New SC driving law that cracks down on phone use starts soon. Here’s when, what to know

Distracted drivers texting or using their cell phones caused 1,520 crashes, killing five people on South Carolina roads from 2013 to 2023, according to the most recent Department of Public Safety data. Now South Carolina is cracking down on distracted driving with heightened restrictions for drivers using mobile devices like phones and tablets.

The South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act takes effect on Sept. 1, after lawmakers passed new legislation in May.

South Carolina’s texting-and-driving law already prohibited composing, sending and reading text-based communications while driving, but the new law goes further.

What does South Carolina’s new hands-free law say?

As of Sept. 1, the new law bans drivers from reading, composing and transmitting texts, emails, app interactions and website information on a mobile device. It also outlaws watching motion, including video calls, videos, movies and games, on mobile devices.

More broadly, the law prohibits holding or supporting a mobile device, although it doesn’t apply to earpieces and wrist-worn devices used for voice-based communication.

Are there any exceptions?

The hands-free law does carve out some exceptions. The new law doesn’t apply to lawfully parked or stopped vehicles, first responders performing official duties or drivers reporting accidents, emergencies or safety hazards.

Additionally, as long as the driver isn’t supporting or typing on the mobile device, they can use it for audio content like music, voice-based communication, navigation or to obtain information about traffic and road conditions.

What are the penalties?

For the first six months, South Carolina law enforcement will only issue warnings to drivers violating the new hands-free law. However, starting March 1, 2026, violations will be penalized with tickets.

On the first offense, drivers will be fined $100. For secondary and subsequent offenses within a three-year period, drivers will face a $200 fine and two points on their driving record.

This story was originally published August 30, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "New SC driving law that cracks down on phone use starts soon. Here’s when, what to know."