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Warning period ends soon for South Carolina's hands-free driving law

File — A South Carolina hands-free driving bill is closing to becoming law in 2025 after the Senate Transportation Committee advanced the legislation to the Senate floor. The House has already passed the bill. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)
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AP

The 180 day warning period for the new law ends Feb. 28.

A law to crack down on distracted driving went into effect in Sep. of 2025. Since then, South Carolina drivers have had to adjust with a strict "hands off" policy when it comes to mobile devices behind the wheel.

Soon, getting pulled over for breaking this rule will cost you.

Beginning Feb 28, officers will issue tickets to offenders. The first fine is $100. Subsequent fines are $200 plus two points on a driver's license.

The law doesn't cite just texting to be a violation. Phone calls, GPS, or having a mobile device propped in your hand or body at all is considered illegal under this law.

The same goes for when drivers are stopped at stop signs or traffic lights.

To avoid tickets, drivers are expected to use voice-based, hands-free technology for GPS and communication during commutes.

Kristina Thacker joined the South Carolina Public Radio team in September of 2025. She is a multimedia journalist with experience in both on-air reporting and production.