No. Applying makeup while driving is not explicitly banned in South Carolina, but it may violate the state’s reckless driving statute (S.C. Code § 56-5-2920) if it impairs control or endangers others. Local ordinances, such as those enforced by the Charleston Police Department, treat such conduct as a form of distracted driving, subject to fines under municipal traffic codes.
Key Regulations for Applying Makeup While Driving in South Carolina
- Reckless Driving Prohibition (S.C. Code § 56-5-2920): Any action diverting attention from the road—including makeup application—may be deemed reckless if it demonstrates a willful disregard for safety. Courts assess factors like speed, traffic conditions, and proximity to other vehicles.
- Distracted Driving Ordinances: Municipalities like Columbia and Greenville have local traffic codes prohibiting “any activity not essential to driving,” which courts have interpreted to include grooming. Violations typically incur fines up to $200 under municipal ordinances.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) is drafting updated distracted driving guidelines, expected to explicitly list personal grooming as a primary offense. Law enforcement agencies will begin training officers to cite such behavior under the new framework starting January 2026.
Violations are treated as primary offenses, meaning officers may stop drivers solely for applying makeup if it obstructs vision or impairs vehicle control. Insurance providers may also classify such incidents as at-fault accidents, potentially increasing premiums.