Bamberg County Issues 23 Hands-Free Driving Citations in First Enforcement Month

Twenty-three hands-free driving citations were issued in Bamberg County during the first 30 days of active enforcement of South Carolina's Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Law, according to state data released March 30 by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.

The enforcement period ran Feb. 28 through March 29, 2026, the first full month since the law transitioned out of its warning phase into citation-issuing enforcement. Of Bamberg County's 23 total, 22 were issued by SCDPS agencies, which include the Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, and Bureau of Protective Services. One additional citation came from other local law enforcement agencies operating in the county.

Statewide, the numbers reflected broad enforcement across South Carolina: SCDPS agencies issued 1,994 citations during the period, other agencies contributed 1,501, for a combined total of 3,495.

The law prohibits drivers from holding or physically supporting a mobile device while driving, covering texting, browsing social media, watching videos, and placing phone calls outside of hands-free mode. Exemptions apply to law enforcement officers and first responders performing official duties. Hands-free operation, whether through a dashboard-mounted device or voice activation, remains permitted.

For drivers commuting between Denmark and neighboring counties, the 23-citation total signals that local enforcement moved quickly off the starting line. Fleet operators managing county vehicles, school buses, and agricultural transport rigs should confirm their drivers are operating under compliant hands-free configurations before the second reporting cycle closes.

SCDPS noted that local agencies have until the 10th of each month to submit figures, meaning Bamberg County's total could be revised upward as any outstanding agency reports are processed and filed.

Monthly releases from SCDPS will give county officials, school administrators, and traffic-safety advocates a recurring benchmark to measure whether enforcement activity and community outreach are translating into behavior change on Bamberg County roads.