Distracted Driving in South Carolina

Distracted driving continues to be a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents across the country. While many people think texting is the main distraction, it can take various forms, such as using apps, adjusting your navigation, or holding a device, all of which can divert your attention and raise the risk of a crash.

Recently, South Carolina’s legislature passed new laws to curb distracted driving. Understanding how these laws function, which behaviors they target, and how they influence enforcement can help drivers make safer decisions on the road.

What is Considered Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving generally means any activity that takes a driver’s focus away from safely operating a vehicle. These distractions can be divided into three categories:

• Visual distractions – taking your eyes off the road

• Manual distractions – taking your hands off the wheel

• Cognitive distractions – taking your focus from driving

Common examples include using a cellphone, adjusting GPS directions, eating or drinking, reading a paper, interacting with passengers, or reaching for items inside the vehicle.

South Carolina Distracted Driving Laws: The Basics

South Carolina law imposes specific restrictions on certain distracted-driving behaviors, particularly those involving mobile devices.

Under the current state law:

• Texting while driving is prohibited for all drivers

• Drivers may not compose, send, or read text-based communications while operating a vehicle.

• Watch motion on a mobile device, including a video, movie, game, or do a video call

However, lawmakers recognized that distracted driving extends beyond texting. In 2025, South Carolina passed a broader law aimed at reducing crashes caused by drivers taking their eyes off the road, even for a second. While some phone use—such as certain hands-free functions—may still be permitted, the law clearly bans manual texting and typing while driving.

The Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act: What Changed?

In 2025, South Carolina lawmakers expanded distracted driving laws with the passage of the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act, aiming to reduce crashes caused by drivers handling or looking at their phones. The law took effect on September 1, 2025, and generally restricts drivers from holding a mobile device, sending or reading messages, or watching videos while the vehicle is in motion.

Hands-free options like Bluetooth, voice commands, and phone mounts are still allowed, and the restrictions only apply when the vehicle is being driven—not when it is lawfully parked. Limited exceptions are also in place for emergencies and first responders performing official duties.

When Enforcement and Citations Begin

Although the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act took effect in September 2025, the state included an initial 180-day grace period to help drivers adjust to the new rules. During this time, law enforcement mainly focused on education and issuing warnings.

Starting February 28, 2026, citations for breaking the hands-free law will be issued. From then on, drivers who are caught holding or using a mobile device in ways restricted by the law may face fines and other penalties.

This phased approach aimed to raise awareness and encourage safer driving habits before official enforcement started.

Distracted Driving and Accident Liability

During a collision, distracted driving can be a crucial factor in determining what led up to the crash. Information such as police reports, witness observations, and phone usage data may be reviewed to determine whether a driver’s attention was diverted at the time of the accident.

Since every situation varies, distracted driving alone doesn't automatically establish fault. However, evidence of distraction can be weighed along with other factors when assessing responsibility.

This discussion is intended to provide general information only and should not be viewed as legal advice.

Why Local Insight Makes a Difference

Traffic laws are enforced in local courts and communities, and understanding how those laws are typically applied can be important. A knowledgeable firm in the region understands local road conditions, traffic patterns, and how distracted driving issues often occur in real-world situations.

That local perspective helps ensure information is practical, relevant, and rooted in the realities that drivers encounter daily.

Staying Informed Helps Keep Roads Safer

Distracted driving remains a significant safety issue across South Carolina. With updated laws and more enforcement, now is a good time for drivers to be more aware of how they use technology while driving.

At Harmon & Felts, promoting informed decision-making and community awareness is a key part of serving the region. Understanding distracted driving laws brings us one step closer to safer roads for everyone.