Can You Use Your Phone at a Red Light in South Carolina?
Yes, but only when your vehicle is completely stopped.
In South Carolina, it’s legal to use your phone at a red light or stop sign—as long as your car is not moving and you’re not blocking traffic.
- Allowed example: You’re waiting at a red light with your foot on the brake—it’s okay to check or send a message.
- Not allowed example: The light turns green and you’re still using your phone—you must stop using it and drive.
As soon as traffic starts moving or the light changes, you must put your phone down.
Is Texting While Driving Illegal in South Carolina?
Yes, texting while driving is against the law. You cannot write, send, or read texts while your vehicle is moving.
Here are situations where texting is allowed:
- Allowed example: You’re parked on the side of the road with your engine on or off—it’s legal to send a text.
- Allowed example: You’re stopped at a red light or stop sign and not moving—you can read or send a message.
- Not allowed example: You’re driving down the road and trying to text—this is illegal and dangerous.
Current Penalties for Texting and Driving in South Carolina
Here’s a simplified bullet point list of penalties for texting and driving in South Carolina, based on the provided text:
- First Offense: $25 fine.
- Subsequent Offenses: $50 fine.
- No Points on License: Violations do not result in points against your driver’s license.
- No Insurance Rate Increase: Insurance rates are not expected to increase due to texting violations.
- Primary Enforcement: Police can stop you solely for texting while driving if they have a clear view of you using a mobile device.
- Difficult to Prove: It can be challenging for police to prove you were texting versus other phone use.
South Carolina may soon have a new law that makes it illegal to use a phone while driving. The Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act, if signed by the Governor, would take effect on September 1, 2025. The goal of this law is to help prevent crashes by keeping drivers focused on the road.
If the law goes into effect, police will only give out warnings for the first 180 days. After that, drivers caught breaking the law could be fined. The first offense would cost $100. A second offense within three years would result in a $200 fine and two points on your driving record. You can’t be arrested just for a hands-free violation, unless you fail to show up in court after getting a ticket.
South Carolina Distracted Driving Statistics
- Over 20,000 Annual Collisions: Distracted or inattentive driving is a top contributing factor in more than 20,000 traffic collisions each year in South Carolina (SC Department of Public Services).
- 2017 Collision Breakdown: In 2017, it was reported that distracted driving was responsible for 10,053 collisions in South Carolina. Of these:
- 7,483 involved property damage only
- 2,370 resulted in significant injuries
- 9 caused fatalities
- 2020 Impact: In 2020, distracted driving led to 8 fatalities and approximately 1,600 injuries in South Carolina (National Safety Council).
- Teen Awareness vs. Behavior: While 94% of teens are aware of the dangers of texting and driving, 34% admitted to using their phones behind the wheel. Additionally, 48% of youths aged 12 to 17 have been passengers in a car where the driver was texting (Department of Insurance South Carolina).
FAQS
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving means doing anything that takes your eyes, hands, or mind off the road while driving. When you’re not fully paying attention, it can be dangerous for you, your passengers, and everyone else around you.
Example: If you’re driving and trying to text your friend at the same time, you’re not looking at the road. That’s distracted driving.
Other examples include eating a snack, fixing your hair in the mirror, or talking on the phone while holding it.
What Does South Carolina Say About Texting and Driving?
In South Carolina, it’s against the law to write, send, or read text messages while you’re driving on public roads. This is part of a rule called SC Code Section 56-5-3890.
What Devices Are Included in This Law?
The law doesn’t just apply to cell phones. It includes all wireless devices—like smartphones, tablets, and anything else you can use to send messages or go online.
Can I Use My Phone While Driving for Other Things?
Yes, but only in safe ways. You’re allowed to use your phone to:
- Make hands-free phone calls
- Get directions using GPS
- Listen to music
Important: You can’t hold the phone or type while driving.
Is It Okay to Text at a Red Light or Stop Sign?
Yes. If your car is completely stopped, like at a red light or stop sign, it’s okay to text. But once your car starts moving again, you need to stop texting.
What If I Drive Into Another State?
Every state has its own rules about using phones while driving. You have to follow the laws of the state you’re in—even if the laws are different from South Carolina’s.
Example:
- In North Carolina and Georgia, teens under 18 can’t use phones at all, even with Bluetooth.
- In Tennessee, nobody is allowed to hold a phone while driving. If you do, you could get a $50 ticket.
So, before you drive to another state, it’s a good idea to check their rules.
Want to Cruise Around the Palmetto State in a New Ride, Shop Low Country Volkswagen!
Whether you’re cruising through the charming streets of Mount Pleasant or heading out for an adventure beyond, Low Country Volkswagen offers a fantastic range of vehicles to match your South Carolina lifestyle.
Our reliable financing options are designed to make owning your dream Volkswagen a reality, and our regularly updated monthly auto deals provide exciting opportunities to save. Visit us in Mount Pleasant today and discover the Low Country Volkswagen difference!
We can’t wait to meet you. Shop our showroom or online today!
Interested in the VW Lineup? Shop Now at Low Country Volkswagen!