Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
September 15, 2025
South Carolina Enacts Strict Hands-Free Driving Law with 180-Day Grace Period
TLDR
- South Carolina's new hands-free law creates opportunities for businesses to gain competitive advantage by promoting compliance and avoiding costly fines.
- South Carolina's new law prohibits holding or supporting mobile devices while driving, with specific exemptions for voice-based communication and built-in vehicle equipment.
- This law enhances road safety by reducing distracted driving, making South Carolina's roads safer for all drivers and pedestrians.
- South Carolina now bans holding phones while driving, allowing only voice commands and built-in systems, with warnings until March 2026.
Impact - Why it Matters
This legislation represents a critical public safety advancement that affects every driver in South Carolina. The expanded restrictions address the growing danger of distracted driving, which has become a leading cause of accidents nationwide. Research shows that distracted driving contributes to thousands of fatalities annually, and hands-free laws have proven effective in reducing crash rates in other states. For businesses, particularly those in hospitality and transportation, this means ensuring employees comply with stricter regulations to avoid penalties. For individual drivers, understanding these new rules is essential to avoid fines, license points, and potential insurance rate increases, while contributing to safer roads for everyone.
Summary
South Carolina has implemented a sweeping new hands-free driving law that dramatically expands restrictions on mobile device usage while operating vehicles. The legislation, which took effect September 1, 2025, represents a significant crackdown compared to the previous texting-only prohibition. Mount Pleasant, SC restaurant bar license lawyer Lauren Acquaviva of Viva Beverage Law is closely monitoring these changes, recognizing their substantial impact on her clients and the broader driving public.
The new law prohibits drivers from holding or supporting any mobile electronic device with any part of their body, with limited exceptions for emergency situations and voice-activated communication. Banned activities include watching videos, playing games, composing emails, reading texts, and interacting with apps while driving. The legislation specifically defines mobile devices as cellular phones, portable computers, GPS receivers, electronic games, or similar devices, while exempting traditional radios, emergency communication equipment, and prescribed medical devices. Drivers have a 180-day grace period during which only warnings will be issued, but violations could eventually result in heavy fines and points on your driver's license.
Viva Beverage Law, led by attorney Lauren Acquaviva, provides comprehensive legal support for businesses involved in alcoholic beverage sales, manufacturing, and distribution throughout South Carolina. The firm assists with licensing matters involving the South Carolina Department of Revenue and Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, while also representing individuals facing license suspension or revocation issues.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, South Carolina Enacts Strict Hands-Free Driving Law with 180-Day Grace Period
