New Driving-Related Laws Going Into Effect In South Carolina In 2026
If you follow the news carefully, then you know that members of South Carolina’s legislature are always drafting new laws and amendments to existing laws, voting on them, and modifying bills that did not pass, meaning that at least a few new laws go into effect each year. Some of the new laws going into effect in 2026 relate to driving, car accidents, and lawsuits and insurance claims arising from car accidents. Despite this, the main causes of car accidents remain drunk driving and distracted driving. One of the new laws relates to claims against bars where a drunk driver got drunk before causing an accident that resulted in injuries or death. Another relates to the use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices while driving. The rights of people who get injured in car accidents to recover compensation for their injury-related financial losses, including but not limited to medical bills, also remain the same. If you have suffered injuries in a car accident where the driver who caused the accident was under the influence of alcohol or drugs or distracted by electronics, contact a Columbia car accident lawyer.
Changes in Liability Insurance Requirements for Establishments That Serve Alcohol
South Carolina’s dram shop liability law indicates that people who get injured in alcohol-related car accidents, including the drunk drivers themselves, have the right to sue the bar or restaurant where the employees served alcohol to the driver after they should reasonably have known that he or she was too drunk to drive. Until 2026, all establishments had to carry $1 million in liquor liability insurance. As of 2026, the law enables establishments to carry lower policy limits if they reduce the risk of their employees serving alcohol to drunk drivers, such as if the establishment’s last call for alcohol is several hours before the establishment closes.
South Carolina Law Enforcement May Issue Tickets to Drivers Who Break the Hands-Free Law
The law requiring hands-free use only of electronic devices while driving went into effect in the summer of 2025, but before 2026, police could only issue warnings to drivers who broke the law. Starting this month, police may issue tickets to drivers who use cell phones, tablets, GPS navigation devices, heads up devices (HUDs), or other electronic devices improperly while the car is shifted into drive. You may not touch the device, including the Apple CarPlay system on your car, at any time while the car is in any gear except park, even if you are stopped at a red light. You may only interact with the devices or the Apple CarPlay system through voice commands. You may use any of the functions of your devices while the car is legally parked.
Let Us Help You Today
The personal injury lawyers at the Stanley Law Group can help you get justice after a car accident. Contact The Stanley Law Group in Columbia, South Carolina or call (803)799-4700 for a free initial consultation.
Source:
wistv.com/2025/12/30/new-year-new-laws-heres-whats-going-into-effect-across-south-carolina-2026/
