What the law says about using Google Maps while driving in SC

You’re driving along a South Carolina road and suddenly wonder if you’re going the wrong way. You’ve got Google Maps keyed up on your phone and you reach over and pick it up for a peek.

Are you breaking the law?

Yes, you are. As of Sept. 1, South Carolina joined 30 states in making it illegal to hold your cell phone in your hand while driving.

Tablets and other electronic devices are prohibited, too.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety says distracted driving causes more than 20,000 collisions each year in South Carolina, and nationally more than 3,000 people a year are killed in a vehicle crash caused by distracted driving.

South Carolina ranks seventh in the country for worst drivers, according to the South Carolina Department of Insurance. In addition, the state averages two crashes per hour that involve distracted drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said texting and driving is six times more dangerous than drunk driving.

South Carolina previously outlawed texting and driving.

Under the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving law, drivers are not allowed to:

• Hold or support a mobile device with any part of their body. 
• Use a mobile device to read, compose, or transmit texts, emails, app interactions, or website information.
• Watch a video, movie, game, or video call.
• Until March, warnings will be given to anyone breaking the law.
• After that, the following penalties are in place:
• 1st offense - $100 fine
• 2nd and subsequent offenses (within three years) - $200 fine and two points on the driving record

There are exceptions to the law, including when you are legally stopped, using a device in a hands-free mode or for audio content like maps and music.

You may also drive and hold your phone to report traffic accidents, hazardous conditions, or medical emergencies.

“You cannot drive safely unless your full attention is on the act of driving,” the Department of Public Safety says in its campaign to tell people about the new law. “Any non-driving activity you engage in while behind the wheel is a potential distraction and increases your risk of crashing, injury, and even death.”

The Steinberg law firm in Charleston said people should invest 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.

Also, you should set up GPS or map apps before you start the car.

Pull over if you need to make a call and if your car offers phone software like Android Auto or Apple CarPlay use it.