South Carolina Truck Driver Phone Law
The federal hand-held ban (49 CFR 392.82) has always applied to your CDL in South Carolina, and as of September 2025 the state caught up for everyone. The Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act (S.C. Code §56-5-3890) bars holding or supporting any device, texting, or watching video, primary enforcement, with real citations since February 28, 2026. The fine is $100 first offense, then $200 and 2 points for a repeat.
The federal ban applies here first
Federal law rides with your CDL in every state. FMCSA 49 CFR 392.82 bans all hand-held phone use while driving a CMV: no holding it to talk, no dialing more than a single button, no reaching for the phone out of your belted seat. A separate rule (49 CFR 392.80) bans texting and manual data entry. Only hands-free counts as compliant (mounted or in close reach, one-touch or voice, no reaching), and the only exception is calling 911. "Driving" includes sitting at a red light or stuck in traffic; you are clear only once fully off the road and stopped. Penalties run up to $2,750 for the driver and $11,000 for the carrier. It is a CSA serious violation: two convictions in any 3-year period disqualify your CDL for 60 days, three or more for 120 days (49 CFR 383.51).
South Carolina’s rule for all drivers
The federal hand-held ban (49 CFR 392.82) has always applied to your CDL in South Carolina, and as of September 2025 the state caught up for everyone. The Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act (S.C. Code §56-5-3890) bars holding or supporting any device, texting, or watching video, primary enforcement, with real citations since February 28, 2026. The fine is $100 first offense, then $200 and 2 points for a repeat.
- Hand-held: Hand-held ban — all drivers
- Texting: New hands-free ban for all drivers — no holding or supporting a device with any part of your body, no texting, no watching video (S.C. Code §56-5-3890, effective Sept 1, 2025). Primary enforcement; citations began Feb 28, 2026 after a 180-day warning period.
- Fine: $100 first offense; $200 and 2 points for a second or later offense within a 3-year period. A 180-day warnings-only period ran through Feb 28, 2026; full citations are now in effect.
- Points: State assesses 2 points on a second or later offense. Federal CMV bite: a hand-held violation is a CSA serious violation, and two in 3 years disqualify your CDL for 60 days.
South Carolina Truck Phone Law FAQ
Can truck drivers use a phone in South Carolina?
What is the phone fine in South Carolina?
Is texting while driving illegal in South Carolina?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://scdps.sc.gov/handsfree. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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