roadwise.Open study app

South Carolina driving lesson · Be in Shape to Drive

Distractions & the Hands-Free Act

A 2-minute lesson from the South Carolina course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

Study this lesson in the app Back to the course
Read time
2 minutes
Course unit
Be in Shape to Drive
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
35, 36

A distraction is anything that takes your attention away from driving: eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or your mind somewhere else. Distracted driving causes collisions that injure, kill and damage property.

Know the rule

Mental distractions are just as dangerous as taking your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel.

Handbook p. 35 ↗

Know the rule

It's unlawful in SC to use a wireless electronic communication device while driving if it requires the use of either hand (SC Code §56-5-3890).

Handbook p. 35 ↗

When driving:

  • Don't use cell phones
  • Avoid arguments and stressful or emotional conversations with passengers
  • Avoid eating
  • Make sure children are properly buckled up
  • Secure pets in a pet carrier or portable kennel
Handbook p. 35 ↗

Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act: on any public road, you must not:

  • Physically hold or support a mobile device with any part of your body
  • Read, write or send any text, including emails, app interactions or website info
  • View moving images, such as videos, movies, games or video calls
Handbook p. 36 ↗

Know the rule

The Act doesn't restrict earpieces or wrist-worn devices used for voice-based communication.

Handbook p. 36 ↗

Hands-Free Act penalties

Hands-Free Act penalties
OffensePenalty
First$100 fine
Second and later$200 fine and two points
Handbook p. 36 ↗

Put it into practice

Your phone buzzes with a text while you're driving. Holding the phone, reading the message and replying are all banned. Leave it alone, or take a voice call through an earpiece or smartwatch.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

It is unlawful in SC to use a wireless electronic communication device while driving if it:
  1. Is mounted on the dashboard
  2. Is used only for GPS directions
  3. Is a factory-installed system
  4. Requires the use of either hand

Answer: Requires the use of either hand

It is unlawful to use a wireless electronic communication device while driving if it requires the use of either hand.

Handbook p. 35 ↗
Under the SC Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act, which is prohibited while driving?
  1. Reading or sending a text message
  2. Using an earpiece for a voice call
  3. Using a wrist-worn device for a voice call
  4. Listening to hands-free navigation

Answer: Reading or sending a text message

The Act prohibits reading, writing, or sending texts, emails, or other messages while driving.

Handbook p. 35 ↗
The Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act still allows the use of:
  1. Handheld video calls
  2. Earpieces or wrist-worn devices for voice communication
  3. Reading emails at a stoplight
  4. Watching a movie on a mounted phone

Answer: Earpieces or wrist-worn devices for voice communication

The law does not restrict the use of earpieces or wrist-worn devices for voice-based communication.

Handbook p. 36 ↗
What is the fine for a first offense under the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act?
  1. $200
  2. $50
  3. $100
  4. $500

Answer: $100

A first offense carries a $100 fine.

Handbook p. 36 ↗
A second or subsequent offense of the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act carries a fine and:
  1. Four points on your driving record
  2. A mandatory license suspension
  3. No additional penalty
  4. Two points on your driving record

Answer: Two points on your driving record

A second or subsequent offense carries a $200 fine and two points on your driving record.

Handbook p. 36 ↗
Which of these is prohibited under the Hands-Free Act while operating a vehicle?
  1. Holding a device with any body part
  2. Talking hands-free through your car's speakers
  3. Using a voice-activated GPS app
  4. Wearing a wrist-worn fitness tracker

Answer: Holding a device with any body part

The Act prohibits physically holding or supporting a mobile electronic device with any part of your body.

Handbook p. 36 ↗
Take the lesson checkpoint in the app

More in Be in Shape to Drive

All South Carolina lessons