Starting September 1, 2025, South Carolina will enforce a new hands-free driving law that prohibits drivers from holding their phones while driving. This change aims to reduce distracted driving and improve road safety for everyone. Until February 2026, drivers will receive warnings for violations, but after that, fines and demerit points will be enforced.
This new law aligns with similar regulations across the United States designed to encourage safer driving habits. If you live in or plan to visit South Carolina, understanding these changes is important to avoid penalties and keep yourself and others safe on the road.
What Does the New Hands-Free Law Say?
The law bans all drivers from holding a phone while their vehicle is moving. That means no texting, calling, or scrolling while behind the wheel. Instead, drivers must use hands-free technology like Bluetooth or voice commands to interact with their phones.
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, “Using a wireless communication device to make or receive a phone call is only allowed if the device is being used in a hands-free manner” (scdps.gov).
Why Was This Law Introduced?
Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents nationwide. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that distracted driving claimed over 3,000 lives in 2021 alone (nhtsa.gov). South Carolina’s lawmakers want to reduce these numbers by stopping drivers from using phones manually when on the road.
The hands-free law encourages drivers to focus entirely on driving, improving safety for all road users — including pedestrians and cyclists.
What Are the Enforcement Details?
From September 1, 2025, to February 29, 2026, police officers will issue warnings for violations rather than fines. This grace period helps drivers adjust to the new rules without immediate penalties.
Starting March 1, 2026, fines will be imposed on drivers caught holding phones while driving. Additionally, demerit points will be added to offenders’ driving records, which could lead to license suspensions if too many points accumulate.
The exact fine amounts have yet to be specified but are expected to be significant enough to deter distracted driving.
How Can Drivers Stay Compliant?
To follow the law, drivers should use hands-free devices or apps that allow voice commands for calls or navigation. Many smartphones have built-in features such as Apple’s Siri or Google Assistant that help with this.
It’s also a good idea to set your phone to “Do Not Disturb While Driving” mode, which restricts notifications and calls unless connected to a hands-free system. This reduces temptation and distractions while on the move.
What Happens If You Ignore the Law?
Ignoring the hands-free law in South Carolina will lead to penalties including fines and points on your driving record. Repeated offenses can escalate consequences, resulting in increased fines or even license suspension.
Safe driving habits not only keep you safe but also protect your insurance rates and driving privileges over time.
How Does This Affect Visitors and Young Drivers?
Visitors to South Carolina should be aware that this law applies to everyone driving in the state, regardless of where their license was issued. Rental car drivers especially need to comply to avoid fines.
Younger drivers, who may be more accustomed to using phones frequently, will find it beneficial to develop safe habits early. The law highlights the importance of focus and responsibility on the roads.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of South Carolina’s hands-free driving law marks a big step toward safer roads. With warnings starting September 2025 and fines following in 2026, it’s the perfect time to prepare and adjust your driving habits.
Stay informed through reliable sources like the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to ensure compliance and safety while driving.
