Governor Henry McMaster held a ceremonial signing for the South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act, known as H. 3276, in Columbia alongside members of the General Assembly and state agency leaders. The law bans drivers from holding or supporting mobile devices with any part of their body while operating a vehicle.
“Distracted driving has claimed far too many lives and caused countless collisions across our state,” said Governor McMaster. “By signing this bill, we will significantly reduce the number of preventable accidents caused by distracted driving, ensuring more South Carolinians make it home safely to their loved ones.”
Previously, South Carolina law only prohibited composing, sending, or reading text-based communications while driving. The new legislation broadens restrictions to include reading, composing, or transmitting any form of text, email, app interaction, or website use on a mobile electronic device. Watching movies, playing video games, or participating in video calls while driving is also banned.
A “mobile electronic device” is defined under the law as including cellular phones, portable computers, GPS receivers, electronic games, or similar stand-alone devices used for communication or displaying digital content.
“There are life-and-death reasons to hang up the phone. Just a few seconds can lead to tragedy,” said Representative Bill Taylor. “Over the years, education and advocacy have made driving under the influence a cultural taboo, and my hope is that distracted driving will soon be viewed the same way – reckless, dangerous, and utterly socially unacceptable.”
Violators face a $100 fine for a first offense. Repeat offenses within three years bring a $200 fine and two points added to the driver’s record.
“We see more injuries and lives lost from distracted driving than from DUIs,” said Representative Tommy Pope. “We must break the habit, because it is taking lives and harming our citizens. If we can deter people from driving while distracted, we can prevent tragedy.”
Exceptions allow drivers who are parked or stopped to use devices; hands-free or voice-activated operation is permitted; audio content such as navigation or music may be accessed without holding the device; emergency reporting is also exempted.
The law takes effect September 1, 2025. There will be a 180-day warning period before full enforcement begins on February 28, 2026.
“It is important to know the troopers and officers of the Department of Public Safety, working with our local law enforcement partners, will strictly enforce this law,” said S.C. Department of Public Safety Director Robert Woods. “By requiring people to put their phones down and to keep their eyes on the road, we are confident this law will prevent collisions and save lives.”
Further details about the legislation can be found at https://scdps.sc.gov/handsfree.
