Seniors in the Journalism 1 Class conducted interviews to get opinions on driving and cell phone use.
South Carolina passed a bill last year that made driving while holding a cell phone illegal. The grace period has passed and instead of being given a warning ticket for driving while holding a cell phone–violators will be given a ticket.
The violations will cost $100 for the first offense up to $200 for repeated offenses and up to 2 points added to driving records. According to recent statistics released by the SC Department of Public Safety, the total number of citations issued by SCDPS (SC Highway Patrol, SC State Transport Police, and the SC Bureau of Protective Services) for hands-free violations from February 28, 2026 – March 29, 2026 is 1,994.
Reports show that Lexington County has issued 141 citations and Richland County has issued 184.
Click here for more information on Hands Free South Carolina visit the South Carolina Department of Public Safety
