South Carolina has now officially become a hands-free state. This means that drivers are no longer allowed to hold a phone or use their hands to text, scroll, or talk on the phone while driving.
The new law is meant to reduce distractions on the road and make driving safer for everyone.
Under this law, drivers in South Carolina must use hands-free technology if they want to talk on the phone while driving.
This could include Bluetooth, speaker mode, or any other voice-activated system. You can still use your phone’s GPS, but it has to be mounted on the dashboard or another fixed spot. You cannot hold your phone in your hand while checking maps or adjusting routes.
If you’re caught breaking this law, you could face a fine. For the first offense, the fine is $100. If you are caught again, the fine goes up to $200. The new rule applies to all drivers across the state, whether you’re on highways, local roads, or even stopped at a red light.
The law was passed after years of concern about how many accidents are caused by distracted driving. Officials say that texting and scrolling through social media while driving have been major reasons behind crashes and injuries.
With this hands-free rule in place, they hope drivers will stay focused on the road and avoid unnecessary distractions.
Law enforcement agencies across South Carolina are expected to begin full enforcement of this rule. However, in some areas, officers may give warnings at first instead of tickets as people adjust to the new law. Still, it’s better to follow the rule right away to avoid penalties.
There are a few exceptions to the law. Emergency responders like police, firefighters, and EMS workers are allowed to use devices as needed during duty. Also, if you’re reporting an emergency like a car crash or road hazard, you are allowed to use your phone.
South Carolina is not the first state to make this move. Many other states in the U.S. already have hands-free laws in place. These rules have shown results in reducing distracted driving crashes, according to traffic safety experts.
If you often use your phone while driving, now is the time to make some changes. Start using hands-free tools like phone mounts or wireless earphones.
Most smartphones have voice assistants that let you make calls or send messages without touching the device. These small changes can help you stay legal and safe on the road.
This hands-free law is about protecting lives. Even a few seconds of distraction can cause a serious crash. South Carolina is now taking a firm step to make its roads safer for everyone.
As the law rolls out, state officials and police will be closely watching how drivers respond. Public awareness campaigns may also be launched to remind people about the new rules. If you’re driving through South Carolina or live there, it’s important to be aware of this change and adjust your habits.
Driving is a responsibility, and this new law is a reminder to stay alert and focused. Avoid using your phone with your hands while driving. Use voice commands, hands-free features, and most importantly – keep your eyes on the road.