Keep Your Hands on the Wheel! SC’s New Hands-Free Driving Law is Coming

We all know that keeping our community safe is a top priority. That’s why it’s important to talk about a significant change coming to South Carolina roads, one that will directly impact how we drive right here in Charleston and beyond: the new Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act.

Starting September 1, 2025, this new law will make it illegal to hold or physically support a mobile electronic device while driving. We’re currently in the 180-day grace period, which means law enforcement is focused on education and issuing warnings. But come February 2026, the gloves come off (pun intended!), and fines will start being issued.

What does this mean for you, Charleston drivers?

Gone are the days of casually holding your phone to your ear during your commute over the Ravenel Bridge, quickly checking a text at a red light on King Street, or scrolling through music while navigating traffic on I-26. The new law prohibits physically holding your phone or other electronic devices for virtually any reason while your vehicle is in motion.

Think Hands-Free is the Way to Be!

The good news is that you can still stay connected while driving, as long as you do it hands-free. This means utilizing:

• Bluetooth connectivity in your vehicle.
• Earpieces or headsets for calls.
• Voice commands for making calls, sending texts (using voice-to-text features), and using navigation apps.
• Mounted phones or devices for GPS, as long as you’re not physically manipulating them while driving.

Why the Change? Safety First!

Distracted driving is a serious issue and a leading cause of accidents. This new law is designed to make our roads safer for everyone – for those of us heading to the Naval Weapons Station, dropping kids off at school, or simply running errands around Charleston. By focusing on the road and not our devices, we can all contribute to a more secure driving environment.

Get Ready, South Carolina!

Now is the perfect time to adjust your driving habits. Start practicing hands-free communication and familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s Bluetooth system or explore hands-free device options.

Here’s a quick reminder of what’s coming:

• Effective Date: September 1, 2025
• Grace Period (Warnings Only): Until February 2026
• What’s Prohibited: Holding or supporting any mobile electronic device while driving.
• What’s Allowed: Hands-free use via Bluetooth, voice commands, and mounted devices (without physical manipulation).
• Penalties (after the grace period): Starting at $100 for the first offense and escalating for subsequent violations.