Millions of South Carolina drivers are preparing for the impact of a groundbreaking traffic safety law designed to make roads safer by eliminating distractions behind the wheel. The Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act, which will officially go into effect on September 1, aims to reduce accidents caused by distracted driving and save countless lives statewide.
Historic Law to Tackle Distracted Driving
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster signed the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act into law on July 31. At the ceremony, families who have suffered the loss of loved ones due to distracted driving stood alongside lawmakers to highlight the importance of the legislation. ‘Distracted driving has tragically claimed too many lives in our state,’ McMaster stated. ‘By enforcing this law, we are taking a significant step toward ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers across South Carolina.’
What the Law Entails
The Hands-Free Act prohibits drivers from holding a cellphone or any electronic device with any part of their body while operating a vehicle. This includes texting, emailing, video calls, watching videos, and even playing games. Drivers may, however, use hands-free technology such as voice activation, earpieces, or wrist-worn devices to communicate or navigate, as long as they do not touch the devices physically.
There are a few exceptions to the law, such as when a vehicle is legally parked or stopped, and during emergency situations. Moreover, law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel are permitted to use hand-held devices while performing their official duties.
Strict Enforcement and Consequences
State officials and law enforcement agencies are gearing up to enforce the law on South Carolina’s approximately four million licensed drivers. During the first 180 days of implementation, violators will receive warnings. After this grace period, offenders will face fines and penalties. First-time offenders will pay a $100 fine, while second-time violators within three years will face a $200 fine and a two-point penalty on their driver’s license.
‘This hands-free law is a much-needed step toward a safer South Carolina,’ said Robert Woods, Director of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. Officials believe that the new rules will drastically reduce preventable accidents caused by distracted driving, ultimately saving lives and minimizing injuries.
Raising Awareness
Along with enforcement, educating the public is a critical component of the Hands-Free Act. The “Hands Free SC” campaign will soon launch, spreading awareness through social media, billboards, and radio ads. These initiatives aim to inform citizens about the dangers of distracted driving and the specifics of the new law.
South Carolina is not alone in its efforts; 31 states and Washington, D.C. have already implemented bans on hand-held cellphone use while driving, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. With distracted driving responsible for more than 3,200 fatalities and over 324,000 injuries nationwide in 2023 alone, the law is a timely and urgent response to a growing issue.
A Safer Future for South Carolina Drivers
‘Not only is distracted driving one of the most common and dangerous behaviors we encounter daily, but it is also one of the most easily preventable,’ said Woods. By enforcing this law, South Carolina hopes to inspire safer habits and reduce the devastating toll of distracted driving. The goal is simple: fewer tragedies on the roads and more people returning safely to their families.
As the law goes live, drivers in South Carolina are urged to embrace the shift toward hands-free devices and focus entirely on the road ahead. Together, these efforts aim to create a safer driving experience for everyone in the state.
