The crackdown on distracted driving accelerates in South Carolina this Saturday as law enforcement begins ticketing those who violate the state's new Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Law.
The law, designed to curb crashes caused by mobile device use, took effect Sept. 1. Since then, officers have issued warnings during a grace period that is set to expire Friday.
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reports that from Sept. 1 to Feb. 24, 11,898 drivers have been issued warnings in the state.
The numbers include warnings given directly from state troopers and other law enforcement agencies.
Under the new rules, drivers may not hold or support a mobile device with any part of their body. However, voice-based communication is permitted when using an earpiece or a device worn on the wrist.
Drivers are also prohibited from using mobile devices to send text messages or for other cell-based activities, including accessing apps or websites, streaming movies or videos, playing games or participating in video calls.
Violators are subject to a $100 fine for the first offense and a $200 fine and two points for the second and subsequent offenses (within three years).
More information about Hands Free SC and some exceptions to the law can be found here.
