Nearly 3,500 South Carolinians received tickets for violating the state's Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Law since the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) began enforcing it on February 28.
Under the law, SCDPS says drivers are prohibited from:
- Holding or supporting a mobile device with any part of their body (excluding the use of an earpiece or a voice-based communication device worn on the wrist)
- Using a mobile device to read, compose, or transmit text messages
- Using a mobile device to email, engage in app interactions, or access website information
- Watching motion on a mobile device, including: video, movie, game, or video call.
There are exceptions to the law, including:
- Using a mobile electronic device while legally parked or stopped
- Utilizing a device in hands-free mode
- Listening to audio content (navigation, music, podcasts) as long while not holding the device simultaneously
- Reporting traffic accidents, hazardous conditions, or medical emergencies
- Law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel are exempt will on-duty.
Last May, the South Carolina legislature enacted the law as part of an effort to reduce collisions caused by distracted driving in the state.
Drivers committing a first offense are fined $100 plus applicable court fees. Second and repeated offenses—within a three-year timespan—carry a $200 fine, plus applicable court fees, and result in two points being added to the driver’s record.
The top three counties receiving these citations for the currently reported period, February 28 to March 29, are Charleston County (13.45%), Spartanburg County (13.28%), and Horry County (9.8%).