South Carolina Cell Phone Laws

South Carolina 2010 Update

Text Messaging Law on the Move

South Carolina House Bill 4282 - The South Carolina House has passed House Bill 4282.

The bill prohibits the use of a text messaging device while operating a motor vehicle.

Selected Bill Text:

A person may not use a text messaging device to read, or to manually write or send, a written communication, including without limitation text message, or electronic mail while operating a motor vehicle in motion or in the travel portion of the roadway.

The usual exceptions for law enforcement and emergency situations apply.

To read the bill go to >> South Carolina House Bill 4282

The State of South Carolina has several Cell Phone / Text Messaging Bills that they are considering in 2010.

Many of the bills are similar and it is unclear at this point which Bill(s) if any will move forward and eventually be signed into law.

The list below shows some of the current distracted driving legislation for South Carolina.

South Carolina Senate Bill 991 - To Provide That A Person May Not Operate A Motor Vehicle While Text Messaging With A Cell Phone Or Other Wireless Communication Device, And To Provide For Penalties And Exceptions.

South Carolina Senate Bill 954 - To Provide That It Is Unlawful For A Driver Over The Age Of Eighteen To Use A Wireless Telephone Or Wireless Communications Device Without A Hands-Free Device, To Provide That It Is Unlawful For A Driver Age Eighteen Or Younger To Use A Wireless Telephone Or Wireless Communications Device, To Provide That A Violation Of This Section May Not Be The Sole Or Primary Basis For A Law Enforcement Officer To Stop A Vehicle, To Provide For Certain Exceptions, To Provide Appropriate Penalties And Definitions, And To Provide For An Education Program.

South Carolina Senate Bill 24 - Communication Devices and Motor Vehicles

Purpose - Provides that a municipal governing body by ordinance may restrict the operator of a motor vehicle who is communicating with another person by way of a wireless communication device to the use of a hands-free device while the vehicle is in motion.

Status - Pending - Carryover - Senate Transportation Committee

South Carolina Senate Bill 642 - Cell Phone Motor Vehicle Operation

Purpose - Provides that a person under the age of eighteen may not operate a motor vehicle while using a cell phone or other wireless communications device and to provide for penalties and exceptions.

Status: Pending - Carryover - Senate Judiciary Committee

South Carolina Senate Bill 750 - Traffic Rules / Distracted Driving

Purpose - Relates to traffic rules, provides that it is unlawful to drive carelessly as a result of being distracted, to define carelessly, and to provide for a fifty dollar fine with no points assigned.

Status: Pending - Carryover - Senate Transportation Committee

South Carolina House Bill 3083 - Driving Violations / Distracted Driving

Purpose - Provides that it is unlawful for a person to operate a motor vehicle while using a cellular telephone, pager, personal digital assistant device, or another wireless communications device that is not equipped with a hands-free mechanism, provides a penalty for a violation of this provision.

Status: Pending - Carryover - House Education and Public Works Committee

We will do our best to post updates as they become available.

Other South Carolina Information on this Website  

Drunk Driving Laws, Penalties and Fines in South Carolina

Teen Driving Laws and Insurance Requirements in South Carolina