SC Finally Goes Hands-Free

Posted on 2 Aug at 2:14 am

A Victory for Safety!

Dear Friends,

With a ceremonial stroke of his pen, Governor Henry McMaster signed into law a long-overdue measure to make South Carolina roads safer.

The new Hands-Free Driving Law, aimed at reducing the deadly consequences of distracted driving, will take effect on September 1. Drivers will be required to put down their phones and focus on what truly matters: the road ahead.

The signing ceremony was both solemn and hopeful, attended by families who have lost loved ones to distracted driving. Their presence was a poignant reminder of what this law is really about — saving lives.

The moment marked the culmination of an eight-year legislative journey. When I first introduced the bill in 2017, it was titled DUI-E: Driving Under the Influence of Electronics—a name I still believe captured the seriousness of the issue. But that title met resistance, especially from attorney-legislators, and was ultimately replaced with the more neutral “Hands-Free.” While the name changed, the mission never wavered: to curb a significant, preventable danger on our roads.

At the State House ceremony, I spoke about why this law is not just necessary — but urgent. Distracted driving has become an epidemic, and South Carolina must no longer tolerate the status quo. Becoming a hands-free state sends a clear message: safety comes first.

VIDEO: Rep. Bill Taylor Explains Reasons SC is a Hands-Free State

Attending the State House ceremony were parents, children, and friends who have experienced unimaginable loss at the hands of distracted driving. Some clutched framed photos of their loved ones. Others stood quietly, their presence speaking volumes.

These families have been the beating heart of this movement, showing up year after year to testify before House and Senate committees, turning their grief into purpose. Their courage and persistence are the reason this law is now a reality. And they’re not alone. Over 80% of South Carolinians support this legislation. We’ve all seen drivers weaving across lanes, missing lights, risking lives, all because of a glowing screen. Enough is enough.

Hands-Free: What You Need to Know

This new law prohibits drivers from using mobile electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle in the following ways:

Hold or support a mobile device with any part of the body. (Bluetooth earpieces, smartwatches, or a vehicle’s built-in audio system used for voice communication are permitted.)

Read, write, or send texts, emails, or other messages. (You can use voice-to-text features without holding the phone.)

Watch videos, movies, play games, or participate in video calls on a mobile device (including smartphones, tablets, GPS units, or similar electronics).

This law does NOT apply to:

Drivers who are legally stopped or parked (e.g., at a red light). However, AAA warns that this is dangerous because a driver’s focus on driving is lost. Accidents frequently occur when drivers lurch forward without thoroughly and safely checking their surroundings.
Citizens’ band (CB) radios, amateur/ham radios, commercial two-way radios, emergency communication devices, or medical devices.
Reporting an emergency, accident, or safety hazard to authorities.
Devices or services that are built into the vehicle by the original manufacturer.
Using a device for navigation, music, or traffic updates—as long as the driver is not typing or holding the device. Drivers may also initiate or end calls using hands-free methods.

Enforcement Begins September 1

For the first 180 days, law enforcement will issue warnings only. After that, violations will be enforced as follows:

First offense: $100 fine.
Subsequent offenses: $200 fine + two points on your driver’s license

Keep in mind that points on your license can lead to increased insurance rates, making this law not only a matter of safety, but also of long-term financial impact.

Awareness Campaign

A major awareness campaign is being launched to alert drivers about SC’s new hands-free law. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety is spearheading the initiative in collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Transportation and other state agencies. Educational messages will appear across various platforms, including television, cable, social media, text alerts, and highway signage.

This campaign is ongoing, as the legislation mandates that 25% of every hands-free violation fine be allocated to public education on the dangers of distracted driving.

Distracted Driving is a Killer

This new law is a meaningful step toward safer roads in South Carolina. While it targets one of the most visible and dangerous distractions — cellphone use — it also serves as a broader reminder.

Distractions behind the wheel come in many forms: adjusting the radio, fiddling with GPS, eating on the go, and even conversations with passengers. Check Out SCDPS’S NEW HANDS-FREE WEBSITE. The hope is that by eliminating the holding of cellphones, drivers will become more aware of all the ways their attention can drift. Because ultimately, safety starts with mindfulness — and that means keeping your eyes, your hands, and your focus where they belong – EYES ON THE ROAD!