands through smart voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant
- Using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay if the interaction is through dashboard-integrated systems
- Making a call using a Bluetooth earpiece, Bluetooth systems, or dashboard cell phone holder
- Using a GPS receiver if the destination is programmed before driving
- Responding to emergencies through a subscription-based emergency communication device or dispatch system
If you’re using a ham radio, citizens band radio, or amateur radio, you’re also excluded , particularly during emergency operations.
Who Must Comply and Who’s Exempt
The law applies to all drivers with a driver’s license operating a motor vehicle on South Carolina roadways. This includes both in-state residents and those passing through the Palmetto State.
Exceptions include:
- Emergency personnel using wireless devices for duty-related tasks
- Drivers legally parked or stopped outside the roadway
- Commercial drivers using compliant Bluetooth systems or dashboard-integrated systems
- Communication with 911 or emergency responders
Certain medical device interfaces and portable kennel or pet carrier related interactions are also exempt, provided they don’t cause distraction or require visual/manual input.
Penalties for Violations: Fines, Points, and Records
The law imposes escalating penalties for violating the hands-free driving law:
- First offense: $100 fine (no court costs during the 180-day grace period)
- Second offense: $300 fine, 2 points on your motor vehicle record
- Third or more: $500 fine, 4 points, potential mandatory education course by the Department of Motor Vehicles
Repeat offenders may impact their insurance coverage with fines and license points stacking up.
Key Terms Drivers Should Understand
As South Carolina enforces its texting and driving laws more aggressively, understanding the following terminology is key:
- Text-based communication includes text messages, DMs, and chats
- Voice-to-text messaging is allowed only through voice-to-text technology
- Mobile device includes cell phones, tablets, laptops, and mobile electronic devices
- Electronic devices cover anything that transmits or receives messages or content
- Hands-free technology includes any tool that allows operation without touching the screen
Why Past Efforts Fell Short
South Carolina’s previous texting ban law , passed more than a decade ago , was widely viewed as ineffective. The law:
- Only banned texting while driving
- Did not ban cell phones, video call apps, or mobile games
- Imposed weak penalties with no points or real enforcement by police officers
That’s why the Hands-Free Driving Act is seen as a significant improvement. It creates a primary ban, meaning officers can now pull over a driver just for holding a mobile electronic device.
Enforcement and the Warning Period
To ensure a smooth rollout, the state has implemented a 180-day warning period where law enforcement will issue verbal warnings and educational materials. After that, full penalties will be enforced.
Some drivers worry about overreach, but public safety officials and agencies like the South Carolina Department of Insurance have reassured the public that police officers will not seize phones or demand to inspect devices without cause.
Staying Compliant: Tools and Tips for Drivers
To avoid violating SC law, drivers should:
- Install a dashboard cell phone holder
- Use Bluetooth earpieces or Bluetooth systems
- Set up voice-activated commands for navigation and texting
- Use Google Maps, Waze, or GPS apps hands-free
- Talk to teens about the risks of emotional conversations, mobile games, and driver distraction
Commercial fleets can upgrade their systems to include dashboard-integrated systems and compliant dispatch system configurations.
How South Carolina Compares to Other States
Many states have already passed similar laws. Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee each implemented hands-free laws years ago, reporting improvements in roadway safety, reduced automobile accidents, and fewer injury crashes.
South Carolina hopes to see similar success, and state officials expect that transportation safety funding from the federal government may be tied to enforcement and compliance metrics.
Final Thoughts: A Cultural Shift in the Palmetto State
With the South Carolina Hands-Free Driving Law now in effect, the state has taken a major step forward in traffic safety. The SC House, S.C. House of Representatives, and South Carolina law enforcement all agree: distracted driving, particularly texting while driving, is a public safety crisis.
This law is about saving lives, not punishing drivers. If you focus on the road, use approved hands-free technology, and understand your rights, you can drive safely and legally anywhere in South Carolina, whether you’re in Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Columbia, or anywhere along our Lowcountry roadways.
About Ted Law
At Ted Law Firm, we remain committed to educating South Carolina drivers about their legal rights under new traffic legislation like the South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act. We understand how devastating automobile accidents can be, especially when caused by preventable distractions .We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg. Our mission is to ensure every client receives the legal support and clarity they need after serious road incidents .Contact us today for a free consultation,
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
