Put the phone down: SC’s hands-free law is about saving lives. Fines start this month.

By: Kelly Willenberg

Outlets: South Carolina Daily Gazette

Published: February 11, 2026

Words: 513

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 6 days ago

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South Carolina’s new Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act marks one of the most consequential shifts in the state’s traffic laws in years, and it deserves both applause and scrutiny.

The law’s rollout included a 180‑day warning period during which citations were not issued, but starting on Feb. 28, 2026, citations will be issued.

Over the past few months, giving drivers time to adjust to the new law was prudent, and it also gave …

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