{"id":376268,"date":"2016-04-04T11:04:34","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:04:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/south-carolina-law\/south-carolina-traffic-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-05-06T18:25:54","modified_gmt":"2024-05-06T23:25:54","slug":"south-carolina-traffic-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/south-carolina-law\/south-carolina-traffic-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"South Carolina Traffic Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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South Carolina Traffic Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

As a South Carolina driver, you’ll face tricky situations and split-second decisions. The wrong decision could cause an accident or draw the attention of a police officer.<\/p>\r\n

In this article, get an introduction to driving in the state of South Carolina. Knowing the driving rules<\/a> can help you stay on the right side of the law. You can also learn about traffic tickets and what to do if you face serious charges. Read on to learn more about South Carolina traffic laws.<\/p>\r\n

South Carolina Driving Laws<\/h2>\r\n

Most driving rules appear in Title 56<\/a> of the South Carolina Code of Laws. Keep in mind that local areas like Columbia and Charleston have additional laws.<\/p>\r\n

Find links to select state traffic laws in the chart below.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Drinking and driving violations<\/p>\r\n<\/b><\/th>\r\n

Operating motor vehicle while under influence (SC Code section 56-5-2930<\/a>)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Driving without a license or with a suspended license<\/p>\r\n<\/b><\/th>\r\n

Driver’s license required (SC Code section 56-1-20<\/a>)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Driving without insurance or with insufficient insurance<\/p>\r\n<\/b><\/th>\r\n

Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Act (SC Code Title 56, Ch. 9<\/a>)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Driving without registration or with expired registration<\/p>\r\n<\/b><\/th>\r\n

Vehicles required to be registered (SC Code section 56-3-110<\/a>)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Illegal U-turn<\/p>\r\n<\/b><\/th>\r\n

Limitations on turning around (SC Code section 56-5-2140<\/a>)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Leaving the scene of an accident (hit and run)<\/p>\r\n<\/b><\/th>\r\n

Duties of drivers involved in accident (SC Code sections 56-5-1210 to 56-5-1260<\/a>)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Mechanical violations and unlawful vehicle modifications<\/p>\r\n<\/b><\/th>\r\n

Equipment and Identification (SC Code Title 56, Ch. 5, Article 35<\/a>)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Reckless driving<\/p>\r\n<\/b><\/th>\r\n

Reckless driving (SC Code section 56-5-2920<\/a>)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Running a red light or stop sign<\/p>\r\n<\/b><\/th>\r\n

Obedience to and required traffic-control devices (SC Code section 56-5-950<\/a>)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Seat belt and child restraint violations<\/p>\r\n<\/b><\/th>\r\n

Child Passenger Restraint System (SC Code Title 56, Ch. 5, Article 47<\/a>)Safety Belts (SC Code Title 56, Ch. 5, Article 48<\/a>)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Speeding<\/p>\r\n<\/b><\/th>\r\n

Restrictions on Speed (SC Code Title 56, Ch. 5, Article 11<\/a>)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

South Carolina’s Drivers License Points System<\/h2>\r\n

South Carolina is one of many states that uses a points system<\/a> to track motorists’ safety on the road. Each violation is worth a specific number of points under the law.<\/p>\r\n

Below are a few examples of points for traffic violations under SC Code section 56-1-720<\/a>:<\/p>\r\n