In South Carolina, distracted driving is blamed as a top contributing factor in more than 20,000 motor vehicle crashes every year. That means, on average, two distracted driving collisions take place every hour on South Carolina roads.
Starting Sept. 1, 2025, the state’s “hands-free” law took effect to strengthen South Carolina's existing texting ban. Under the South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act, a driver may not do the following while operating a motor vehicle:
- “Hold or support, with any part of the body, a mobile electronic device.” This does not apply to hands-free devices like Bluetooth earpieces or smart watches used for “voice-based communications.”
- "Read, compose, or transmit any text.” This includes text messages, emails, or reading or typing information into an app or website.
- “Watch motion,” such as a video, movie, game, or video call on a mobile device.
New Penalties for Distracted Driving
Drivers who violate the hands-free law will face penalties under the law. For the first offense, a driver must pay a $100 fine, and for a second or subsequent violation, a $200 fine will be levied. For a second offense, two points will also be assessed on the driver’s license. Violations stay on a driver’s record for three years.
After the law took effect Sept. 1, 2025, a 180-day grace period began for motorists. After the 180-day grace period, law enforcement can ticket and fine motorists who violate the hands-free law. A portion of the fines collected will be used by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety to help educate the public on the risks of distracted driving.
We all have a responsibility to do our part to reduce distractions when we climb behind the wheel. Many vehicles provide phone interface software like Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, which allows you to use built-in hands-free tools to reduce distracted driving risks. Also, before starting your car, take a few minutes to prepare by setting up your GPS or by completing any other tasks that may involve your phone. Then, put your phone away in the glove box or somewhere out of sight. Once on the road, if you must use your mobile device, get into the habit of pulling over so you don’t put yourself or other drivers at risk.
DriveDown Rewards Safe Driving
Farm Bureau Insurance policyholders in South Carolina can enroll in DriveDown, a program that rewards customers for safe driving. Once enrolled, customers can reduce or eliminate their auto insurance deductible as a reward for driving safely while also getting tips on how to become a safer driver. DriveDown allows you to monitor how you or other drivers in your household are doing on the road. To enroll in DriveDown, you’ll need to first download the Farm Bureau Insurance mobile app.
We’re Here to Help
If you have questions or need help enrolling in DriveDown or if you would like a no-obligation auto insurance quote, your local Farm Bureau Insurance agent can help. Find an agent near you or you can also reach a customer service representative at 1-800-799-7500 if you have questions about an existing auto policy, need assistance with billing, or need to report a claim.