{"id":1414,"date":"2026-06-12T16:08:15","date_gmt":"2026-06-12T16:08:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usmovingexpertss.com\/?p=1414"},"modified":"2026-06-12T16:08:15","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T16:08:15","slug":"can-you-use-your-phone-at-a-traffic-light-what-scs-hands-free-law-says-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usmovingexpertss.com\/?p=1414","title":{"rendered":"Can you use your phone at a traffic light? What SC\u2019s hands-free law says"},"content":{"rendered":"
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It\u2019s the same scenario.<\/p>\n

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You\u2019re driving and in a rush to get to your destination. The friends you\u2019re meeting for dinner are texting you nonstop, asking where you are. You promised them you wouldn\u2019t be late this time. Now you\u2019ve hit another stoplight.<\/p>\n

Read more This growing area near Columbia is getting a new location of Dutch Bros Coffee<\/a><\/p>\n

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You frantically pick up your phone and send them a text, saying \u201cI\u2019m on my way. I promise.\u201d But you don\u2019t get to finish sending it because now there are police sirens asking you to pull over, and an officer is issuing you a traffic ticket.<\/p>\n

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Under South Carolina\u2019s recently implemented Hands-Free Law, drivers across the state can be ticketed when using a mobile electronic device while driving. But the law, which was passed in May 2025, has led some Horry County residents to be confused over when drivers can be issued tickets.<\/p>\n

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One woman took to Facebook on June 4, issuing a warning to Myrtle Beach drivers. She had been given a ticket while her phone was in her hand at a stoplight, she said. Several users took to the comments to debate whether this is allowed, with some sharing their own experiences.<\/p>\n

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But are drivers allowed under the law to pick up personal devices while at a stoplight? Here\u2019s what to know.<\/p>\n

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What the South Carolina law says<\/h2>\n

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The South Carolina legislature passed the law in May 2025, in the hopes that it would reduce the number of distracted driving collisions in the state.<\/p>\n

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The law took effect in September, but law enforcement agencies didn\u2019t start issuing citations until Feb. 28. South Carolina Highway Patrol alone has issued 765 citations in Horry County as of May 31.<\/p>\n

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The law prohibits drivers from:<\/p>\n

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