New hands-free law targets distracted driving in South Carolina

AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF)- Beginning September 1, a new hands free law will take effect for South Carolina drivers, adding additional restrictions on using electronics while driving.

Under the “Hands-Free and Distracted Driving” law, drivers will no longer be allowed to hold a device with any part of their body.

“We filed this bill originally in 2017. It was called DUIE, which is Driving Under the Influence of Electronics. So appropriate, because driving with a cell phone in your hand and looking at that, according to AAA, is six times more dangerous than being a drunk driver,” explained State Representative Bill Taylor, who sponsored the bill.

It will be against the law to read or type while driving or watch a movie or be on a video call.

“They have to put the phone in the cradle in some place, not touch it. You know, you can get a one touch to hit it on or something like that. But you can still use your navigation. You still can talk on the phone. You have to use an earpiece, a Bluetooth or your car speaker or something like that,” said Taylor.

Law enforcement will be ready to enforce the new law as soon as it takes effect.

“Last year in South Carolina, 67,000 tickets were written because they didn’t have a seat belt on. And guess what? 90% compliance with the seatbelt,” Taylor explained. “So the 10% that don’t use the seat belt got 67,000 tickets. If they can see that little seatbelt, think they can’t see this phone? They’ll see it.”

Taylor added that distracted driving is dangerous and it is financially costing the people of South Carolina.

“We’ve had testimony time and again from the insurance people. Everybody in this state is paying for distracted driving because everyone’s insurance rates has gone up. Even if they don’t drive distracted, their rates have gone up. Everybody’s seen that and they will tell us it’s distracted driving that’s driving most of that.”

Law enforcement will hand out warnings for the 1st 180 days. After that, violators will be fined and gain two points against their driving record.

You can find more information about the new law and consequences for people who break it on the South Carolina Department of Public Safety’s website.

Photojournalist: Gary Hipps.