Update: South Carolina’s New Hands-Free Driving Law Now in Effect

As of September 1, 2025, South Carolina drivers are officially under a new rule of the road. The state’s hands-free driving law – sometimes called the “no hands” law – is now in effect. If you live in Georgetown, commute through Charleston, or drive anywhere across the Lowcountry and beyond, here’s what you need to know.

This law brings South Carolina in line with dozens of other states that already ban the use of handheld devices while driving. It was passed to reduce distracted driving, improve road safety, and cut down on preventable accidents across our highways, city streets, and backroads.

So what does this mean for drivers day-to-day? Let’s walk through the key points.

What the Law Prohibits

The law is broad and goes beyond texting and driving. Essentially, if it involves your hands on a device, it is off limits.

• You cannot hold a phone, tablet, GPS device, computer, or gaming system in your hand or prop it against your body while driving.

• You cannot type, read, or send text messages or emails.

• You cannot watch videos, movies, video calls, or any other motion on a screen.

• You cannot use your device for gaming or FaceTime while driving.

What the Law Allows

That said, the law doesn’t cut drivers off from technology entirely. You can still use your phone or GPS — it just has to be hands-free.

• Voice commands and voice-to-text features are permitted.

• Bluetooth, smart watches, and earpieces are allowed for calls and audio.

• Navigation apps and streaming audio are fine if your device is mounted and you are not holding it.

• Any factory-installed car equipment, such as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, is permitted.

When the Law Does Not Apply

There are several important exemptions written into the law.

• If you are stopped and legally parked, you can use your device.

• Reporting an accident or emergency is allowed.

• First responders on duty are exempt.

• Truck drivers, delivery drivers, and rideshare drivers may still use digital dispatch systems.

Penalties for Violations

Violating the law is considered distracted driving. The penalties are designed to get your attention without being overly punitive at first.

• First offense – $100 fine

• Second offense – $200 fine and two points on your driver’s license

There is also a grace period built into the rollout. From now until March 1, 2026, officers will issue warnings only. After that date, tickets will be written.

Limits on Law Enforcement

The law also outlines what law enforcement officers can and cannot do when enforcing these new rules.

• Officers must have reasonable suspicion and a clear view of you holding a device before making a stop.

• They cannot seize or search your phone to prove a violation.

• You cannot be arrested based solely on distracted driving.

• Your car, passengers, and personal belongings cannot be searched for this violation alone.

These limits are in place to balance safety with individual rights.

Why It Matters Locally

For drivers in Georgetown, Charleston, and across South Carolina, this law is more than a technicality.

Distracted driving has been a factor in thousands of crashes each year on our roadways. From Highway 17 through the heart of Charleston to Highway 701 running through Georgetown County, the dangers of looking down at a phone instead of keeping your eyes on traffic are real.

This new law is meant to make every commute safer — whether you’re headed to work, picking up kids from school, or making the long weekend drive up I-95.

FAQs About the Hands-Free Driving Law

Does this apply at stoplights or in traffic?

Yes. The only time the restriction is lifted is when you are legally parked, not just stopped temporarily.

Can I still use GPS on my phone?

Yes. You may use GPS apps as long as the device is mounted and operated hands-free.

Are Bluetooth calls allowed?

Yes. Using speakerphone or Bluetooth with your phone out of your hands is allowed.

Will these tickets affect my insurance?

Yes. A second offense adds points to your license, which can lead to higher insurance rates.

Can police take my phone during a stop?

No. The law does not permit officers to search or seize your device to prove a violation.

Final Thoughts

The new hands-free law is now in effect across South Carolina, with ticketing to begin March 1, 2026. If you haven’t already, now is the time to set up your car for safe, legal, and hands-free driving. A simple phone mount or learning to use your vehicle’s voice controls can make all the difference.

Here To Help

If you have questions about how this law applies to you — or if you are already facing a distracted driving ticket — don’t go it alone. At Erin Bailey Law, we defend drivers across Georgetown, Charleston, and throughout South Carolina.

Call today or contact us online to schedule a consultation.