AAA Urges Motorists to Adhere to New SC Hands-Free Law During Holiday Travel
As drivers hit the road for a record-breaking year-end travel period, AAA is urging drivers in South Carolina to adhere to the new hands-free law that took effect on September 1, 2025. Currently, the Palmetto State is under a six-month warning period before law enforcement begins issuing tickets on Feb,28, 2026.
“This busy year-end holiday travel season is the perfect time to remind motorists of the new law in South Carolina, which aims to help end distractions behind the wheel and make roads safer for everyone,” said Tiffany Wright, spokesperson of AAA - The Auto Club Group. “Putting down the phone and other electronic devices should become a habit we all practice because not only is it the law, but also because it can save lives.”
South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving law requires drivers to put down their phones, tablets, and other electronic devices while driving and keep their focus on the road.
Drivers are not allowed to:
- Hold or support a mobile device with any part of their body.
- Use a mobile device to read, compose, or transmit texts, emails, app interactions, or website information.
- Watch motion on a mobile device, including a video, movie, game, or video call.
Exceptions to the hands-free law are drivers who are:
- Lawfully parked or stopped.
- Using a device in voice-activated or hands-free mode.
- Using a mobile device for audio content like navigation, music, or podcasts without holding it.
- Reporting traffic accidents, hazardous conditions, or medical emergencies.
- Law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel are exempt while performing official duties.
Penalties for violating the hands-free law:
- offense - $100 fine
- 2nd offense - $200 fine and two points on driving record
The Auto Club Group (ACG), named a 2026 Forbes Most Trusted Company in America, is the second-largest AAA club in North America, with more than 14 million members across 14 U.S. states and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG is part of the national AAA federation, which serves more than 66 million members across the United States and Canada. Its mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. Morning Consult recently ranked AAA Insurance as America's most trusted insurance brand for 2026, reflecting the confidence consumers place in the AAA brand. For more information, download the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on social media.