You are driving through downtown Charleston, traffic is tight, and your phone buzzes. Do you glance down for a second? Pick it up to check directions? That moment of hesitation is exactly what South Carolina’s hands-free driving law is meant to prevent.
South Carolina has strengthened its distracted driving laws to reduce crashes caused by drivers using handheld devices. If you drive in Charleston, this law affects how you use your phone behind the wheel and it can also matter if you are injured in a car accident. At Lesemann & Associates, we help people understand how traffic laws like this one can impact both safety and injury claims.
The hands-free driving law makes it illegal for drivers to hold a cellphone or other electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. The goal is to keep drivers focused on the road, not their screens. Under the law, drivers are generally not allowed to:
Hands-free use is still allowed. This means drivers may use Bluetooth, voice commands, or a mounted device for navigation, as long as the device is not being held.
Like most traffic laws, there are limited exceptions. Drivers may be allowed to briefly handle a device to report an emergency, such as a crash or medical issue, or when lawfully stopped or parked. Even with exceptions, the safest approach is to set everything up before driving and avoid touching your phone at all.
Violating the hands-free driving law can result in fines. Penalties may increase for repeat offenses, and a citation can also become important evidence if a distracted driver causes a crash. While the fine itself may seem minor, the legal consequences after an accident can be far more serious.
When a crash involves distracted driving, the hands-free law can play a key role in determining fault. If a driver was illegally using a handheld device at the time of the accident, that conduct may support a negligence claim.
Evidence such as phone records, witness statements, and police observations can help show whether a driver violated the law. This information can strengthen an injury claim and help establish why the accident happened.
For everyday driving, the law is straightforward. If you need navigation, mount your phone. If you need to make a call, use hands-free technology. If something can wait, it should.
For accident victims, the law provides another layer of protection. Distracted driving is dangerous, and the hands-free law helps hold careless drivers accountable when their actions cause harm.
After a crash, it is not always clear whether distracted driving played a role. A car accident lawyer can review police reports, request phone records when appropriate, and explain how the hands-free law applies to your situation.
At Lesemann & Associates, we help injured clients understand how traffic laws, including the hands-free driving law, factor into injury claims. Our focus is on giving you clear answers and helping you decide what steps make sense next.
If you were injured in a Charleston car accident and believe distracted driving may have been involved, Lesemann & Associates can help you understand your options. The hands-free driving law exists to keep roads safer, and when it is ignored, there may be legal consequences. Reach out to start a conversation and learn how we can help you move forward after a crash.
