New South Carolina Hands-Free Driving Law to take effect September 1

Published 12:40 pm Friday, July 25, 2025

By Christa Price

LANDRUM—A new South Carolina law targeting distracted driving will go into effect on September 1, 2025, requiring drivers to go completely hands-free behind the wheel. The measure is intended to reduce distracted driving accidents and improve overall roadway safety across the state.

Amended in May, South Carolina Code 56-5-3890 now prohibits holding or supporting a mobile phone with any part of your body, texting, emailing, and watching videos while operating a motor vehicle. Voice-based communication via Bluetooth, earpieces, and smartwatches will still be allowed.

While the state’s previous texting-and-driving law is already in effect, the new hands-free law adds more restrictions on mobile device users while operating a motor vehicle.

Warnings will be issued for the first 180 days after the law goes into effect, and after that period, first-time violators may face a $100 fine. A second offense committed within three years may result in a $200 fine and the addition of two points on the driver’s license.

The Landrum and Campobello police departments are among the agencies helping to educate the public ahead of the law’s rollout. “Checking that text or email is never worth the risk when you’re behind the wheel of a moving vehicle,” S.C. Dept. of Public Safety officials say. “Just five seconds of distraction at 55 mph is equivalent to driving the entire length of a football field with your eyes closed.”

For more information about the law, visit the  S.C. Dept. of Public Safety website at scdps.sc.gov/distracted-driving.