The South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act has been passed by the House, which would make it illegal to use your phone while driving.
The legislation approved by the House on Wednesday criminalizes the use of any “portable electronic device” while operating a vehicle.
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The legislation will now go to Governor Henry McMaster’s desk.
Should McMaster sign this legislation, it will become active on September 1, 2025. For the initial 180-day period following its implementation, officials will limit their response to issuing warnings for infractions.
Information about the Hands-Free Law
According to
H.3276
A “mobile electronic device” refers to a cellphone, portable computer, GPS receiver, electronic game, or any comparable standalone electronic gadget utilized for communication, displaying, or recording digital content.
This exclusion covers the usage of citizen band radios, amateur or ham radios, commercial two-way radios, their respective equivalents, subscription-based emergency communication devices, as well as prescribed medical devices.
Motorists will be banned from the following:
- Carrying or holding a portable electronic gadget using any bodily part is prohibited. However, this restriction doesn’t apply to utilizing an earphone or a wrist-mounted device designed for voice communications.
- Using, composing, or transmitting some type of textual content such as a text message, email, app communication, or web data on a portable electronic gadget.
- Viewing movement such as, but not restricted to, videos, movies, games, or video calls on a portable electronic device.
However, it is still legal to use your phone while legally parked or stopped; reporting an accident, emergency, or safety hazard to a public official; or performing official duties as a first responder.
The bill states that drivers are also allowed to use their phone or electronic device for navigation, listening to audio-based content, or obtaining traffic or road condition information in a manner that doesn’t require the driver to type.
Penalties for Distracted Driving
- Initially, the driver will face a fine of $100 for their first offense.
- For a second or subsequent violation within three years of the initial offense: The driver will face a fine of $200 and have two points added to their driving record.
Authorities state that you cannot be detained exclusively for this violation; however, failure to show up in court can result in consequences. You will receive nothing more than a citation.
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READ THE FULL STORY:
South Carolina House approves hands-free driving legislation; bill moves to the governor’s office.
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