South Carolina’s hands-free law now in full effect with fines for violators

ROCK HILL, S.C. — Sunday marks the second day of South Carolina’s hands-free law officially being in effect.

Authorities no longer issue only warnings, but actual tickets if you’re caught holding your phone while driving.

Police and some drivers are hoping this law will cut down on crashes.

There was a six-moth grace period, but that ended this weekend. Violators will now be fined.

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It’s an annoying sight for many motorists. To look over and see the driver in the car next to you distracted.

“Sometimes I’m driving and I see somebody behind me and they have the phone, playing on the phone,” said motorist Jacob Kimball.

The South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act took effect in September, but the fines started this weekend.

“I use CarPlay where you can do everything with you voice, so I’m already hands free, so it doesn’t bother me much,” driver Forrest Hartman said.

But some drivers like Kimball don’t have that luxury. He says he’s always pulled off on the side of the road.

“I think it’s the safest thing to do,” Kimball said. “I’m not gonna drive with my phone in my hand, especially on the highway going 60-70. I wouldn’t be doing that.”

A driver who didn’t want to be identified understands why some people feel they don’t have time to stop.

“I think it’s hard for people that have to talk to customers or patients with their jobs,” the driver said.

Now she has CarPlay and can drive safely. She said she was previously taking a risk before the law came into effect.

“But you also have to do your job and if you don’t do your job, then you risk losing it,” she said.

Under the law, drivers are not allowed to hold or support a mobile device with any part of their body. Troopers say you would get in trouble if your phone is on your lap.

WATCH: SC drivers will soon be fined for violating hands-free driving law