by COLUMBIA, SC — South Carolina officials are set to implement a new statewide hands‑free driving law on September 1, aimed at reducing distracted driving and improving road safety. The legislation, signed this summer, would impact roughly 4 million licensed drivers across the state.
What the Law Covers
Drivers will be prohibited from holding or supporting mobile devices while operating a vehicle. The law also bans texting, emailing, app use, and watching videos, movies, games, or video calls while driving.
Penalties begin at $100 for a first offense, with repeat violations costing $200 plus two license points. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) will issue warnings for the first 180 days, with full enforcement—including ticketing and points—starting February 28, 2026.
The Goal: Safer Roads
Lawmakers and public safety officials said the law targets distracted driving, a factor in thousands of collisions each year, and aligns South Carolina with other states adopting hands‑free restrictions.
Robert Woods, director of the DPS, emphasized the importance of public education. “We recognize that this law will cause a very significant change in driving habits for many drivers. So, we will educate first,” Woods said.
“We are confident this law will prevent collisions and save lives. Our troopers and local law enforcement partners will strictly enforce this law,” he added.
Who’s Affected
According to GoodCar.com, the state had over 3.9 million licensed drivers in 2021, rising to 4,091,650 in 2022, showing the broad scope of the law’s impact.
What Drivers Should Do Next
The DPS will run a public awareness campaign using billboards, radio, and social media to inform drivers before warnings turn into tickets next year.
