South Carolina's Shocking Hands-Free Fine | Augusta Georgia News

South Carolina’s hands-free driving law is hitting drivers with shockingly steep fines—$232.50 for a first offense, more than a speeding ticket—thanks to hidden court fees. Since March, over 11,000 tickets have been issued, netting $2.7M. The state admits the initial cost estimates were incomplete. Serious violations like this carry doubled fines and license points on repeat offenses. Lawmakers justify the high cost as a deterrent and a way to fund court operations—$75 goes to local governments, $25 to public safety campaigns, $25 to court fees, and $107.50 to state law enforcement programs. To stay compliant: never hold your phone, even if it’s on your lap; use it only for emergencies or 911 calls; don’t play videos visible to passengers; and you can use your phone at red lights until the light turns green. Officers can’t demand to see your phone during a stop. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/e671801ab5e76d22