COLUMBIA, S.C. — When South Carolina’s Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act takes full effect in September 1st, 2025, it won’t just change the way people use their phones on the road—it could also reshape the way thousands of delivery drivers in the state make a living.
While lawmakers stress that the measure is meant to reduce accidents caused by distracted driving, drivers working for DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, and grocery delivery platforms say the new law may come at a financial cost they can’t afford.
The Central Issue: Apps Require Constant Interaction
Delivery apps often require drivers to accept orders within seconds of them appearing. In most cases, drivers get 30 to 40 seconds to decide whether to take or decline an order. That means if they’re already on the road, they have little choice but to look at or touch their phone.
Under the new law, even glancing at or holding the phone while moving could result in a violation. Drivers say this effectively forces them to break the law just to keep working.
Potential Loss of Income
If drivers miss too many orders because they must wait until parked, apps may lower their acceptance ratings. A poor rating can reduce priority for better-paying deliveries or even risk deactivation from the platform.
For many, delivery driving is not just a side income—it’s how they support their households. The difference between being able to grab every order and missing a handful a day could mean hundreds of dollars in lost pay each month.
“Every order counts,” one Columbia driver explained. “If I can’t accept fast enough, I lose money. That’s gas, that’s groceries, that’s rent.”
The Financial Burden of Fines
On top of lost income, violations themselves come with costs:
- $100 for the first offense
- $200 plus two license points for repeat offenses within three years
License points can raise insurance premiums, adding another layer of financial strain. For drivers already operating on thin margins after fuel, vehicle upkeep, and platform fees, these extra expenses could be devastating.
For those with commercial licenses (such as grocery or catering drivers), two violations in three years could even mean a 60-day suspension, cutting them off from work entirely.
Platform Pressure vs. State Law
The law also puts delivery platforms under scrutiny. The current app design doesn’t align with South Carolina’s rules, leaving workers trapped between following company demands and obeying state law.
Unless companies adapt with voice-activated order acceptance, longer response windows, or automatic readouts, drivers will remain at risk of financial penalties and lost income.
Projected Income Losses
Based on projections, even a small percentage of missed orders could mean significant monthly income loss. Drivers averaging 20 orders a day at $7.50 per order (working 25 days a month) earn around $3,750/month before expenses. Losing just 5% of orders equals nearly $190 lost each month — and that’s before fines and insurance hikes.
The Human Toll
For the state, the law is a win for more fines. For delivery drivers, it’s another obstacle in a job that already offers no guaranteed pay, no benefits, and no safety net. Many work long hours just to cover bills. Any disruption—from missed orders to costly tickets—directly affects their ability to support their families and themselves.
As one Greenville Uber Eats driver put it:
“We’re not against safety. But if the apps don’t change, this law could take food off our own tables.”
Conclusion
South Carolina’s hands-free law won’t make the roads safer. And without adjustments from food delivery platforms, it may also drive down the income of the very workers who depend on their phones to survive. The law is clear: no more phones in hand behind the wheel. The question is whether companies will step up to keep their drivers both legal and employed.
Duh…exactly why the irresponsible behavior and dangers are being mitigated via regulation