New Hands-Free Driving Law Passes in South Carolina

News Summary

On April 9, 2025, the South Carolina House of Representatives passed the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act, aiming to ban the use of handheld devices while driving. This legislation, backed by bipartisan support, aims to enhance road safety by imposing fines for violations without reporting them to insurance companies. As South Carolina gears up for final approval, the law promises significant changes to driving habits and potential federal funding implications if not enacted by July 2025.

Columbia, South Carolina: New Hands-Free Driving Law Passes After Long Battle

Big news out of South Carolina! On April 9, 2025, the South Carolina House of Representatives made a monumental decision by passing the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act with a vote tally of 85-25. This bill, formally known as H.B. 3276, has been in the making for a whopping eight years, ever since it was first introduced by a representative from Aiken County. It took a long time, but the changes that come with this legislation are about to shake up the state’s roads for the better!

What Does This Law Mean?

So, what exactly does this new law entail? Drivers in South Carolina will no longer be allowed to use wireless electronic devices unless they are operating with hands-free technology. Whether it’s texting, dialing, or scrolling through your favorite apps, you’ll need to put those devices down when you’re behind the wheel. If you get caught, it’ll hit your wallet with a $100 fine for your first offense, and it gets steeper to $200 for any subsequent violations. But here’s a relief for drivers: unlike many other traffic violations, these won’t be reported to your insurance company!

Who’s Behind This Change?

The bill was sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Tommy Pope, with the support of co-sponsors Reps. Bill Hixon and Bill Taylor. It’s noteworthy that Taylor has been rallying for a hands-free law since back in 2017 with the “Driving Under the Influence of an Electronic Device or DUI-E Law.” Taylor believes that distracted driving is even more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol. In his eyes, it’s akin to driving blind. Now that’s something to think about!

A Bipartisan Effort

The road to the current bill has seen bipartisan support, with multiple representatives casting their votes in favor, including Reps. Clyburn, Oremus, and Hartz, among others. The trio of sponsors has driven the conversation forward, with the law addressing significant concerns about the rise of distracted driving incidents and their connection to fatal accidents.

The Next Steps

It’s not over yet! The House is scheduled to take on the third and final reading of the bill on April 10, 2025. If it passes this final round, it will then head to the South Carolina Senate for consideration. It’s worth mentioning that a similar bill was introduced by Senator Tom Young Jr. back in 2020, that made it through the Senate but unfortunately stalled in the House. This time, however, with a stronger push and critical public support, the chances look much brighter.

A Matter of Safety and Funding

Why all the urgency, you ask? South Carolina is facing potential federal financial penalties if this hands-free law isn’t enacted by July 2025. If they fail to move forward, the state risks losing between $40 to $80 million in federal highway funding. That’s a serious motivation to get things moving! Organizations representing motorcyclists, truckers, and public safety advocates are all backing this legislation, emphasizing the importance of minimizing risks on the road.

Wrap-Up

For years, South Carolina has implemented a texting ban since 2014, but that didn’t completely stop drivers from holding their phones while using them for calls or navigation. The new Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act could finally provide the comprehensive approach necessary to reduce distracted driving. As we gear up for the final reading, there’s a hopeful buzz across the state. Here’s to safer roads ahead!

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: SC House Passes Hands-Free Driving Bill
• SC Daily Gazette: SC Could Lose Funding Without Hands-Free Law
• News Times: South Carolina Moves on Hands-Free Driving
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Law
• WRDW: Aiken County Law Enforcement Steps Up Patrols
• Google Search: South Carolina Hands-Free Driving Law