The following information is updated periodically. However, laws and regulations can change between updates. State statutes and local ordinances are the ultimate authorities for these issues.

Points of Interest

• South Carolina requires that you have your headlights on whenever you are using your windshield wipers.
• Valid out of state permits to carry concealable weapons held by a resident of a reciprocal state must be honored.

Speed Limits

Rural Interstates: Cars 70, Trucks 70
Urban Interstates: Cars 70, Trucks 70
Other Limited Access Roads: Cars 60, Trucks 60
(http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/speedlimit_laws.html)

These speed limits apply unless a different limit is posted.

Speed limits are absolute--exceeding the speed limit is illegal per se (regardless of whether it was safe under the specific conditions).

Speed Limits Enforcement Techniques
Enforced through use of:
Pacing: Yes
Radar: Yes
Vascar: Yes
Automated Speed Enforcement: No
Aircraft: No
Laser: Yes

Ticket Payment Methods
Consult your ticket or clerk of courts

Trial By Declaration Allowed
No

Jury Trial Allowed
Speeding: Yes
Parking: Yes
Equipment: Yes
DWI: Yes

Member of Nonresident Compact
Yes

Member of Driver License Compact
Yes

When and Where to File Accident Reports
Accidents involving death, personal injury, or property damage exceeding $1,000 must be reported immediately to the local authorities and within 15 days to the Department of Public Safety, P.O. Box 1498, Columbia, SC 29216-0001.

Resident Insurance Requirements
Liability insurance is required (although some states allow posting a cash bond or such as an alternative)
Minimum Coverage Required:
Injury to one person: $25,000
All injuries: $50,000
Property Damage: $25,000
Uninsured motorist coverage is required

Phone Restrictions
Novice Drivers: No special restrictions*
School Bus Drivers: No special restrictions*
All Drivers: No restrictions*
* South Carolina does have a Distracted/inattention attribute under Contributing Factors in accidents.
(http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html)

Other Regulations

• Open intoxicants are prohibited in the vehicle.
• The BAC level is .08%.
• South Carolina does not have an administrative license suspension law, but does have an implied consent law. The breathalyzer refusal penalty is a 90-day driver's license suspension.
• Loaded handguns may be carried in a closed glove compartment; rifles and shotguns may be loaded while in the trunk or passenger area with some exceptions.
• Studded tires are permitted in snow and ice conditions.
• Tire chains are not required.
• South Carolina has a seat belt law with secondary enforcement for all front seat occupants and for all rear seat occupants if the vehicle is equipped with shoulder straps.
• South Carolina has a mandatory child restraint law for passengers under 6 years of age. Adult safety belt may be used for children ages 4-6 in the front seat and 1-6 in rear seat.
• South Carolina has a mandatory motorcycle helmet law for persons under 21 years of age.
• Registration and insurance card must be carried in the vehicle.

General Information
Telephone: 803/896-5000 (Department of Motor Vehicles)
Emergency Cellular Phone Number: *HP (47)