South Carolina Implements Comprehensive Hands-Free Driving Law with 180-Day Warning Period

South Carolina has implemented a comprehensive hands-free driving law that significantly expands restrictions on mobile device use while operating motor vehicles. The new legislation, which took effect September 1, 2025, replaces the previous texting-only prohibition with broader limitations on electronic device usage.

The law defines mobile devices as cellular telephones, portable computers, GPS receivers, electronic games, or any substantially similar devices. Drivers are now prohibited from holding or supporting these devices with any part of their body, with exemptions for earpieces and wrist-worn devices used for voice-based communications. The legislation specifically bans watching videos, playing games, viewing movies, participating in video calls, and composing, reading, or transmitting emails, texts, or website information.

Notable exceptions include radios such as commercial two-way radios, emergency communication devices, citizens' band or ham radios, and prescribed medical devices, which are not considered mobile electronic devices under the new law. Drivers may continue to use services or equipment installed in their vehicle by the original manufacturer, though after-market devices are not explicitly permitted.

The law allows for limited device usage when not holding or supporting the device, including navigation and traffic information access, listening to audio content, and initiating or ending phone calls. Drivers may also use voice-based communication that is automatically converted to text, provided the device is not physically supported.

South Carolina authorities have implemented a 180-day grace period during which law enforcement will issue warnings rather than citations. This educational period allows drivers to adapt to the new requirements before penalties take effect. After this period, violations could result in substantial fines and points on driver's licenses, potentially affecting insurance rates and driving privileges.

The legislation represents a significant shift in traffic safety enforcement, moving from targeted texting prohibitions to comprehensive distracted driving prevention. Legal professionals monitoring the changes note that the expanded restrictions may lead to increased traffic stops and enforcement actions once the warning period concludes. The law does not apply when vehicles are legally stopped or parked, providing clear parameters for permissible device usage.

This regulatory change aligns with broader national trends toward stricter distracted driving laws, reflecting growing concerns about mobile device usage contributing to traffic accidents and fatalities. The implementation follows extensive legislative consideration and public discussion about balancing technological convenience with roadway safety requirements.