S.C. Hands-Free And Distracted Driving Act Takes Effect

Drivers in the state are no longer allowed to have their phones in their hands while operating a vehicle.

A new law in South Carolina has officially gone into effect.

The Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act was passed back in May and began Monday.

Drivers in the state are no longer allowed to have their phones in their hands while operating a vehicle.

The law prohibits anyone from holding or supporting a mobile electronic device with any part of their body, including on your lap.

However, drivers are allowed to use voice-activated or hands-free features such as bluetooth calls, voice-to-text, and others.

You are only allowed to use your phone if you are legally parked or stopped and for emergency calls.

The first 180 days will be a warning-only period, to give people a chance to adjust to the new law. That period will end on February 28 in which a first offense fine will be $100.

For more information regarding the new law, visit SCDPS.