Menu

Read about several South Carolina highway laws and get driving tips to help you stay safe and informed when behind the wheel.

South Carolina Motor Vehicle Laws and Safety Information

Please note that not all of South Carolina’s motor vehicle laws are listed, nor are they reproduced in their entirety and the wording used is not identical. The summaries below are intended as a public information service and are not a substitute for consulting the South Carolina Code of Laws as amended.

Speeding Laws

Driving too fast is dangerous for everyone on the road. In South Carolina, speeding is one of the top five reasons for serious collisions and deaths on the road.

More Details

DUI Laws

In South Carolina, driving under the influence (DUI) is defined as operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, with penalties that escalate for repeat offenses.

More Details

Move Over Law

South Carolina’s Move Over Law requires drivers take specific actions to ensure the safety of emergency responders, law enforcement, and roadside workers when nearing stopped vehicles with flashing emergency lights.

More Details

Move Right Law

South Carolina state law requires drivers to only use the far-left hand lane on controlled-access highways when overtaking and passing another vehicle.

More Details

School Bus Law

In South Carolina, you must always stop on any highway when you are behind a school bus with red flashing lights and the stop arm extended.

More Details

Work Zone Law

When approaching a work zone, watch for signs, cones, barrels, large vehicles, and workers. Work zone signs have orange backgrounds and black letters or symbols.

More Details

"Carolina Squat" Law

It is illegal to operate a "squatted" vehicle on South Carolina roads. "Squatted" vehicles include those with a front or rear fender raised four or more inches higher than the other.

More Details

Distracted Driving Law

A distraction is anything that takes your attention away from driving. Engaging in distracted driving can lead to collisions, causing injuries, fatalities, or property damage.

More Details

South Carolina Laws for Vulnerable Roadway Users

Bicyclists, pedestrians and operators of golf carts and mopeds are known as vulnerable roadway users because they are more vulnerable on the road than other vehicles. As a motorist, you must be on the lookout for individuals who may not be in a commercial or passenger vehicle. Review the links below for information and laws specific to other types of roadway users.

Pedestrian Laws

Drivers are encouraged to share the road and be on the lookout for pedestrians, especially on rural roadways.

More Details

Bicycle Laws

Drivers are encouraged to share the road and be on the lookout for bicyclists because they are smaller than motor vehicles and are often more difficult to see.

More Details

Golf Cart Law

Just because a golf cart is “street legal” doesn’t mean it’s legal to drive on any street, at any time, by any person.

More Details

Moped Law

If you are riding a moped, it's important to know the laws before you get on the road. As you see mopeds on the road, remember — these vehicles move at much lower speeds.

More Details

UTV Law

Effective November 18, 2026, a new South Carolina state law will make utility terrain vehicles eligible to legally operate on certain public roads in South Carolina once specific requirements are met.

More Details

Related Links

Pay a Traffic Ticket

Pay traffic tickets in four steps: select your county or municipality, enter your case/ticket number, proceed to payment, complete payment.

More Details

Traffic Ticket Search

Identify a traffic ticket number by searching by citation number, driver’s license, or name.

More Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to questions about traffic violations, collisions and towing, commercial motor vehicles, concealed weapons, public services, and more.

More Details

Traffic Fatalities

Find traffic fatality statistics by county compiled by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.

More Details

Families of Highway Fatalities

Find information about bereavement resources and stories shared by families as a safety message to others.

More Details

Victim Support

Find information about assistance for those who have been a victim in a motor vehicle related crime.

More Details

Follow Us

Stay up-to-date on road safety in South Carolina