Drivers in South Carolina are allowed to text while operating a motor vehicle. But this might change in the near future due to a new bill in the works. State lawmakers are joining forces to ban people from texting when they’re behind the wheel.

Details of the Proposed Ban

Although laws against texting have been proposed in the past, South Carolina has not put rules in place yet. Some legislators are hoping this will be the year that texting is addressed on a statewide level. Currently, South Carolina leaves it up to its cities to create laws against texting. But if House Bill 3121 passes, any driver who is caught texting in South Carolina will face penalties.

The bill would make distracted driving of any kind a misdemeanor. Negligent drivers can expect a $100 fine and two points on their licenses. If it’s determined after an investigation that texting specifically caused a fatal collision, the fine would increase to $10,000, with the possibility of 10 years in prison.

As it stands, South Carolina is one of six states that does not have any laws against texting while driving. At this time, 39 other states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico have rules that prohibit this dangerous habit. Furthermore, five other states bar texting for beginner drivers.

Need Legal Help?

Car crashes can occur for many reasons. Sometimes momentary distractions lead to devastating accidents. Our South Carolina car accident and injury attorneys at Joye Law Firm understand that no matter what the cause, an automobile collision can have physical, emotional and financial consequences for all involved. We’re always ready to fight for your rights if you or someone you love is the victim of a motor vehicle crash.

Please contact us for a free consultation at 877-941-2615 or fill out our convenient online form today. We have obtained millions of dollars in awards and settlements on behalf of injured persons who have worked with our law firm.

About the Author

Mark Joye is the Head of the Litigation Department at the Joye Law Firm. A Board-Certified Trial Advocate with nearly 30 years of litigation experience, he currently serves on the Board of Governors for the American Association for Justice and is a past president of the South Carolina Association for Justice. In a recent trial, Joye headed a trial team that secured $17 million for a family killed in a tractor-trailer accident.

Recent Blog Post
Image of a woman in a santa hat in the driver's seat of a car
National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month: How to Talk to Your Loved Ones About Driving Safe this Holiday Season

December marks National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, a critical time for raising awareness about the dangers of impaired driving. With holiday celebrations increasing the risk of alcohol-related accidents, it’s vital to engage in open discussions with friends and…

What to Do in South Carolina: Staff Picks 11/28/23 – 12/4/23

As we usher in the holiday season, South Carolina is adorned with a myriad of festive events to spark joy and create lasting memories. Joye Law Firm, deeply rooted in the communities we serve, has handpicked some delightful happenings from…

Image of a group of friends in a car
Are Passengers or Drivers More Likely to be Injured in Crashes?

Riding in the passenger seat isn’t just about enjoying the view or controlling the playlist. When another person is behind the wheel, it can mean potential risks for you as a passenger. This is due to your positioning in the…

What to Do in South Carolina: Staff Picks 11/21/23 – 11/27/23

The holiday season is upon us, and Joye Law Firm is delighted to share handpicked events across South Carolina that promise festive fun for families and friends. From Charleston to Clinton, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this week! Charleston…

Awards & Recognition
Media
ABC
NBC
Fox
CBS News