South Carolina drivers will soon need to put down their phones. Beginning September 1, 2025, it becomes illegal to hold a mobile device while driving on any public road in South Carolina.
The new law, known as the South Carolina Hands-Free Act (H3276), was signed by Governor Henry McMaster in May and expands existing restrictions on texting while driving, which have been in place since 2014.
Enforcement Timeline
The law will be phased in over several months:
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September 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026: Officers will issue warnings only for violations.
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March 1, 2026, onward: Drivers who break the law may face fines and license points.
Signs will be posted along interstate highways to remind drivers of the change.
What the Law Prohibits
The law bans:
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Holding a cellphone while driving
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Reading or writing text messages
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Watching videos while operating a moving vehicle
It does not apply to parked vehicles.
What’s Still Allowed
Drivers may continue to use:
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Earpieces or wrist devices for communication
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Voice-activated features that convert speech to text
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Dashboard- or mount-based devices that don’t require handholding
