SCDPS Announces Special Enforcement Effort for Move Over, Hands-Free Laws

MEDIA: Photos from the press conference will be available in the SC Department of Public Safety's online photo album. Please continue to check for updates.

COLUMBIA - In light of recent events involving troopers being struck by vehicles while performing their duties in the past month, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) and law enforcement across South Carolina are urging people to pay attention, slow down, and move over for first responders - or face the consequences.

During a press conference on Monday at the DPS headquarters in Blythewood, the SC Highway Patrol announced the kick-off of Operation Keep Us Safe, a collaborative enforcement initiative to enhance the safety of law enforcement, first responders, highway workers and tow truck drivers working on our roadways. South Carolina Highway Patrol Colonel Christopher Williamson, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, and North Myrtle Beach Police Chief Dana Crowell gave special remarks. Additionally, Mrs. Lois Rao, mother of fallen Trooper Michael Rao who was hit and killed in the line of duty spoke to media about how these preventable incidents have affected their lives.

"Every day, countless motorists come within inches of hitting law enforcement officers who are conducting traffic stops, or first responders working collisions, without the slightest attempt to move over or slow down," said Deputy Director of SCDPS Michael Oliver. "We are here today to say enough is enough."

From September 15-19, the SC Highway Patrol and State Transport Police will focus on enforcing all traffic violations with a special emphasis on violations related to the state's Move Over and Hands-Free laws. Colonel Williamson has also asked all other law enforcement agencies in South Carolina to join in on the initiative.

"In less than one month, we have had three South Carolina Highway Patrol troopers injured or killed while working outside of their vehicles on the roadside with blue lights flashing," said SC Highway Patrol Commander Colonel Christopher Williamson. "That is why today, we are announcing a weeklong enforcement initiative called Operation Keep Us Safe, during which time law enforcement will be especially vigilant in pulling people over when they choose to violate the Move Over Law and the Hands Free Law."

South Carolina's Move Over Law requires drivers to slow down and change lanes when approaching stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights to ensure the safety of emergency responders and roadside workers. Learn more here: https://scdps.sc.gov/ohsjp/DrivinginSC/move-over-law.

Additionally, the state's new Hands-Free Law prohibits drivers from holding or supporting a mobile device with any part of their body to read or send texts, emails, use websites, browse/post on social media, watch movies, or take video calls. Exceptions to the law include using a mobile electronic device while legally parked or stopped, using the device in hands-free mode, and listening to audio content as long as drivers are not holding the device while doing so. Law enforcement and first responders are also exempt while performing official duties. South Carolina law enforcement shall only issue warnings for violations of the hands-free law until February 28, 2026. Learn more: https://scdps.sc.gov/handsfree.

The press conference was livestreamed on the SCDPS and can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/thescdps/videos/1302746111258165

The department also reminds motorists to always pay attention and obey the posted speed limits.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety includes the Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services, Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. Our mission is to ensure public safety by protecting and serving the people of South Carolina and its visitors.