Strict Hand-Held Cellphone Ban in Effect in Greenville

South Carolina’s toughest law on using cellphones while driving is now on the books in Greenville.

The law takes effect Tuesday. It bans drivers from using any hand-held devices while a vehicle is in operation, including talking on a cellphone. The ban continues at stoplights.

A number of South Carolina cities and towns have banned texting while driving, but Greenville is the first one to make it illegal even to talk on the phone. There is no statewide ban on texting while driving.

Violators in Greenville face a $100 fine for a first offense and the cellphone can be seized on a third offense.

Greenville is putting up signs about the new law. Police Chief Terri Wilfong says she has told officers they can issue warnings at their discretion.