In South Carolina, holding your phone while driving can cost you up to $200
South Carolina has risen the stakes for motorists caught holding their phones while driving.
Gov. Henry McMaster signed the “South Carolina Hands Free Act” into law May 12, banning drivers from holding a cell phone, tablet, laptop, E-game or GPS receiver while their vehicle is moving.
Drivers will be issued warnings for the first six month after the law starts Sept. 1. However, after that period, a first offense violator will be fined $100 and additional offenses will result in a $200 fine and two points against the driver’s license.
This law furthers the state’s efforts to crack down on distracted driving, 11 years after the state outlawed texting and driving.
“Drivers need to consciously practice what they should already be doing, by putting away handheld distractions while they are operating a motor vehicle,” said Corporal Alton S. May, a State Transport officer who monitors commercial vehicles and prevent car accidents.
Here’s a list of do’s and donts to help navigate the new law.
Do use hands-free applications while driving
It’s 2025, and many of us need to be readily available to accept phone calls or messages from work, family or friends.
To accommodate the “talk on the go,” culture of today’s world, the Hands-Free Act allows drivers to use hands-free mobile applications like voice-to-text messaging and smart voice assistants like Siri.
The law also encourages drivers to use equipment already built into their cars such as built-in Bluetooth systems or steering wheel audio control buttons.
Don’t rest your mobile device in your lap
Although many drivers keep their hands on the wheel and their phone in their lap, public safety officials warn that the few seconds taken to glance down at a device can still be deadly.
“The length of a football field is about 100 yards and if you’re going 50-60 mph in your vehicle, the maybe four seconds you take to look down and send a message could catapult you the distance of an entire football field,” said Sgt. Tyler Tidwell, a State Highway Patrol officer.
The law prohibits drivers from having a mobile device rest on any part of their body while the vehicle is moving.
Do consider buying a vehicular phone holder
For those who don’t own a car with updated tech, using a mobile device for navigation, music and communication can be the only option.
However, the only time drivers are allowed to pick up their mobile device is if they’re reporting an emergency, accident or safety hazard to a public safety official.
To use a device hands-free, consider buying a phone holder to mount on the dashboard. Stores such as Five Below, Dollar Tree and Walmart sell them for as low as $5.
Don’t watch videos
The Hands-Free Act does not allow a driver to watch or interact with video-form content while their vehicle is in motion. This includes taking a Zoom call, watching a Tik Tok video or making a move in a mobile game.
There are some exceptions. Drivers can periodically look at their device for navigation or traffic information, as well as receive data as a part of a dispatch system for their job as long as the device is not being supported by their hands or body.
Do know your rights when it comes to the law
If an officer has a clear view of a driver unlawfully holding a mobile device, they can stop that driver and give them a citation. However, If an officer notices a driver violating the Hands-Free Act they can’t:
- Seize, search or confiscate a driver’s mobile device.
- Ask to or forcefully search the driver, passenger(s) or vehicle.
- Arrest a driver solely for unlawfully using a mobile device.
To learn more about the law, go to scstatehouse.gov.
This story was originally published May 27, 2025 at 5:30 AM.
