No more holding your phone at the wheel
Starting today, South Carolina drivers are facing a new rule of the road: no touching your phone while driving. That’s right — as of September 1, the state’s new Hands-Free Law is in effect. If you’re caught holding your phone while your car is moving, you could face fines and even points on your license.
Drivers must now use voice activation, phone mounts, or earpieces if they need to make a call or use navigation. The days of scrolling through messages at a red light or holding your phone to your ear in traffic are officially over.
What’s the penalty?
The fines are straightforward:
- First offense: $100 fine.
- Second offense within three years: $200 fine plus two points on your license.
The law gives drivers some breathing room — for the first 180 days, officers will issue warnings instead of tickets. But after that, fines will become the real deal.
Are there any exceptions?
Yes. South Carolina isn’t banning phones entirely — just banning drivers from holding them. You’re allowed to:
- Use your phone while parked or stopped (like in a parking lot).
- Call 911 to report an emergency.
- Use your phone for navigation or audio — as long as you’re not holding it.
- If you’re a first responder on duty, you’re exempt.
Basically, if your phone stays on a mount or in your cup holder and you control it hands-free, you’re fine.
Why this law matters
This isn’t just South Carolina trying to be strict. Officials say the law is meant to save lives by cutting down on distracted driving. A quick glance at your screen may not seem like a big deal, but even two seconds of distraction at 55 mph is like driving blind for more than half a football field.
The state hopes this new law will change driving habits and make the roads safer for everyone — drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
Other states are doing it too
South Carolina isn’t alone. Similar laws have popped up around the country:
- Pennsylvania introduced the Paul Miller’s Law in June, which bans holding your phone even at stop lights.
- Louisiana passed a law in July with fines starting at $100 — or $250 if you’re caught in a school zone or construction area.
- Iowa also joined the hands-free movement this summer, with fines starting in January 2026.
Many of these states are starting with “grace periods,” giving drivers warnings before full penalties hit.
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What drivers need to know now
If you live in South Carolina or plan to drive through, this is your heads-up:
- Get a phone mount or earpiece if you don’t already have one.
- Practice using voice commands like Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa for calls and directions.
- Remember that police can pull you over just for holding your phone — you don’t have to be speeding or swerving.
