According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, it is illegal for a person to operate a motor vehicle on a public highway while using a mobile telephone to:
- Write, send, or read a text message
- Take or view a photograph
- Manually type or enter other data on the device
This law applies to all drivers, including those who are 18 years of age or older and those who are driving a commercial motor vehicle. However, there are a few exceptions to this law. For example, drivers may use their mobile phones to make or receive phone calls, as long as they do not hold the phone in their hands. Drivers may also use their mobile phones to navigate, as long as they use a hands-free device.