Citations will be handed out for violations of the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act beginning February 28, 2026.
Hands Free SC is a campaign to educate South Carolina Drivers about the dangers of distracted driving. According to the Department of Insurance, SC (.gov), in South Carolina, cellphone use—specifically texting and handheld device interaction—is the primary cause of distracted driving accidents. While broader “driver inattention” (such as daydreaming) is a major statistical category, phone-related activities are the most frequently cited specific behaviors leading to crashes, and over 20,000 collisions in the state are attributed to distracted driving annually, with a significant portion involving texting, scrolling social media, or handling a phone.
The Act requires drivers to put down their cell phones and any and all electronic devices and keep their eyes and mind on the road.
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety informs drivers are NOT allowed to:
Hold or support a mobile device with any part of their body.*
*This does not prohibit the use of an earpiece or device worn on the wrist used for voice-based communication.
Use a mobile device to read, compose, or transmit texts, emails, app interactions, or website information.
Watch motion on a mobile device, including a video, movie, game, or video call.
The penalties for violations are as follows:
Important Note: First violations will be subject to a fine only. Subsequent violations will be subject to a fine and points against your driver’s license. The new law outlines the following penalties for violations:
1st offense - $100 fine
2nd and subsequent offenses (within three years) - $200 fine and two points on the driving record
Commercial Driver’s License Holders
Those who hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) should note that these violations count as serious offenses under 49 CFR 383.51 Disqualification of Drivers.
Under 49 CFR 383.51 and SC Code of Laws Section 56-1-2110, if a CDL holder is convicted of two disqualifying violations within a three-year period while operating a CMV, the CDL may be disqualified for 60 days by the SC Department of Motor Vehicles.
Exceptions to the Hands-Free Law
Exceptions to this hands-free law include drivers who are:
Lawfully parked or stopped.
Using a device in voice-activated or hands-free mode.
Using a mobile device for audio content like navigation, music, or podcasts without holding it.
Reporting traffic accidents, hazardous conditions, or medical emergencies.
Law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel are exempt while performing official duties.
You can read more about the Hands-Free Law in the South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Law in its entirety at scstatehouse.gov.
