Home Top Stories Hands-Free Law Coming to Berkeley County Sept. 1

Hands-Free Law Coming to Berkeley County Sept. 1

Gov. Henry McMaster just signed a new law called the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act that makes it illegal to hold your phone while driving.

By
The Berkeley Observer
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Gov. Henry McMaster recently signed the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act, which makes it illegal to hold your phone while driving.(CREDIT: Pixabay)

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – Big changes are coming to the roads here in Berkeley County. Starting this fall, South Carolina will officially go hands-free behind the wheel.

Gov. Henry McMaster signed on May 12 a new law called the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act, which makes it illegal to hold your phone while driving. Why? Because distracted driving is a real problem.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 3,000 people were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers in 2023 alone—and texting is one of the biggest culprits. This new law is all about keeping us safer on the roads.

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Key Provisions of the Law

Effective September 1, 2025, the new law makes it illegal for drivers to:

  • Hold or support a mobile electronic device with any part of the body while operating a vehicle.
  • Read, write, or send any form of text, including messages, emails, or interactions with applications.
  • Watch videos, movies, games, or participate in video calls on a mobile electronic device.

The term “mobile electronic device” encompasses cellphones, portable computers, GPS receivers, electronic games, and similar stand-alone electronic devices used to communicate, display, or record digital content.

Exceptions and Permitted Uses

Drivers are allowed to use hands-free devices, such as Bluetooth, for voice communication and navigation, provided they do not physically hold the device. Additionally, the law permits the use of mobile electronic devices when:

  • The vehicle is lawfully parked or stopped.
  • Reporting an accident, emergency, or safety hazard to a public official.
  • Performing official duties as a first responder
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 3,000 people were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers in 2023 alone—and texting is one of the biggest culprits. (CREDIT: Pixabay)

Enforcement and Penalties

To facilitate a smooth transition, a 180-day warning period will commence on September 1, during which law enforcement officers will issue warnings for violations. After this period, penalties will be enforced as follows:

  • First offense: $100 fine.
  • Second or subsequent offense (within three years): $200 fine and two points assessed against the driver’s record.

Notably, drivers cannot be arrested solely for this offense unless they fail to appear in court.

Implications for Berkeley County Drivers

For residents of Berkeley County, including areas like Moncks Corner, the new law underscores the importance of adopting hands-free technology to ensure compliance and enhance road safety.

Local drivers are encouraged to equip their vehicles with appropriate hands-free devices and familiarize themselves with the law’s provisions before its effective date.

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The full text of the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act can be accessed here.

By adhering to the new regulations, Berkeley County drivers can contribute to safer roadways and avoid potential penalties associated with distracted driving.

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