In May 2025, the South Carolina legislature passed a hands-free law aimed at reducing the number of distracted driving collisions on South Carolina roads. The South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act takes effect on September 1, 2025.

While the state’s previous texting-and-driving law does not allow drivers to use a mobile electronic device to compose, send, or read a text-based communication while driving, the new hands-free law adds more restrictions on using mobile electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle. Under the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving law, drivers are not allowed to:

1. Hold or support a mobile device with any part of their body.*
*This does not prohibit the use of an earpiece or device worn on the wrist used for voice-based communication.

2. Use a mobile device to read, compose, or transmit texts, emails, app interactions, or website information.

3. Watch motion on a mobile device, including a video, movie, game, or video call.