S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-2530 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 19 / Section 56-5-2530
SECTION 56-5-2530. Stopping, standing, or parking prohibited in specified places; exceptions.
Status: in_force

(A) Except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or in compliance with law or the directions of a police officer or official traffic-control device, no person shall: (1) Stop, stand or park a vehicle: (a) On the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street. (b) On a sidewalk. (c) Within an intersection. (d) On a crosswalk. (e) Between a safety zone and the adjacent curb or within thirty feet of points on the curb immediately opposite the ends of a safety zone, unless a different length is indicated by signs or markings. (f) Alongside or opposite any street excavation or obstruction when stopping, standing or parking would obstruct traffic. (g) Upon any bridge or other elevated structure upon a highway or within a highway tunnel. (h) On any railroad tracks. (i) On any controlled-access highway. (j) In the area between roadways of a divided highway, including crossovers. (k) At any place where official traffic-control devices prohibit stopping. (2) Stand or park a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except momentarily to pick up or discharge passengers: (a) In front of a public or private driveway. (b) Within fifteen feet of a fire hydrant. (c) Within twenty feet of a crosswalk at an intersection. (d) Within thirty feet upon the approach to any flashing signal, stop sign, yield sign or traffic-control signal located at the side of a roadway. (e) Within twenty feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station and on the side of a street opposite to any fire station within seventy-five feet of the entrance when properly signposted. (f) At any place where official traffic-control devices prohibit standing. (3) Park a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading property or passengers: (a) Within fifty feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing. (b) At any place where official traffic-control devices prohibit parking. (B) No person shall move a vehicle not lawfully under his control into any such prohibited area or away from a curb such a distance as is unlawful. (C) This section does not prohibit a federal postal service carrier from stopping, standing, or parking along a rural roadway for frequent short intervals during delivery of mail, parcels, or packages. As used in this section, "rural" means an area outside the incorporated areas of the county.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-2010 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 1 / Article 13 / Section 56-1-2010
SECTION 56-1-2010. Short title.
Status: in_force

This article may be cited as the South Carolina Commercial Driver License Act.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-23-60 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 23 / Section 56-23-60
SECTION 56-23-60. Minimum standards and conditions of operation for schools; inspection of schools.
Status: in_force

The Department of Motor Vehicles may establish minimum standards for the operation of driver training schools authorized to be licensed under the provisions of this chapter and prescribe conditions of operation of the schools. The minimum standards must include, but are not limited to, a requirement that driver training schools have or have access to sufficient facilities and equipment to conduct an eight-hour driver training course for a minimum of ten students. All activities and operations of licensed driver training schools are at all times subject to inspection or examination by authorized representatives of the department. In addition, records of these activities and operations must be made available at the permanent location in this State for review by the department upon its request. Editor's Note 2023 Act No. 51, SECTION 40(F), provides as follows: "[SECTION 40.](F) The remaining SECTIONS of this act, and Sections 56-3-214(A), 56-3-214(B)(1), 56-3-214(B)(2), 56-3-214(B)(3), 56-3-214(G), 56-1-20, 56-23-40, 56-23-60, and 56-23-105 take effect upon approval by the Governor." Effect of Amendment 2023 Act No. 51, SECTION 35, in the second sentence, substituted "eight-hour driver training course" for "eight-hour defensive driving course".
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-1890 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 13 / Section 56-5-1890
SECTION 56-5-1890. No-passing zones.
Status: in_force

(a) The Department of Transportation and local authorities may determine those portions of any highway under their respective jurisdictions where overtaking and passing or driving on the left of the roadway would be especially hazardous and may by appropriate signs or markings on the roadway indicate the beginning and end of such zones and when such signs or markings are in place and clearly visible to an ordinarily observant person every driver of a vehicle shall obey the directions thereof. (b) Where signs or markings are in place to define a no-passing zone as set forth in subsection (a) no driver shall at any time drive on the left side of the roadway within such or on the left side of any pavement striping designed to mark such no-passing zone throughout its length. (c) This section shall not apply under the conditions described in item 2, subsection (a) of Section 56-5-1810 nor to the driver of a vehicle turning left into or from an alley, private road or driveway.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-1840 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 13 / Section 56-5-1840
SECTION 56-5-1840. Overtaking and passing vehicles proceeding in same direction.
Status: in_force

The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to those limitations, exceptions and special rules hereinafter stated: (1) The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle; and (2) Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal and shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-5150 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 35 / Section 56-5-5150
SECTION 56-5-5150. Use of safety devices when towing vehicles.
Status: in_force

When a vehicle is towing another vehicle on a public road or highway, the towing vehicle must be attached to the towed vehicle by a safety chain, cable, or equivalent device in addition to the regular drawbar, tongue, trailer hitch, or other connection. The safety connections or attachments must be of sufficient strength to maintain connection of the towed vehicle to the pulling vehicle under all conditions while the towed vehicle is being pulled by the towing vehicle. The provisions of this section do not apply to vehicles using a hitch known as a fifth wheel and kingpin assembly.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-4930 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 49 / Section 56-3-4930
SECTION 56-3-4930. Cumulative effect of article; penalties for violation.
Status: in_force

The provisions of this article do not affect the registration and licensing of motor vehicles as required by other provisions of this chapter, but are cumulative to them. A person who violates the provisions of this article is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-10-530 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 10 / Article 5 / Section 56-10-530
SECTION 56-10-530. Involvement in accident resulting in death, injury, or property damage when uninsured motor vehicle fee unpaid; suspension of driver's license, license plates and registration certificates; contested case hearing.
Status: in_force

When it appears to the Department of Motor Vehicles from its records that an uninsured motor vehicle as defined in Section 56-9-20, subject to registration in the State, is involved in a reportable accident in the State resulting in death, injury, or property damage, the department shall, in addition to enforcing the applicable provisions of Section 56-10-10, et seq. suspend such owner's driver's license and all of his license plates and registration certificates until such person has complied with those provisions of law and has paid to the department a reinstatement fee as provided by Section 56-10-520. However, no order of suspension required by this section must become effective until the department has offered the person an opportunity for a contested case hearing before the Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings to show cause why the order should not be enforced. Notice of the opportunity for a contested case hearing must be included in the order of suspension. The presentation by a person subject to the provisions of this section of a certificate of insurance, executed by an agent or representative of an insurance company qualified to do business in this State, showing that on the date and at the time of the accident the vehicle was an insured motor vehicle as herein defined is sufficient bar to the suspension provided for in this section. Editor's Note 2023 Act No. 51, SECTION 40(B), provides as follows: "[SECTION 40.](B) SECTION 5 takes effect on the first day of the fiscal year following twelve months after approval by the Governor." Effect of Amendment 2023 Act No. 51, SECTION 5, rewrote the section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-6170 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 43 / Section 56-5-6170
SECTION 56-5-6170. Enforcement.
Status: in_force

The Department of Public Safety shall administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter with respect to State highways, and law enforcement officers generally shall also enforce this chapter within their respective jurisdictions. No police officer in investigating a traffic accident shall necessarily deem the fact that an accident has occurred as giving rise to the presumption that a violation of a law has occurred. Arrests and criminal prosecution for violation of this chapter shall be based upon evidence of a violation of the law.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-175 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 1 / Article 1 / Section 56-1-175
SECTION 56-1-175. Issuance of conditional driver's license.
Status: in_force

(A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue a conditional driver's license to a person who is at least fifteen years of age and less than sixteen years of age, who has: (1) held a beginner's permit for at least one hundred eighty days; (2) passed a driver's education course as defined in subsection (D); (3) completed at least forty hours of driving practice, including at least ten hours of driving practice during darkness, supervised by any licensed individual listed in Section 56-1-100(A)(1-7); (4) passed successfully the road tests or other requirements the department may prescribe; and (5) satisfied the school attendance requirement contained in Section 56-1-176. (B) A conditional driver's license is valid only in the operation of vehicles during daylight hours. The holder of a conditional license must be accompanied by a licensed adult twenty-one years of age or older after six o'clock p.m. or eight o'clock p.m. during daylight saving time. A conditional driver's license holder may not drive between midnight and six o'clock a.m. unless accompanied by any licensed individual listed in Section 56-1-100(A)(1-7). The accompanying driver must: (1) occupy a seat beside the conditional license holder when the conditional license holder is operating a motor vehicle; or (2) be within a safe viewing distance of the conditional license holder when the conditional license holder is operating a motorcycle or a moped. (C) A conditional driver's license holder may not transport more than two passengers who are under twenty-one years of age unless accompanied by a licensed adult who is twenty-one years of age or older. This restriction does not apply when the conditional driver's license holder is transporting family members, or students to or from school. (D) A driver training course, as used in this section, means a driver's training course administered by a driver's training school or a private, parochial, or public high school conducted by a person holding a valid driver's instructor permit contained in Section 56-23-85. (E) For purposes of issuing a conditional driver's license pursuant to this section, the department must accept a certificate of completion for a student who attends or is attending an out-of-state high school and passed a qualified driver's training course or program that is equivalent to an approved course or program in this State. The department must establish procedures for approving qualified driver's training courses or programs for out-of-state students. Effect of Amendment 2017 Act No. 89, SECTION 4, amended the section, deleting the provision that allows a licensee to operate a motor scooter and the provision that defined the term "daylight hours", and providing the location that an accompanying driver must be seated when the licensee is operating a motor vehicle. 2018 Act No. 259, SECTION 3, in (A), in (3), substituted "any licensed individual listed in Section 56-1-100(A)(1-7)" for "the person's licensed parent or guardian"; and in (B), in the third sentence, substituted "any licensed individual listed in Section 56-1-100(A)(1-7)" for "the holder's licensed parent or guardian".
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-2-130 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 2 / Article 1 / Section 56-2-130
SECTION 56-2-130. Dealer licensing.
Status: in_force

A person engaged in the wholesale or retail sale of low speed vehicles must comply with the motor vehicle dealer licensing laws of this State as specified in this title.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-2-100 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 2 / Article 1 / Section 56-2-100
SECTION 56-2-100. Conditions for operation on street or highway.
Status: in_force

(A) A low speed vehicle may be operated only on a highway for which the posted speed limit is thirty-five miles an hour or less. (B) A low speed vehicle may cross a highway at an intersection where the highway has a posted speed limit of more than thirty-five miles an hour. (C) A low speed vehicle must meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 500 (Part 49 Section 571.500 of the Code of Federal Regulations) at all times when operated on any highway. A low speed vehicle that complies with the equipment requirements in 49 C.F.R. Section 571.500 complies with all equipment requirements of this title. (D) Nothing in this section prevents local governments from adopting more stringent local ordinances governing low speed vehicle operation. (E) A county or municipality may prohibit the operation of low speed vehicles on any street or highway if the governing body of the county or municipality determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety. (F) The Department of Transportation may prohibit the operation of low speed vehicles on any street or highway if it determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety. (G) A farm vehicle, as defined in Section 56-1-2070(C)(2), is not a low speed vehicle for the purposes of this article.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-500 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 56-5-500
SECTION 56-5-500. Crosswalk defined.
Status: in_force

A "crosswalk" is: (1) That part of a roadway at an intersection included within the connections of the lateral lines of the sidewalks on opposite sides of the highway measured from the curbs or in the absence of curbs from the edges of the traversable roadway; or (2) Any portion of a roadway at an intersection or elsewhere distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-665 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 5 / Section 56-3-665
SECTION 56-3-665. Proof of payment of federal use tax.
Status: in_force

The Department of Motor Vehicles shall require evidence of the payment of the use tax imposed by Section 4481 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 for those vehicles to which the taxes are required.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-1290 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 56-5-1290
SECTION 56-5-1290. Evidentiary use of reports.
Status: in_force

None of the reports required by Sections 56-5-1260 to 56-5-1280 may be evidence of the negligence or due care of either party at the trial of any action at law to recover damages. However, law enforcement officers may refer to these reports when testifying in order to refresh their recollection of events.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-15-50 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 15 / Article 1 / Section 56-15-50
SECTION 56-15-50. Manufacturers shall specify delivery and preparation obligations of dealers; filing of copy of obligations and schedule of compensation; indemnification.
Status: in_force

(A) Every manufacturer shall specify to the dealer the delivery and preparation obligations of its motor vehicle dealers prior to delivery of new motor vehicles to retail buyers. A copy of the delivery and preparation obligations of its motor vehicle dealers and a schedule or statement of the compensation to be paid or credited to its motor vehicle dealers for the work and services they shall be required to perform in connection with such delivery and preparation obligations shall be filed with the Department of Motor Vehicles by every motor vehicle manufacturer and shall constitute any such dealer's only responsibility for product liability as between such dealer and such manufacturer. The compensation as set forth on such schedule or statement shall be reasonable and paid or credited as set out in Section 56-15-60. (B) Every manufacturer and franchisor shall indemnify and hold harmless its franchised dealers licensed in this State against any judgment for damages or settlements agreed to by the manufacturer or franchisor including, but not limited to, court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees of the motor vehicle dealer arising out of complaints, claims, or lawsuits including, but not limited to, strict liability, negligence, misrepresentation, express or implied warranty, or recision or revocation of acceptance of the sale of a motor vehicle to the extent that the judgment or settlement relates to the alleged defective negligent manufacture, assembly, or design of new motor vehicles, parts, or accessories or other functions by the manufacturer or franchisor, but excluding any judgment or settlement that is the result, in whole or in part, of the dealer's negligence or wrong doing. Editor's Note 2021 Act No. 31, SECTION 14, provides as follows: "SECTION 14. This act takes effect ninety days after approval by the Governor and applies to all current and future franchises and other agreements in existence between any franchisee located in this State and a franchisor as of the effective date of this act." Effect of Amendment 2021 Act No. 31, SECTION 7, inserted the (A) designator, and added (B).
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-19-390 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 19 / Article 3 / Section 56-19-390
SECTION 56-19-390. Procedures for involuntary transfer or repossession.
Status: in_force

(1) If the interest of an owner in a vehicle passes to another other than by voluntary transfer, the transferee shall, except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, promptly mail or deliver to the Department of Motor Vehicles the last certificate of title, if available, proof of the transfer and his application for a new certificate in the form the Department prescribes. (2) If the interest of the owner is terminated or the vehicle is sold under a security agreement by a lienholder named in the certificate of title, or by foreclosure of a statutory lien or sale pursuant to Section 29-15-10, the transferee shall promptly mail or deliver to the department the last certificate of title or order of court pertaining to sale, his application for a new certificate in the form the department prescribes and an affidavit made by or on behalf of the lienholder that the vehicle was repossessed and that the security interest of the owner was lawfully terminated or sold pursuant to the terms of the security agreement, or by foreclosure of a statutory lien. If the lienholder succeeds to the interest of the owner and holds the vehicle for resale, he need not secure a new certificate of title but, upon transfer to another person, shall promptly mail or deliver to the transferee or to the department the certificate, affidavit and other documents required to be sent to the department by the transferee, and the department shall, upon request, issue a new title free and clear of prior liens and encumbrances.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-19-430 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 19 / Article 3 / Section 56-19-430
SECTION 56-19-430. Assignment of new identifying number; issuance of new, or endorsement of, original certificate.
Status: in_force

The Department of Motor Vehicles may assign a new identifying number to a vehicle if it has none, its identifying number is destroyed or obliterated or its motor is changed and shall either issue a new certificate of title showing the new identifying number or make an appropriate endorsement on the original certificate.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-990 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 56-5-990
SECTION 56-5-990. Pedestrian "walk" and "wait" signals.
Status: in_force

Whenever special pedestrian control signals exhibiting the words "Walk" or "Wait" are in place such signals shall indicate as follows: (1) "Walk" indicates that a pedestrian facing such signal may proceed across the roadway in the direction of the signal and shall be given the right of way by the drivers of all vehicles; and (2) "Wait" indicates that no pedestrian shall start to cross the roadway in the direction of such signal, but any pedestrian who has partially completed his crossing on the walk signal shall proceed to a sidewalk or safety island while the wait signal is showing.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-12210 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 122 / Section 56-3-12210
SECTION 56-3-12210. Beach Music special license plates.
Status: reserved

(A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Beach Music" special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles, as defined in Section 56-3-630, and motorcycles as defined in Section 56-3-20, registered in their names which may have imprinted on the plate an emblem, a seal, or other symbol chosen by the department in consultation with the South Carolina Arts Commission reflecting the status of beach music as the official state popular music pursuant to Section 1-1-689. License plate number "one" for the beach music license plate is reserved for the president of the Beach Music Association International or its successor organization if that individual is otherwise eligible to register a qualifying motor vehicle in this State. License plate number "two" for the beach music license plate is reserved for the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Coastal Carolina University if that individual is otherwise eligible to register a motor vehicle in this State. The special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial period which expires twenty-four months from the month it is issued. The fee for this special license plate is the regular motor vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title and a special motor vehicle license fee of twenty dollars. (B) The fees collected pursuant to this section above the cost of production must be distributed to the general fund. (C) The guidelines for the production, collection and distribution of fees for a special license plate under this section must meet the requirements of Section 56-3-8100.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-790 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 56-5-790
SECTION 56-5-790. Application to persons riding animals, driving animal-drawn vehicles or pushing pushcarts.
Status: in_force

Every person riding an animal or driving any animal-drawn vehicle or pushing a pushcart upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter, except those provisions of this chapter which by their very nature can have no application.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-10-250 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 10 / Article 3 / Section 56-10-250
SECTION 56-10-250. Unlawful to sell vehicle with suspended registration to family member.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for any vehicle owner to sell or otherwise dispose of any motor vehicle, for which the registration and license plates have been suspended, to any member of his family residing in the same household. Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for thirty days and, upon conviction of a second offense, be fined two hundred dollars or imprisoned for thirty days, or both, and for a third and subsequent offenses must be imprisoned for not less than forty-five days nor more than six months. Only convictions which occurred within five years including and immediately preceding the date of the last conviction constitute prior convictions within the meaning of this section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-15-85 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 15 / Article 1 / Section 56-15-85
SECTION 56-15-85. Electronic sale of vehicles.
Status: in_force

This chapter does not prohibit a dealership located in this State from contracting with an on-line electronic service to provide motor vehicles to consumers in this State.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-2745 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 21 / Section 56-5-2745
SECTION 56-5-2745. Emerging from alley, driveway, or building.
Status: in_force

The driver of a vehicle emerging from an alley, building, private road or driveway within a business or residential district shall stop the vehicle immediately prior to driving onto a sidewalk or onto the sidewalk area extending across the alley, building entrance, road or driveway or, in the event there is no sidewalk area, shall stop at the point nearest the street to be entered where the driver has a view of approaching traffic.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-710 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 56-5-710
SECTION 56-5-710. Powers of local authorities.
Status: in_force

(A) Subject to the limitations prescribed in Section 56-5-930, the provisions of this chapter shall not be deemed to prevent local authorities with respect to streets and highways under their jurisdiction and within the reasonable exercise of the police power from: (1) regulating the standing or parking of vehicles; (2) regulating traffic by means of police officers or traffic control signals; (3) regulating or prohibiting processions or assemblages on the highways; (4) designating particular highways as one-way highways and requiring that all vehicles thereon be moved in one specific direction; (5) regulating the speed of vehicles in public parks; (6) designating any highway as a through highway and requiring that all vehicles stop before entering or crossing it or designating any intersection as a stop intersection and requiring all vehicles to stop at one or more entrances at such intersection; (7) restricting the use of highways as authorized in Sections 56-5-4210 and 56-5-4220; (8) regulating the operation of bicycles and requiring the registration and licensing of them, including the requirement of a registration fee; (9) regulating or prohibiting the turning of vehicles or specified types of vehicles at intersections; (10) altering the prima facie speed limits as authorized herein; or (11) adopting such other traffic regulations as are specifically authorized by this chapter. (B) Nothing in subsection (A) may be construed to permit a local authority to issue a uniform traffic citation for violating a local ordinance or the traffic laws relating to speeding or disregarding traffic control devices based in whole or in part upon photographic evidence whether gathered in conjunction with radar speed detection devices and whether the camera or other electronic device capturing the photographic evidence was attended or unattended at the time it captured the photographic evidence.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-4780 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 35 / Section 56-5-4780
SECTION 56-5-4780. Use of multiple-beam road-lighting equipment.
Status: in_force

Whenever a motor vehicle is being operated on a roadway or shoulder adjacent thereto during the times specified in Section 56-5-4450, the driver shall use a distribution of light or composite beam directed high enough and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a safe distance in advance of the vehicle, subject to the following requirements and limitations: (1) Whenever the driver of a vehicle approaches an oncoming vehicle within five hundred feet, such driver shall use a distribution of light or composite beam so aimed that the glaring rays are not projected into the eyes of the oncoming driver; (2) The lowermost distribution of light or composite beam specified in item (2) of Section 56-5-4770 shall be aimed to avoid glare at all times, regardless of road contour and loading; and (3) Whenever the driver of a vehicle follows another vehicle within two hundred feet to the rear, except when engaged in the act of overtaking and passing, such driver shall use a distribution of light permissible under this section other than the uppermost distribution of light specified in item (1) of Section 56-5-4770.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-355 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 56-3-355
SECTION 56-3-355. Suspension or revocation of commercial vehicle registration card and license plate; reinstatement; fees.
Status: in_force

(A) The Department of Motor Vehicles must suspend, revoke, or not issue a registration card and license plate to a person for a commercial motor vehicle greater than twenty-six thousand pounds which operates with an apportioned license plate if the commercial motor carrier who is responsible for the safety of the vehicle has been prohibited from operating by a federal agency or if it is determined that the registrant has: (1) made a material misrepresentation or false statement on the application or fails to disclose material information required pursuant to Section 56-3-240 or the International Registration Plan, if applicable; (2) used or permitted the use of plates contrary to law; (3) been found guilty of fraud, fraudulent practices, or subterfuge for the real party in interest who has been issued a federal out-of-service order; (4) operated or owned a business managed, or otherwise controlled or affiliated, with a person who is ineligible for registration, including the registrant entity, a relative, family member, corporate officer, or shareholder; or (5) failed to comply with any of the regulations of the department for the enforcement of this article. (B) The registrant promptly must surrender to the department any item suspended or revoked under this section. If the registrant unlawfully refuses to surrender the suspended or revoked items as required under this section, the department, through its designated agents or by request to a county or municipal law enforcement agency, shall take possession of the suspended or revoked license plate and registration card. A registration card or license plate may not be reissued for that vehicle until the motor carrier has been allowed to operate by a federal agency or the vehicle is properly transferred to a motor carrier that is not prohibited from operating by a federal agency. Before a suspended vehicle registration card can be reinstated, the department shall receive a signed copy of any inspection report for each suspended registration card and a fee of fifty dollars for each registration card suspension which must be paid to the department. The fifty dollar fee must be placed in the State Highway Fund as established by Section 57-11-20, to be distributed as provided in Section 11-43-167 by the Comptroller General. Editor's Note 2021 Act No. 37, SECTION 11.B, provides as follows: "[SECTION 11.]B. This SECTION takes effect at the start of the fiscal year immediately following approval by the Governor." Effect of Amendment 2021 Act No. 37, SECTION 11.A, rewrote the section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-3850 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 31 / Section 56-5-3850
SECTION 56-5-3850. Crossing fire hose prohibited.
Status: in_force

No vehicle shall be driven over any unprotected hose of a fire department when laid down on any street or private driveway to be used at any fire or alarm of fire, without the consent of the fire department official in command.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-400 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 56-3-400
SECTION 56-3-400. Reciprocity in registration and licensing of automobile utility trailers; "automobile utility trailer" defined.
Status: in_force

The term "automobile utility trailer" when used in Sections 56-3-400 to 56-3-420 shall mean and include any trailers suitable for towing by a private passenger automobile, the use of which is confined to the private hauling of personal property for intrastate or interstate use, or combined intrastate and interstate use. The term "automobile utility trailer" shall not include trailers or semitrailers rented or leased to any person for use by such lessee in the furtherance of or as an incident to any commercial or industrial enterprise in interstate commerce or for the use in connection with any business or occupation carried on in interstate commerce by the lessee.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-19-210 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 19 / Article 3 / Section 56-19-210
SECTION 56-19-210. Certificate of title required to sell or mortgage vehicle or mobile home; exception.
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person to sell or offer for sale or mortgage in this State any vehicle of a type required to be registered and licensed in this State, or any mobile home, unless a certificate of title has been issued therefor and is currently valid; but this provision shall not apply to South Carolina dealers in the sale or offering for sale of new vehicles or mobile homes for which there is a manufacturer's certificate of origin made out to the person offering such vehicle or mobile homes for sale.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-11-430 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 11 / Article 5 / Section 56-11-430
SECTION 56-11-430. Submission by motor carrier of quarterly operations reports to Department of Motor Vehicles.
Status: in_force

Every motor carrier subject to the tax imposed by this chapter shall, on or before the last day of April, July, October, and January submit to the Department of Motor Vehicles the reports of its operations during the quarter of the year ending the last day of the preceding month as the department requires. Nothing in this section may be construed to eliminate the requirement as to registration and identification markers otherwise provided by this chapter.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-19-70 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 19 / Article 1 / Section 56-19-70
SECTION 56-19-70. Refunds of fees.
Status: in_force

Whenever any application to the Department of Motor Vehicles is accompanied by any fee as required by law and such application is refused or rejected, the fee shall be returned to the applicant. Whenever the Department through error collects any fee not required to be paid under this chapter, the fee may be refunded on its own initiative and shall be refunded to the person paying the fee upon application therefor made within six months after the date of such payment.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-2420 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 27 / Section 56-3-2420
SECTION 56-3-2420. Powers of State Highway Patrol.
Status: in_force

Commissioned and uniformed personnel of the South Carolina Highway Patrol when on duty may: (1) Upon reasonable belief that any vehicle is being operated in violation of any provision of this chapter require the driver thereof to stop and exhibit the registration card issued for the vehicle and submit to an inspection of such vehicle and the license plates; (2) Inspect any vehicle of a type required to be registered and licensed hereunder in any public garage or repair shop or in any place where such vehicles are held for sale or wrecking, for the purpose of locating stolen vehicles and investigating the ownership and registration and license thereof; and (3) Investigate reported thefts of vehicles.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-6550 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 48 / Section 56-5-6550
SECTION 56-5-6550. No points against license for violation.
Status: in_force

No points provided for in Section 56-1-720 or any other provision of law may be assessed for a violation of this article.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-19-280 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 19 / Article 3 / Section 56-19-280
SECTION 56-19-280. Refusal of certificate; vehicle reported stolen or converted.
Status: in_force

When the theft or conversion of a vehicle is reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles pursuant to Sections 56-19-810 or 56-19-820, until the department learns of its recovery or that the report of its theft or conversion was erroneous, it must not issue a certificate of title for the vehicle. A title may be issued on a vehicle that is reported stolen only in cases where the settlement to an insurance company is involved.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-2440 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 27 / Section 56-3-2440
SECTION 56-3-2440. Department of Motor Vehicles shall keep certain records.
Status: in_force

The Department of Motor Vehicles shall keep such records of all transactions relating to the enforcement and administration of this chapter as the Department shall determine to be necessary and appropriate for fiscal, statistical and administrative purposes. Suitable and appropriate records of every vehicle registered shall be kept by the Department in cross-reference books or on cards, as follows: (1) Numerically, under the descriptive registration and license number assigned to the vehicle; (2) Alphabetically, under the name of the owner; (3) Numerically, under the motor or serial number, if available and otherwise under any other identifying number of the vehicle; and (4) In any other manner the Department may deem desirable.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-15-45 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 15 / Article 1 / Section 56-15-45
SECTION 56-15-45. Ownership, operation or control of competing dealerships by manufacturer or franchisor; unfair competition against franchisee; preferential treatment defined; sales or leases to federal government or employees; sales of leased vehicles; manufacturer's e-commerce websites.
Status: in_force

(A) It is unlawful for a manufacturer or franchisor or any parent, affiliate, wholly or partially owned subsidiary, officer, or representative of a manufacturer or franchisor to own, operate, or control or to participate in the ownership, operation, or control of a new motor vehicle dealer in this State, to establish in this State an additional dealer or dealership in which that person or entity has an interest, or to own, operate, or control, directly or indirectly, an interest in a dealer or dealership in this State, excluding a passive interest in a publicly traded corporation held for investment purposes. This subsection does not prohibit the ownership, operation, or control of a new motor vehicle dealer by a manufacturer or franchisor: (1) for a temporary period, not to exceed one year, during the transition from one owner or operator to another, except that on a showing by a manufacturer or franchisor of good cause, a court of competent jurisdiction may extend this time limit for periods up to an additional twelve months; (2) during a period in which the new motor vehicle dealer is being sold pursuant to a bona fide contract, shareholder agreement, or purchase option to the operator of the dealership; or (3) at the same location at which the manufacturer or franchisor has been continuously engaged in the retail sale of new motor vehicles as the owner, operator, or controller of the dealership since January 1, 1998. (B)(1) It is unlawful for a manufacturer or franchisor or any parent, affiliate, wholly or partially owned subsidiary, officer, or representative of a manufacturer or franchisor to compete unfairly with a new motor vehicle dealer of the same line make operating pursuant to a franchise in the State of South Carolina. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the mere ownership, operation, or control of a new motor vehicle dealer by a manufacturer or franchisor pursuant to the conditions set forth in subsection (A) of this section is not a violation of this subsection. (2) For purposes of this subsection, a manufacturer or franchisor or any parent, affiliate, wholly or partially owned subsidiary, officer, or representative of a manufacturer or franchisor is conclusively presumed to be competing unfairly if it gives preferential treatment to a dealer or dealership in which an interest is directly or indirectly owned, operated, or controlled by the manufacturer or franchisor or any partner, affiliate, wholly or partially owned subsidiary, officer, or representative of the manufacturer or franchisor, expressly including, but not limited to, preferential treatment regarding the direct or indirect cost of vehicles or parts, the availability or allocation of vehicles or parts, the availability or allocation of special or program vehicles, the provision of service and service support, the availability of or participation in special programs, the administration of warranty policy, the availability or allocation of factory rebates, or the availability and use of after warranty adjustments, advertising, floor planning, or financing or financing programs. (C) It is unlawful for a manufacturer or franchisor or any parent, affiliate, wholly or partially owned subsidiary, officer, or representative of a manufacturer or franchisor to own a facility that engages primarily in the repair of motor vehicles, except motor homes, if the repairs are performed pursuant to the terms of a franchise or other agreement or the repairs are performed as part of a manufacturer's or franchisor's warranty. Nothing in this subsection prohibits a manufacturer or franchisor or any parent, affiliate, wholly or partially owned subsidiary, officer, or representative of a manufacturer or franchisor from owning a facility to perform warranty or other repairs on motor vehicles owned and operated by the manufacturer or franchisor or any parent, affiliate, wholly or partially owned subsidiary, officer, or representative of a manufacturer or franchisor. (D) Except as may be provided otherwise in subsections (A) and (B) of this section, a manufacturer or franchisor may not sell, or lease, directly or indirectly, a motor vehicle to a consumer in this State, except through a new motor vehicle dealer holding a franchise for the line make that includes the motor vehicle. This subsection does not apply to manufacturer or franchisor sales of new motor vehicles to the federal government, nor to manufacturer or franchisor leases of new motor vehicles to employees of the manufacturer or franchisor. Nothing in this subsection prohibits a manufacturer or franchisor or any parent, affiliate, wholly or partially owned subsidiary, officer, or representative of a manufacturer or franchisor operating as a motor vehicle lessor from selling a motor vehicle to the lessee at the conclusion of a lease agreement between the two parties. Nothing in this subsection prevents a manufacturer or franchisor from establishing an e-commerce website for the purpose of referring prospective customers to motor vehicle dealers holding a franchise for the same line make of the manufacturer or franchisor. Editor's Note 2021 Act No. 31, SECTION 14, provides as follows: "SECTION 14. This act takes effect ninety days after approval by the Governor and applies to all current and future franchises and other agreements in existence between any franchisee located in this State and a franchisor as of the effective date of this act." Effect of Amendment 2021 Act No. 31, SECTION 5, rewrote (A)(3); and in (D), in the first sentence, inserted "or lease," following "may not sell,".
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-4910 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 35 / Section 56-5-4910
SECTION 56-5-4910. Bumpers; "private passenger automobile" defined.
Status: in_force

For the purposes of Sections 56-5-4910 to 56-5-4940, the term "private passenger automobile" shall mean a four-wheeled motor vehicle designed for carrying ten persons or less, except a multipurpose passenger vehicle which is constructed either on a truck chassis or with special features for occasional off-road operation.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-1310 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 9 / Section 56-3-1310
SECTION 56-3-1310. Procedures for replacement of lost or damaged registration cards or license plates.
Status: in_force

In the event any registration card or license plate is lost, mutilated or becomes illegible, the owner or legal representative or successor in the interest of the owner of the vehicle for which it was issued, as shown by the records of the Department of Motor Vehicles, shall immediately make application for and obtain a duplicate or substitute or a new registration and license under a new number, as determined to be most advisable by the Department, upon the applicant furnishing information satisfactory to the Department and the payment of any fee required under the provisions of Section 56-3-1320. If a license plate is lost an application shall be made within ten days to the Department for replacement along with the required fee on forms prescribed by the Department. If a license plate is disfigured, mutilated or defaced to an extent to make it difficult to read, it shall be returned to the Department within ten days with an application for replacement and the required fee. The Department shall issue the replacement plate along with the current revalidation sticker.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-2150 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 15 / Section 56-5-2150
SECTION 56-5-2150. Turning movements and required signals.
Status: in_force

(A) No person shall turn a vehicle or move right or left upon a roadway unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety nor without giving an appropriate signal as provided for in this section. (B) A signal of intention to turn or move right or left when required shall be given continuously during not less than the last one hundred feet traveled by the vehicle before turning. (C) No person shall stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided herein to the driver of any vehicle immediately to the rear when there is opportunity to give such signal. (D) The signals required on vehicles by subsection (B) of Section 56-5-2180, shall not be flashed on one side only on a disabled vehicle, flashed as a courtesy or 'do pass' signal to operators of other vehicles approaching from the rear, nor be flashed on one side only of a parked vehicle except as may be necessary for compliance with this section. (E) A person who violates the provisions of this section must be fined twenty-five dollars, all or part of which may not be suspended. In addition no court costs, assessments, surcharges, or points may be assessed against the person or his driving record." Effect of Amendment 2017 Act No. 81, SECTION 5.B, added (E), providing a penalty for a violation of the section, and made nonsubstantive changes.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-6340 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 45 / Section 56-5-6340
SECTION 56-5-6340. Establishment of speed limits and traffic control signs.
Status: in_force

The speed limits and location of traffic control signs on private roads subjected to the Uniform Act Regulating Traffic pursuant to Section 56-5-6310 shall be established as follows: (a) The owner of the private roads or both owners, or a majority of the owners, as the case may be, shall submit proposed speed limits and proposed locations for traffic control signs to the sheriff of the county in which the roads are situate and shall obtain the sheriff's written approval of such speed limits and traffic control signs. Such approval shall be filed with the clerk of court or register of deeds and the affected roads then posted by signs identical or similar to those used on public roads. (b) After filing with the clerk or register such speed limits and traffic control signs shall become effective as soon as they are posted on signs and thereafter may be enforced by the State Highway Patrol, officers of the sheriff's department and state constables appointed by the Governor, in addition to any other persons having authority to take out warrants or make arrests.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-21-90 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 21 / Section 56-21-90
SECTION 56-21-90. Jurisdiction of traffic and parking offenses at State Hospital and Midlands Center; forfeiture of bond.
Status: in_force

Persons violating the provisions of any of the applicable laws, rules or regulations shall be tried by the magistrate or recorder having jurisdiction of the area in which the particular institution is situate; provided, any person who desires to forfeit bond may pay the amount of the minimum fine to the treasurer of the State Hospital or Midlands Center.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-16110 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 152 / Section 56-3-16110
SECTION 56-3-16110. Cherokee Indian Nation special license plates.
Status: in_force

The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Cherokee Indian Nation" special license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles or motorcycles registered in their names. Only members of the Cherokee Indian Nation are eligible to receive a license plate produced pursuant to this section. A member of the Cherokee Indian Nation applying for the license plate must produce with the license plate application an official document from the Cherokee Indian Nation verifying membership. The requirements for production and distribution of the plate are those set forth in Section 56-3-8100. The department may issue this special license plate six months following approval of its design. The biennial fee for this plate is the regular registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title plus an additional fee of thirty dollars. Any portion of the additional thirty-dollar fee not set aside by the Comptroller General to defray costs of production and distribution must be distributed to the to the Museum of the Cherokee in Oconee County.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-1710 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 13 / Section 56-3-1710
SECTION 56-3-1710. Department shall design and supply special license plate for publicly owned motor vehicles; unlawful to operate motor vehicle without plate.
Status: in_force

The Department of Motor Vehicles shall design and supply, at an appropriate fee, a special license plate, or supplemental plate or attachment, for use on all publicly-owned motor vehicles operated by any department or institution of the State of South Carolina, or any of its political subdivisions. It shall be unlawful for any such publicly-owned vehicle to be operated in the State of South Carolina that does not carry such official emblem, marker, or plates. Provided, however, that this provision shall not apply to the automobile supplied for the Governor's personal use, automobiles supplied to law enforcement officers, when in the opinion of the chief of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division or the director of the department it is advisable that such automobiles not be so marked, nor to automobiles supplied to other state officials.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-2220 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 23 / Section 56-3-2220
SECTION 56-3-2220. Issuance of special license plates for antique motor vehicles authorized; duration; fee.
Status: in_force

Upon receipt of an application on a form prescribed by the Department of Motor Vehicles, it may issue appropriate designated license plates to owners of antique motor vehicles. Such license plate shall be valid so long as title to such vehicle is vested in the applicant. The fee for the certificate of registration and license plate of any such vehicle shall be ten dollars.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-29-10 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 29 / Section 56-29-10
SECTION 56-29-10. Title.
Status: in_force

This chapter may be cited as the Motor Vehicle Chop Shop, Stolen, and Altered Property Act.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-14-150 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 14 / Section 56-14-150
SECTION 56-14-150. Coercion by manufacturers prohibited.
Status: in_force

(A) A manufacturer may not coerce or attempt to coerce a dealer to: (1) purchase a product that the dealer did not order; (2) enter into an agreement with the manufacturer; or (3) enter into an agreement that requires the dealer to submit its disputes to binding arbitration or otherwise waive rights or responsibilities provided under this chapter. (B) As used in this section, the term "coerce" includes, but is not limited to, threatening to terminate, cancel, or not renew a manufacturer/dealer agreement without good cause or threatening to withhold product lines the dealer is entitled to purchase pursuant to the manufacturer/dealer agreement or delay product delivery as an inducement to amending the manufacturer/dealer agreement. Editor's Note 2017 Act No. 51,SECTIONS 6, 7, provide: "SECTION 6. The department is authorized to promulgate regulations for the enforcement of the provisions of Chapter 14, Title 56. "SECTION 7. This act takes effect six months after approval by the Governor and applies to manufacturer/dealer agreements entered into on or after July 1, 2018."
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-7860 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 76 / Section 56-3-7860
SECTION 56-3-7860. Shriners license plates.
Status: in_force

The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue special motor vehicle license plates to members of the Shriners for private motor vehicles and motorcycles registered in their names. The fee for the issuance of this special plate must be the regular motor vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title which must be deposited in the state general fund and the special fee required by Section 56-3-2020 which the Comptroller General shall place into the State Highway Fund as established by Section 57-11-20, to be distributed as provided in Section 11-43-167. The department shall assess the cost of production, administration, and issuance of this plate and provide this information to the General Assembly every five years.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-6240 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 43 / Section 56-5-6240
SECTION 56-5-6240. Forfeiture, confiscation, and disposition of vehicles seized for conviction of DUS or DUI; notice to registered owner; request for hearing; return of vehicle.
Status: in_force

(A) In addition to the penalties for a person convicted of a fourth or subsequent violation within the last five years of operating a motor vehicle while his license is canceled, suspended, or revoked (DUS), or a third or subsequent violation within the last ten years of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs (DUI), the person must have the motor vehicle he drove during this offense forfeited as provided in subsections (B) and (C) if the person is the registered owner or a resident of the household of the registered owner. The vehicle must be confiscated by the arresting officer or other law enforcement officer of that agency at the time of arrest. The officer shall deliver it immediately to the sheriff, chief of police, or the authorized agent of the sheriff or chief of police, in the jurisdiction where the motor vehicle was confiscated. The sheriff, chief of police, or the authorized agent of the sheriff or chief of police shall by certified mail notify the registered owner of the confiscation within seventy-two hours. Upon notification of the confiscation, the registered owner has ten days to request a hearing before the presiding judge of the judicial circuit or his designated hearing officer. The hearing must be held within ten days from the date of receipt of the request. The purpose of the hearing is to determine if there is a preponderance of the evidence that (1) the use of the vehicle on the occasion of the arrest was not expressly or impliedly authorized, or (2) the registered owner did not know that the driver did not possess a valid license. If the requisite showing is made, the vehicle must be returned to the registered owner. The vehicle confiscated pursuant to this section may be returned to the registered owner upon petition to the court by the law enforcement agency confiscating the vehicle if the criminal charge has not been disposed of within twelve months of the date of confiscation. If the registered owner of the vehicle does not remove the vehicle from law enforcement's possession within ten days of service of the court order allowing the return, law enforcement may dispose of the vehicle as provided in subsection (C). The sheriff or chief of police in possession of the vehicle must provide notice by certified mail of the confiscation to all lienholders of record within ten days of the confiscation. (B) If a person fails to file an appeal within ten days after his conviction or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to the offenses in subsection (A), the sheriff or chief of police shall initiate an action in the circuit court of the county in which the vehicle was confiscated to accomplish forfeiture by giving notice pursuant to subsection (C) to registered owners, lienholders of record, and other persons claiming an interest in the vehicle subject to forfeiture and by giving these persons an opportunity to appear at a hearing and show why the vehicle should not be forfeited and disposed of as provided in subsection (C). The failure of the lienholder to appear at the hearing does not in any way alter or affect the claim of a lienholder of record. Forfeiture of a vehicle is subordinate in priority to all valid liens and encumbrances. The court, after hearing, shall order that the vehicle be forfeited to the sheriff or chief of police and sold in the manner provided in subsection (C), or returned to the registered owner. The court shall order a vehicle returned to the registered owner if it is shown by a preponderance of the evidence that (1) the use of the vehicle on the occasion of arrest was not expressly or impliedly authorized, or (2) the registered owner did not know that the driver did not possess a valid driver's license. Otherwise, the court shall order the vehicle forfeited and disposed of in the manner provided in subsection (C). (C) A forfeited vehicle with a fair market value of more than five hundred dollars must be disposed of pursuant to Section 56-5-5640 for abandoned vehicles, except that any remaining proceeds from the sale must be deposited in the general fund of the county or municipality. If the fair market value of the vehicle is less than five hundred dollars, it must be sold as scrap to the highest bidder after first receiving at least two bids. (D) If the registered owner, new purchaser, or lienholder believes the towing, preservation, and storage costs are excessive, he may petition the magistrate in the jurisdiction where the vehicle was taken into custody to determine the fair market price of the services. (E) Nothing contained in this section shall alter a contractual obligation in an existing insurance policy.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-5630 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 39 / Section 56-5-5630
SECTION 56-5-5630. Notice to owners and lienholders; payment for release of vehicle; liability of lienholders; stolen vehicles.
Status: in_force

(A)(1) For purposes of this article, "vehicle" means a motor vehicle, trailer, mobile home, watercraft, or any other item or object that is subject to towing and storage, and applies to any vehicle in custody at the time of the enactment of this section. "Vehicle" includes: (a) items that are towed and left in the possession of a towing, storage, garage, or repair facility; (b) contents contained in the vehicle; and (c) personal property affixed to the vehicle. (2) When an abandoned vehicle has been taken into custody, the towing company and storage facility having towed and received the vehicle shall notify by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, the last known registered owner of the vehicle and all lienholders of record that the vehicle has been taken into custody. Notification of the owner and all lienholders by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or certified mail with electronic tracking constitutes notification for purposes of this section. This notification must satisfy the notification requirements contained in Section 29-15-10. The notice must: (a) give a description of the year, make, model, and identification number of the vehicle; (b) set forth the location where the vehicle is being held; (c) inform the owner and all lienholders of the right to reclaim the vehicle within thirty days beginning the day after the notice is mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or certified mail with electronic tracking upon payment of all towing, preservation, the storage charges allowable pursuant to Section 29-15-10(B), notification, publication, and court costs resulting from placing the vehicle in custody; and (d) state that the failure of the owner and all lienholders to exercise their right to reclaim the vehicle within the time provided is considered a waiver by the owner and lienholders of all rights, title, and interest in the vehicle and is considered as their consent to the sale of the vehicle at a public auction. If a vehicle has been towed pursuant to the provisions of this section, the towing company and storage facility must accept as payment for the release of the vehicle the same manner of payment that they would accept if the owner of the vehicle had requested his vehicle towed. (B) If the identity of the last registered owner cannot be determined, or if the registration contains no address for the owner, or if it is impossible to determine with reasonable certainty the identity and addresses of all lienholders, notice by one publication in one newspaper of general circulation in the area where the vehicle was abandoned is sufficient to meet all requirements of notice pursuant to this article. The notice by publication may contain multiple listings of abandoned vehicles. This notice must be within the time requirements prescribed for notice by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or certified mail with electronic tracking, and must have the same contents required for a notice by registered or certified mail. (C) A lienholder is not subject to a criminal penalty imposed by law in this State for abandonment unless the vehicle is abandoned by the lienholder or his agent or if a false statement or report to a law enforcement officer is made as provided by Section 16-17-722. The owner of a vehicle which has been stolen, whether or not the vehicle was subsequently abandoned, is liable for: (1) actual recovery and towing charges; and (2) only the storage costs allowable pursuant to Section 29-15-10(B). The law enforcement agency must, within two business days after the vehicle's towing, notify the owner that the vehicle has been recovered, provide the owner with the location of the vehicle, and explain that daily storage charges may begin to accrue. A vehicle is considered to be stolen when the registered owner notifies a police officer and files a report which is accepted and placed on the records of the sheriff or chief of police as a stolen vehicle. The law enforcement agency that requested the tow must provide the towing company and storage facility, at no cost to the towing company and storage facility, the owner's name and address. A law enforcement agency is not liable for any costs or fees associated with the towing and storage of a vehicle as provided by this section. (D) The court may order restitution from a person convicted of stealing a vehicle to cover the costs associated with the recovery, towing, and storage of the vehicle. Effect of Amendment 2022 Act No. 233, SECTION 3, in (A), deleted the undesignated paragraph following (1)(c), which related to storage costs for vehicles at the time of the enactment of this section not exceeding sixty days, in (2), in the second sentence, substituted "by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or certified mail with electronic tracking" for "by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested," and rewrote (c); in (B), in the third sentence, inserted ", return receipt requested, or certified mail with electronic tracking,"; and in (C), in (2), substituted "only the storage costs allowable pursuant to Section 29-15-10(B)" for "storage costs that accrue beginning seven days after the vehicle was towed", and in the first undesignated paragraph following (2), substituted "charges may begin to accrue" for "will begin to accrue if the vehicle is not reclaimed within seven days of the towing date".
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-14990 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 149 / Section 56-3-14990
SECTION 56-3-14990. Surviving spouse may apply for license plate or transfer of license plate.
Status: in_force

(A) Upon the death of an award recipient, a surviving spouse may apply to the department for a license plate issued under the provisions of Section 56-3-14910, 56-3-14920, or 56-3-14930(A)(3). The surviving spouse may apply to the department to transfer a license plate previously issued to the award recipient under the provisions of Section 56-3-14910, 56-3-14920, or 56-3-14930(A)(3) pursuant to Section 56-3-210(G). The surviving spouse must turn the plate into the department when the surviving spouse is no longer eligible for surviving spouse military benefits. (B) Upon the death of a member of the National Guard, a surviving spouse may apply to the department for a license plate issued under the provisions of Section 56-3-14970(A) (10), (11), or (12). The surviving spouse may apply to the department to transfer a license plate previously issued to a member of the National Guard under the provisions of Section 56-3-14970(A)(10), (11), or (12) pursuant to Section 56-3-210(G). The surviving spouse must turn the plate into the department when the surviving spouse is no longer eligible for surviving spouse National Guard benefits. Editor's Note 2022 Act No. 216, SECTION 9, provides as follows: "SECTION 9. SECTION 1 of this act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. SECTIONS 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 of this act take effect May 6, 2022." Effect of Amendment 2022 Act No. 216, SECTION 6, in the first sentence, substituted "Section 56-3-14910, 56-3-14920, or 56-3-14930(A)(3)" for "Sections 56-3-14710, 56-3-14720, or 56-3-14730(A)(3)", and in the second sentence, substituted "Section 56-3-14910, 56-3-14920, or 56-3-14930(A)(3)" for "Section 56-3-14710, 56-3-14720, or 56-3-14730(A)(3)". 2024 Act No. 178, SECTION 12, inserted the (A) designator, and added (B).
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-15-570 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 15 / Article 5 / Section 56-15-570
SECTION 56-15-570. Surety bond required.
Status: in_force

(A) Each applicant for licensure as a wholesale motor vehicle auction shall furnish a surety bond in the penal amount of fifteen thousand dollars on a form prescribed by the Department of Motor Vehicles. The bond must be given to the department and executed by the applicant as principal and by a corporate surety company authorized to do business in this State as surety. The bond must be conditioned upon the applicant or licensee complying with the statutes applicable to the license and as indemnification for loss or damage suffered by an owner of a motor vehicle, or his legal representative, by reason of fraud practiced or fraudulent representation made by the licensee in connection with the sale or transfer of a motor vehicle by the licensee or its agent acting for it or within the scope of employment of the agent or loss or damage suffered by reason of a violation by the licensee or its agent of this chapter. (B) An owner or his legal representative who suffers loss or damage has a right of action against the wholesale motor vehicle auction and against the licensee's surety upon the bond and may recover damages as provided in this chapter. However, regardless of the number of years a bond remains in effect, the aggregate liability of the surety for all claims is limited to fifteen thousand dollars on each bond and to the amount of the actual loss incurred. The surety may terminate its liability under the bond by giving the department thirty days' written notice of its intent to cancel the bond. The surety shall notify the department if the bond is canceled. The cancellation does not affect liability incurred or accrued before the cancellation.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-240 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 1 / Article 1 / Section 56-1-240
SECTION 56-1-240. Cancellation and surrender of license.
Status: in_force

The Department of Motor Vehicles may cancel any driver's license upon determination that the licensee was not entitled to the issuance thereof or that the licensee failed to give the required or correct information in his application or committed any fraud in making such application and for such other causes as may be authorized by law. Upon such cancellation the licensee must surrender the license so cancelled by the Department.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-4890 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 35 / Section 56-5-4890
SECTION 56-5-4890. Hydraulic brake fluid; distribution and servicing; minimum standards; labelling.
Status: in_force

(a) The term "hydraulic brake fluid" as used in this section shall mean the liquid medium through which force is transmitted to the brakes in the hydraulic brake system of a vehicle. (b) Hydraulic brake fluid shall be distributed and serviced with due regard for the safety of the occupants of the vehicle and the public. (c) No hydraulic brake fluid for use in motor vehicles shall be shipped into this State for sale in this State if such brake fluid shall be below the minimum standard of the then current specifications established by the Society of Automotive Engineers for heavy duty brake fluid. (d) No person shall distribute, have for sale, offer for sale, or sell any hydraulic brake fluid unless it complies with the requirements of this section. No person shall service any vehicle with brake fluid unless it complies with the requirements of this section. (e) Every container in which hydraulic brake fluid is sold in this State shall carry a manufacturer's or packer's label clearly stating that the fluid in the container meets or exceeds the SAE specifications for heavy duty brake fluid and giving the then current SAE identification number for the specifications which are met or exceeded.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-890 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 5 / Section 56-3-890
SECTION 56-3-890. Refunds when application is refused or rejected; refund of fees collected in error.
Status: in_force

Whenever any application made to the Department of Motor Vehicles is accompanied by any fee as required by law and such application is refused or rejected, the fee shall be returned to the applicant. Whenever the Department, through error, collects any fee not required to be paid under this chapter or any amount over and above the required correct fee, such fee or amount shall be refunded to the person paying it upon the initiative of the Department or upon application therefor made within six months after the date of such payment or overpayment.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-2980 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 23 / Section 56-5-2980
SECTION 56-5-2980. Copies of reports as prima facie evidence of certain matters; effect of stipulating subsequent offense.
Status: in_force

In all trials and proceedings in any court of this State in which the defendant is charged with a violation of Section 56-5-2920, 56-5-2930, or 56-5-2933, photostatic, optical disk, or other copies of the reports required to be filed with the Department of Motor Vehicles pursuant to Section 56-5-2970 shall be deemed prima facie evidence of the information contained on such reports for the purpose of showing any previous conviction of the defendant in any other court. Copies of the reports must be duly certified by the director of the department or his designee as true copies. If the defendant stipulates that the charge constitutes a second or subsequent offense, the indictment shall not contain allegations of prior offenses and evidence of such prior offenses must not be introduced.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-7000 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 58 / Section 56-3-7000
SECTION 56-3-7000. County Veterans Affairs Officers special license plates.
Status: in_force

The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue a special motor vehicle license plate to a County Veterans Affairs Officer for a private motor vehicle registered in his name. Only one plate may be issued to a person. The biennial fee for the special license plate is the same as the fee provided in Section 56-3-2020.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-35-70 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 35 / Section 56-35-70
SECTION 56-35-70. Preemption.
Status: in_force

The provisions of this chapter are the sole source of idling restrictions on commercial diesel vehicles in this State and this chapter is the sole source of penalties for violations of the idling restrictions. The provisions in this chapter supercede and preempt any ordinance enacted by a local political subdivision purporting to regulate idling on commercial diesel vehicles.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-25-30 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 25 / Section 56-25-30
SECTION 56-25-30. Release of violator on personal recognizance; release of nonresident licensed by compact jurisdiction.
Status: in_force

Any law enforcement officer who issues to a person a uniform traffic citation may, in addition to any other action authorized by law and subject to the exceptions noted in this section, allow the person to proceed without first either having to post bond or appear before a magistrate, recorder or other judicial officer if the person accepts the citation. Such acceptance shall constitute the person's recognizance to comply with the terms of the citation. When issuing a citation for a traffic violation to a nonresident who is licensed by a compact jurisdiction, if the law enforcement officer receives the person's recognizance as above-described, the officer shall not, subject to the exceptions noted below, require the person to post bond but shall allow the person to proceed.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-440 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 56-3-440
SECTION 56-3-440. Cities of 70,000 or more may require local license.
Status: in_force

Cities having a population of seventy thousand or more may require the annual registration with the city treasurer of all motor vehicles owned by residents of such cities and may issue annually a sticker, seal, card or a plate of metal or other material without fee or charge, as evidence of such registration, and require its attachment to, and its display upon, such vehicles. Such cities may also require as a condition precedent to such registration the payment of any city taxes then due and payable thereon and may provide by ordinance that the operation on the streets of such cities of any such motor vehicle without the attachment and display thereon of such sticker, seal, card or plate shall be unlawful and impose a penalty for the violation of such ordinance not exceeding a fine of one hundred dollars or imprisonment for not more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-15-65 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 15 / Article 1 / Section 56-15-65
SECTION 56-15-65. Requiring change of location or alteration of dealership.
Status: in_force

(A) It is unlawful for any manufacturer, distributor, factory representative, or distributor representative to require, coerce, or attempt to coerce any motor vehicle dealer to change the location of the motor vehicle dealership or to make any substantial alterations to the dealer's premises or facilities unless: (1) the manufacturer demonstrates that such change or alteration is reasonable in light of the current market and economic conditions; and (2) the motor vehicle dealer has been provided written assurance from the manufacturer or distributor of a sufficient supply of motor vehicles to justify such change or alteration. (B)(1) It is unlawful for any manufacturer, distributor, factory representative, or distributor representative to require, coerce, or attempt to coerce any motor vehicle dealer to change the location of the dealership, or to make any substantial alterations to its dealership premises or facilities if: (a) the dealer changed the location of the dealership or made substantial alterations to the same signs, franchisor image elements, or other improvements to its premises or facilities within the preceding ten years; and (b) the change in location or alteration was made pursuing compliance with a facility initiative or program that was sponsored or supported by the manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or distributor branch, with the approval of the manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or distributor branch. (2) This subsection does not apply if the required facility alteration or improvement is necessary to comply with health and safety requirements or are necessary in order to sell and service a motor vehicle offered for sale by the dealer. Editor's Note 2021 Act No. 31, SECTION 14, provides as follows: "SECTION 14. This act takes effect ninety days after approval by the Governor and applies to all current and future franchises and other agreements in existence between any franchisee located in this State and a franchisor as of the effective date of this act." Effect of Amendment 2021 Act No. 31, SECTION 9, inserted the (A) designator, and added (B).
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-1410 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 9 / Section 56-3-1410
SECTION 56-3-1410. Fraudulent alteration or forgery of documents; use of altered or forged documents.
Status: in_force

It is a misdemeanor, punishable as prescribed in this chapter, for any person (a) to alter, with fraudulent intent, any document issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles as authorized under this chapter except a registration card or license plate, (b) to forge or counterfeit any such document issued or purported to have been issued by the Department or (c) to hold or use any such document, knowing it to have been altered, falsified or forged.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-4910 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 49 / Section 56-3-4910
SECTION 56-3-4910. Authorization to issue plates; disposition of fees.
Status: in_force

(A) The Department of Motor Vehicles shall issue special motor vehicle license plates to active and retired South Carolina firefighters who request them in the manner provided in this article and who are residents of the State for private passenger motor vehicles owned by them. The special license plates, which must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates, must be imprinted with the words "SOUTH CAROLINA FIREFIGHTER" together with a fire service emblem and with numbers as the department may determine. The plates are for annual periods as provided by law. The fee for this special license plate is thirty-five dollars each year which is in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee as set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title. (B) The fees collected pursuant to this section must be deposited in a separate fund for the South Carolina Fire Academy. The fund must be administered by the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Division of State Fire Marshal and must be used only to train in-state public firefighters, paid and volunteer, to comply with state and federal mandated training standards. Funds collected must be deposited with the State Treasurer. The distribution of the funds is based on twenty dollars to the academy for each special license plate sold and fifteen dollars placed by the Comptroller General into the State Highway Fund as established by Section 57-11-20, to be distributed as provided in Section 11-43-167. (C) The department must receive one hundred or more applications requesting a special license plate for the South Carolina Firefighters before a specialized license plate may be developed.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-35-80 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 35 / Section 56-35-80
SECTION 56-35-80. Promulgation of regulations.
Status: in_force

The Department of Health and Environmental Control may promulgate regulations to administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-3240 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 25 / Section 56-5-3240
SECTION 56-5-3240. Driving through safety zone prohibited.
Status: in_force

No vehicle shall at any time be driven through or within a safety zone.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-3110 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 25 / Section 56-5-3110
SECTION 56-5-3110. Pedestrian obedience to traffic-control devices and traffic regulations.
Status: in_force

(a) A pedestrian shall obey the instructions of any official traffic-control device specifically applicable to him unless otherwise directed by a police officer. (b) Pedestrians shall be subject to traffic and pedestrian-control signals as provided in Sections 56-5-970 and 56-5-990. (c) At all other places pedestrians shall be accorded the privileges and shall be subject to the restrictions stated in this chapter.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-9-530 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 9 / Article 5 / Section 56-9-530
SECTION 56-9-530. Special exception for certain first convictions for driving without driver's license.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, any person who has never been issued a license to operate a motor vehicle on the highways of the State of South Carolina and who has been convicted one time of operating a motor vehicle on the highways of the State without a license while driving an insured vehicle shall not, by reason of that fact alone, be required to prove financial responsibility. In addition, any person who has his driving privilege revoked pursuant to Section 56-1-510 is not, by reason of that fact alone, required to furnish proof of financial responsibility.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-1920 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 17 / Section 56-3-1920
SECTION 56-3-1920. Identification placards for hearing impaired licensed drivers; fees.
Status: in_force

(A) An identification placard must be issued to a hearing impaired licensed driver upon application. The application is to be on a form prescribed by the department and may be made in person or by mail. The application must include an original certificate from a licensed physician, as defined in Section 40-47-5, that the applicant has a permanent, uncorrectable hearing loss of forty decibels or more in one or both ears. No licensed applicant may be denied a placard if the completed application includes an original certificate from a licensed physician. The placard shall expire on the licensee's birth date of the fifth calendar year after the calendar year in which a hearing impaired driver is issued a license. (B) The placard must be rectangular in shape, approximately the same size as an average motor vehicle sun visor, as determined by the department, to enable it to be attached to a sun visor in a motor vehicle. The department shall determine the shape, size preferred, and manner in which a hearing impaired motorcycle operator is to carry or display the placard. The placard must contain the heading "Hearing Impaired Driver" in boldface type and the name, signature, and driver's license number of the hearing impaired person along with an explanation of appropriate use if the hearing impaired driver is stopped by a law enforcement officer while driving. (C) A fee not to exceed five dollars may be charged to each applicant issued a placard in accordance with this section. These fees must be placed by the Comptroller General into the State Highway Fund as established by Section 57-11-20, to be distributed as provided in Section 11-43-167.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-2040 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 1 / Article 13 / Section 56-1-2040
SECTION 56-1-2040. Commercial drivers to have one driver's license only; exception.
Status: in_force

No person who drives a commercial motor vehicle may have more than one driver's license except during the ten-day period beginning on the date the person is issued a driver's license.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-9-420 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 9 / Article 5 / Section 56-9-420
SECTION 56-9-420. Report to home state of nonpayment of judgment against nonresident.
Status: in_force

If the defendant named in any certified copy of a judgment reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles is a nonresident, the Department shall transmit a certified copy of the judgment to the official in charge of the issuance of licenses and registration certificates of the state of which the defendant is a resident.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-19-700 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 19 / Article 5 / Section 56-19-700
SECTION 56-19-700. Security interests in previously registered vehicles not needing certificates unaffected.
Status: in_force

This chapter shall in no wise affect or impair any chattel mortgage, lien or other security interest in a previously registered vehicle for which no certificate of title or application for a certificate of title is required under this chapter.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-16210 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 153 / Section 56-3-16210
SECTION 56-3-16210. South Carolina Beekeepers Association special license plates.
Status: in_force

(A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "South Carolina Beekeepers Association" special license plates to owners of private passenger-carrying motor vehicles, as defined in Section 56-3-630, or motorcycles registered in their names. Each special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial period that expires twenty-four months from the month the special license plate is issued. (B) This special license plate must be the same size and general design as regular motor vehicle license plates. The department may issue this special license plate six months following approval of its design. (C) The requirements for production, collection, and distribution of fees for the plate are those set forth in Section 56-3-8100. The biennial fee for each special license plate is forty dollars plus the regular motor vehicle license fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3, Title 56. Any portion of the forty-dollar fee not set aside by the Comptroller General to defray costs of production and distribution of the license plates must be distributed to the South Carolina Beekeepers Association to be used for research and education.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-2111 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 1 / Article 13 / Section 56-1-2111
SECTION 56-1-2111. Circumstances barring issuance of license.
Status: in_force

The department shall not issue a commercial driver's license or a commercial special license or permit which includes a provisional, route restricted hardship, or temporary license that permits a person to drive a commercial motor vehicle during a period in which: (1) the person is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle as defined by Section 383.5, or under the provisions of Sections 383.73(g) or 384.231(b)(2) of the FMCSR; (2) the commercial driver's license holder's noncommercial driving privilege has been revoked, suspended, or cancelled; or (3) any driver's license held by the person is suspended, revoked, or cancelled by the State where the driver is licensed for any state or local law related to motor vehicle traffic control other than a parking violation.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-14-110 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 14 / Section 56-14-110
SECTION 56-14-110. Sale of business assets, stock transfer, or other change in ownership by dealer; notice; objection; succession to dealership by family member; burden of proof.
Status: in_force

(A) If a dealer desires to make a change in ownership by the sale of the business assets, stock transfer, or otherwise, the dealer shall give the manufacturer written notice at least fifteen business days before the closing, including all supporting documentation as may be reasonably required by the manufacturer to determine if an objection to the sale may be made. In the absence of a breach by the selling dealer of its dealer agreement or this chapter, the manufacturer shall not object to the proposed change in ownership unless the prospective transferee: (1) has previously been terminated by the manufacturer for breach of its dealer agreement; (2) has been convicted of a felony or any crime of fraud, deceit, or moral turpitude; (3) lacks any license required by law; (4) does not have an active line of credit sufficient to purchase a manufacturer's product; or (5) has undergone in the last ten years bankruptcy, insolvency, a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, or conservator to take possession of the transferee's business or property. (B) If the manufacturer objects to a proposed change of ownership, the manufacturer shall give written notice of its reasons to the dealer within ten business days after receipt of the dealer's notification and complete documentation. The manufacturer has the burden of proof with regard to its objection. If the manufacturer does not give timely notice of its objection, the change or sale shall be deemed approved. (C) It is unlawful for a manufacturer to fail to provide a dealer an opportunity to designate, in writing, a family member as a successor to the dealership in the event of the death, incapacity, or retirement of the dealer. It is unlawful to prevent or refuse to honor the succession to a dealership by a family member of the deceased, incapacitated, or retired dealer unless the manufacturer has provided to the dealer written notice of its objections within ten days after receipt of the dealer's modification of the dealer's succession plan. In the absence of a breach of the dealer agreement, the manufacturer may object to the succession for the following reasons only: (1) conviction of the successor of a felony or any crime of fraud, deceit, or moral turpitude; (2) bankruptcy or insolvency of the successor during the past ten years; (3) prior termination by the manufacturer of the successor for breach of a dealer agreement; (4) the successor lacks an active line of credit sufficient to purchase the manufacturer's recreational vehicles; or (5) the successor lacks any license required by law. (D) The manufacturer has the burden of proof regarding its objection. However, a family member may not succeed to a dealership if the succession involves, without the manufacturer's consent, a relocation of the business or an alteration of the terms and conditions of the manufacturer/dealer agreement. Editor's Note 2017 Act No. 51,SECTIONS 6, 7, provide: "SECTION 6. The department is authorized to promulgate regulations for the enforcement of the provisions of Chapter 14, Title 56. "SECTION 7. This act takes effect six months after approval by the Governor and applies to manufacturer/dealer agreements entered into on or after July 1, 2018."
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-7-35 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 7 / Section 56-7-35
SECTION 56-7-35. Uniform traffic ticket for speeding or disregarding traffic control device; incident to and contemporaneous with traffic stop; delivery; use of photographic evidence; exception for toll collection violation.
Status: in_force

(A)(1) A law enforcement officer who issues a uniform traffic ticket for a violation of a local ordinance or traffic laws relating to speeding must do so incident to and contemporaneous with a traffic stop. (2) A copy of the citation must be given directly to the offender by the law enforcement officer issuing the citation at the time of the traffic stop for the offense. (3) A law enforcement agency may not utilize the United States mail, a parcel delivery service, electronic means, or otherwise to send to the operator or owner of a motor vehicle or motorcycle, as defined in Section 56-3-20, a uniform traffic citation alleging a violation of a local ordinance or the traffic laws relating to speeding. This subsection does not prohibit the law enforcement agency from sending the operator or owner an additional copy of a uniform citation that was issued to the operator or owner during the traffic stop for the offense upon request of the operator or owner. (4) A uniform traffic citation alleging the violation of a local ordinance or the traffic laws relating to speeding may not be issued based in whole or in part upon photographic evidence, whether gathered in conjunction with radar speed detection devices and whether the camera or other electronic device capturing the photographic evidence was attended or unattended at the time it captured the photographic evidence. This section does not prohibit the use of photographic or video evidence at any hearing related to the offense to corroborate the testimony of a law enforcement officer who personally observed the offense. (B)(1) A law enforcement officer who issues a uniform traffic ticket for a violation of a local ordinance or the traffic laws relating to disregarding a traffic control device must do so incident to and contemporaneous with a traffic stop. (2) A copy of the citation must be given directly to the offender by the law enforcement officer issuing the citation at the time of the traffic stop for the offense. (3) A law enforcement agency may not utilize the United States mail, a parcel delivery service, electronic means, or otherwise to send to the operator or owner of a motor vehicle or motorcycle, as defined in Section 56-3-20, a uniform traffic citation alleging a violation of a local ordinance or the traffic laws relating to disregarding traffic control devices. This subsection does not prohibit the law enforcement agency from sending the operator or owner an additional copy of a uniform citation that was issued to the operator or owner during the traffic stop for the offense upon request of the operator or owner. (4) A uniform traffic citation alleging the violation of a local ordinance or the traffic laws relating to disregarding traffic control devices may not be issued based in whole upon photographic evidence, whether the camera or other electronic device capturing the photographic evidence was attended or unattended at the time it captured the photographic evidence. This section does not prohibit the use of photographic or video evidence at any hearing related to the offense to corroborate the testimony of a law enforcement officer who personally observed the offense. (C) The provisions of this section do not apply to: (1) toll collection; or (2) issuance of a uniform traffic citation alleging the violation of Section 56-5-2770.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-12510 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 125 / Section 56-3-12510
SECTION 56-3-12510. High School special license plates.
Status: in_force

(A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue to owners of private passenger motor vehicles, as defined in Section 56-3-630, or motorcycles as defined in Section 56-3-20, registered in a person's name, special motor vehicle license plates which may have imprinted on them an emblem, a seal, or other symbol the department considers appropriate of a public or independent high school located in this State. A school may submit to the department for its approval the emblem, seal, or other symbol it desires to be used for its respective special license plate. A school also may request a change in the emblem, seal, or other symbol once the existing inventory of the license plate has been exhausted. The fee for this special license plate is seventy dollars every two years in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title. This special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. The special license plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial period which expires twenty-four months from the month they are issued. (B) The fees collected pursuant to this section must be distributed to a separate fund for each of the respective high schools. Each fund must be administered by the school and may be used only for academic scholarships. Funds collected for state schools must be deposited with the State Treasurer. Funds collected for independent institutions must be deposited in an account designated by the respective school. The distribution is thirty dollars to the department and forty dollars to the school for each special license plate sold for the respective school. (C) The guidelines for the production of a special license plate under this section must meet the requirements of Section 56-3-8100.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-5010 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 50 / Section 56-3-5010
SECTION 56-3-5010. Authorization to issue special license plates; fees.
Status: in_force

The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue a special commemorative "Public Education: A Great Investment" motor vehicle license plate to establish a special fund to be used by the Department of Education for the purpose of providing computers to the public schools. The biennial fee for the commemorative license plate is fifty-four dollars, and of this amount, twenty dollars must be placed in a special "Public Education: A Great Investment Fund" established within and administered by the Department of Education to purchase computers for use in the classroom and thirty-four dollars must be distributed to the school district or a school chosen by the license plate purchaser to be used to purchase computers for use in the classroom. The Department of Motor Vehicles shall report to the Department of Education the school district and the school chosen by the license plate purchaser to which the funds must be distributed. The Department of Education shall distribute funds to the district for further distribution to the schools chosen by the license plate purchasers. The commemorative plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates and must be imprinted with the words "Public Education: A Great Investment". The plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial period which expires twenty-four months from the month they are issued.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-9800 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 98 / Section 56-3-9800
SECTION 56-3-9800. Breast cancer awareness special license plates authorized.
Status: in_force

(A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue a special commemorative Breast Cancer Awareness motor vehicle license plate to establish a special fund to be used by the Department of Health and Environmental Control for the purpose of expanding the services provided by the Best Chance Network. The special license plates, which must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates, must be imprinted with the nationally recognized breast cancer symbol with numbers as the department may determine. The special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial period which expires twenty-four months from the month it is issued. The fee for this special license plate is seventy dollars every two years in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee as set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title. (B) One-half of the seventy dollar biennial fee collected over that required by Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title must be deposited in a separate fund for the Department of Health and Environmental Control and be used solely to expand the services of the Best Chance Network. The remaining one-half of the fee must be distributed to the South Carolina chapter of the American Cancer Society. (C) Before the department produces and distributes a plate authorized under this section, it must receive: (1) four hundred or more prepaid applications for the special license plate or four thousand dollars from the individual or organization seeking issuance of the license plate; and (2) a plan to market the sale of the special license plate that must be approved by the department. (D) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial applications and renewals for a particular special license plate authorized under this section, it shall not produce additional special license plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-2180 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 22 / Section 56-3-2180
SECTION 56-3-2180. Other registration and licensing provisions unaffected; penalties for violations.
Status: in_force

The provisions of this article do not affect the registration and licensing of motor vehicles as required by other provisions of this chapter but are cumulative to them. A person violating the provisions of this article or a person who fraudulently gives false or fictitious information in any application for a special license plate, as authorized in this article, conceals a material fact, or otherwise commits a fraud in any application or in the use of a special license plate issued is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars, or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-1810 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 13 / Section 56-5-1810
SECTION 56-5-1810. Drive on the right side of roadways; exceptions.
Status: in_force

(a) Upon all roadways of sufficient width a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway except as follows: 1. When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such movement. 2. When an obstruction exists making it necessary to drive to the left of the center of the highway. Any person so doing shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles traveling in the proper direction upon the unobstructed portion of the highway within such distance so as not to constitute an immediate hazard. 3. Upon a roadway divided into three marked lanes for traffic under the rules applicable thereon. 4. Upon a roadway restricted to one-way traffic. (b) Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. (c) Upon any roadway having four or more lanes for moving traffic and providing for two-way movement of traffic, no vehicle shall be driven to the left of the center line of the roadway, except when authorized by official traffic-control devices designating certain lanes to the left side of the center of the roadway for use by traffic not otherwise permitted to use such lanes, or except as permitted under item 2 of subsection (a). This subsection shall not be construed as prohibiting the crossing of the center line in making a left turn into or from an alley, private road or driveway.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-2370 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 26 / Section 56-3-2370
SECTION 56-3-2370. Transfer of transporter license plates.
Status: in_force

Transporter license plates issued under this article may be transferred from vehicle to vehicle, but shall be used only for the limited purposes as provided in Section 56-3-2350. Effect of Amendment 2018 Act No. 255, SECTION 3, substituted "purposes as provided in Section 56-3-2350" for "operation of vehicles in connection with the manufacture or construction of cabs or bodies or with the foreclosure or repossession of vehicles owned or controlled by the registrant" at the end.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-14920 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 149 / Section 56-3-14920
SECTION 56-3-14920. Special license plates reflective of distinguished service awards.
Status: reserved

(A) The department may issue the following special license plates reflective of distinguished service awards for private passenger vehicles and motorcycles to active or prior service members who received the following awards: (1) Distinguished Service Medal- Army (2) Distinguished Service Medal- Navy (3) Distinguished Service Medal- Air Force (4) Distinguished Service Medal- Marine Corps (5) Distinguished Service Medal- Coast Guard (6) Distinguished Flying Cross (7) Legion of Merit (8) Palmetto Cross. (B) The qualifying active or prior service member must be one of the registrants of the vehicle. No more than three license plates per award type may be issued to the award recipient. License plates for awards specified in subsection (A) are exempt from the regular motor vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3, Title 56. This special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial period which expires twenty-four months from the month it is issued. (C) The application for a special license plate must include official military documentation (a DD-214, NGB Form 22, or official orders) demonstrating the applicant is the recipient of an award specified in subsection (A). (D) A person issued a license plate under the provisions of subsection (A) may park in metered or timed parking places without being subject to parking fees or fines. This section has no application to areas or during times in which the stopping, parking, or standing of all vehicles is prohibited or which are reserved for special types of vehicles. As a condition to this privilege, a vehicle must display a distinguishing license plate which is issued by the department for vehicles registered to recipients of an award specified in subsection (A). (E) License plates authorized under subsection (A) are exempt from the provisions contained in Section 56-3-8100.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-5910 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 41 / Section 56-5-5910
SECTION 56-5-5910. Unlawful to tamper with, remove or destroy colored tags.
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person to tamper with, remove or destroy any colored tag placed on any vehicle in compliance with this article and any person found guilty of this provision shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-2330 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 25 / Section 56-3-2330
SECTION 56-3-2330. Manufacturer license plates.
Status: in_force

(A) Upon application and payment of the required fee, the Department of Motor Vehicles may issue not more than five hundred manufacturer license plates to a motor vehicle manufacturer. The license plates must be used exclusively on motor vehicles, including motorcycles, owned or in the possession of a manufacturer. Manufacturer license plates must not be used to operate wreckers in use by the manufacturer nor to operate vehicles leased or rented to the public by the manufacturer. (B) A motor vehicle manufacturer shall apply for manufacturer license plates on a form prescribed by the department and shall provide proof the applicant is a bona fide motor vehicle manufacturer. The cost of each manufacturer plate issued is two hundred dollars, of which one hundred sixty dollars must be remitted by the department to the county in which the principal facility of the manufacturer is located. Forty dollars of the fee must be placed by the Comptroller General into the State Highway Fund as established by Section 57-11-20, to be distributed as provided in Section 11-43-167. Each plate is valid for two years. (C) Vehicles with manufacturer plates, not to exceed one licensed vehicle for each household, may be operated by persons authorized by the manufacturer on vehicles of that manufacturer's brand on state streets and highways for testing, distribution, evaluation, and promotion of vehicles. Vehicles with manufacturer plates may be used no more than twenty consecutive days in connection with civic events and sporting events. (D) A manufacturer who violates the provisions regarding use of motor vehicles is subject to the imposition of any administrative penalty permitted by law. (E) For the purpose of this section only, "motor vehicle manufacturer" is defined as a person in the business of manufacturing or assembling new and unused vehicles in this State.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-9-358 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 9 / Article 4 / Section 56-9-358
SECTION 56-9-358. Limit on security required; deposit.
Status: in_force

The security required under this article shall be in the form and in the amount that the Department of Motor Vehicles may require but in no case in excess of the limits specified in Section 56-9-353 in reference to the acceptable limits of a policy or bond. The person depositing security shall specify in writing the person on whose behalf the deposit is made and, at any time while the deposit is in the custody of the Department or State Treasurer, the person depositing it may, in writing, amend the specifications of the persons on whose behalf the deposit is made to include additional persons; but a single deposit of security shall be applicable only on behalf of persons required to furnish security because of the same accident.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-10-30 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 10 / Article 1 / Section 56-10-30
SECTION 56-10-30. Automatic suspension of registration upon lapse or termination of security.
Status: in_force

If at any time the security required of any person under Section 56-10-20 lapses or terminates, the certificate of registration of the motor vehicle for which the security was in effect and the owner's driving privileges are, as of the date the security lapses or terminates, automatically suspended and must remain suspended until the security is replaced.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-23-10 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 23 / Section 56-23-10
SECTION 56-23-10. Licensing of driver education or training schools; classroom or behind the wheel training licenses.
Status: in_force

A person may not engage in the business of training or educating persons to drive or operate motor vehicles or offer training or education to conduct either the classroom or the behind the wheel training, or both, for which a fee or charge is made, unless and until the person has obtained and holds a valid driver training school license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. A person may hold a license to teach classroom only or to teach behind the wheel training only. The licensee must have a permanent location in this State and all motor vehicles used for behind the wheel instruction must be registered in this State. If licensed for classroom training only, the motor vehicle requirement shall be waived.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-7100 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 60 / Section 56-3-7100
SECTION 56-3-7100. Autistic and Neurodivergent special license plates.
Status: in_force

The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Autistic and Neurodivergent" special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger-carrying motor vehicles registered in their names who are autistic or neurodivergent or who are parents of children who are autistic or neurodivergent. The application for this special motor vehicle license plate must include an original certificate from a licensed physician that certifies the applicant or his child is autistic or neurodivergent. The fee for each special license plate is the regular motor vehicle license fee set forth in Article 5. Each special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates and contain the "Just Bee" icon as identification for autistic or neurodivergent individuals. The department may issue this special license plate six months following approval of its design. Each special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial period which expires twenty-four months from the month the special license plate is issued.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-746 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 1 / Article 3 / Section 56-1-746
SECTION 56-1-746. Suspension of driver's license for alcohol-related offenses; penalties; special restricted licenses.
Status: in_force

(A) The Department of Motor Vehicles shall suspend the driver's license of a person convicted of an offense contained in Sections 56-1-510(2), 56-1-510(5), 56-1-515, 61-4-60, 63-19-2440, and 63-19-2450 as follows: (1) for a conviction for a first offense, for a period of one hundred twenty days; and (2) for a conviction for a second or subsequent offense, for a period of one year. (B) For the purposes of determining a prior offense, a conviction for an offense enumerated in subsection (A) within ten years of the date of the violation is considered a prior offense. (C) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 56-1-460, a person convicted pursuant to the provisions of this section must be punished pursuant to Section 56-1-440 and is not required to furnish proof of financial responsibility as provided for in Section 56-9-500. The conviction may not result in an insurance penalty pursuant to the Merit Rating Plan promulgated by the Department of Insurance. (D)(1) If an individual is employed or enrolled in a college or university, or a court-ordered drug program, while his driver's license is suspended pursuant to this section, he may apply for a special restricted driver's license permitting him to drive only to and from work, his place of education, or the court-ordered drug program, and in the course of his employment, education, or a court-ordered drug program during the period of suspension. The department may issue the special restricted driver's license only upon a showing by the individual that he is employed or enrolled in a college, university, or court-ordered drug program, that he lives further than one mile from his place of employment, education, or court-ordered drug program, and that there is no adequate public transportation between his residence and his place of employment, his place of education, or court-ordered drug program. (2) If the department issues a special restricted driver's license, it shall designate reasonable restrictions on the times during which and routes on which the individual may operate a motor vehicle. A change in the employment hours, place of employment, status as a student, status of attendance in his court-ordered drug program, or residence must be reported immediately to the department by the licensee. (3) The fee for a special restricted driver's license is one hundred dollars, but no additional fee is due because of changes in the place and hours of employment, education, or residence. Twenty dollars of this fee must be deposited in the state general fund and eighty dollars must be placed by the Comptroller General into the State Highway Fund as established by Section 57-11-20, to be distributed as provided in Section 11-43-167. (4) The operation of a motor vehicle outside the time limits and route imposed by a special restricted license by the person issued that license is a violation of Section 56-1-460.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-35 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 1 / Article 1 / Section 56-1-35
SECTION 56-1-35. Driver's license for members of the armed services and dependents.
Status: in_force

A member of the armed services of the United States or his dependent who becomes a permanent resident of this State, has ninety days to apply for a South Carolina driver's license, and he must be issued a license without examination except for the visual test required by Section 56-1-210 if he has a valid driver's license from another state or territory of the United States. The license expires eight years from the date of issue. Effect of Amendment 2019 Act No. 86, SECTION 1, rewrote the section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-5640 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 39 / Section 56-5-5640
SECTION 56-5-5640. Sale of unclaimed vehicles; disposition of proceeds.
Status: in_force

If an abandoned vehicle has not been reclaimed pursuant to Section 56-5-5630, the proprietor, owner, or operator of the towing company, storage facility, garage, or repair shop may have the abandoned vehicle sold at a public auction pursuant to Section 29-15-10. The vehicle's purchaser shall take title to the vehicle free and clear of all liens and claims of ownership, shall receive a magistrate's order of sale, and is entitled to register the purchased vehicle and receive a certificate of title. The Office of Court Administration shall design a uniform magistrate's order of sale for purposes of this section, Section 56-5-5670, and Section 56-5-5945, and shall make the order available for distribution to the magistrates. The magistrate's order of sale given at the sale must be sufficient title for purposes of transferring the vehicle to a demolisher or secondary metals recycler for demolition, wrecking, or dismantling, and in such case no further titling of the vehicle is necessary. The expenses of the auction, the costs of towing, preserving, and storing the vehicle allowed under Section 29-15-10(B) which resulted from placing the vehicle in custody, and all notice and publication costs incurred pursuant to Section 29-15-10 must be reimbursed up to the amount of the auction sale price from the vehicle's sale proceeds. The remaining sale proceeds must be held for the vehicle's owner or entitled lienholder for ninety days. The magistrate shall notify the vehicle's owner and all lienholders by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, that the vehicle's owner or lienholder has ninety days to claim the proceeds from the vehicle's sale. If the vehicle's proceeds are not collected within ninety days from the day after the notice to the vehicle's owner and all lienholders is mailed, then the vehicle's proceeds must be deposited in the county or municipality's general fund. Effect of Amendment 2022 Act No. 233, SECTION 5, in the fifth sentence, inserted "allowed under Section 29-15-10(B)" following "storing the vehicle".
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-616 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 56-5-616
SECTION 56-5-616. Interstate system defined.
Status: in_force

The interstate system consists of the segments of highways in South Carolina in the officially designated national system of interstate and defense highways.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-8100 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 82 / Section 56-3-8100
SECTION 56-3-8100. Special license plates production and distribution guidelines.
Status: in_force

(A) Before the Department of Motor Vehicles produces and distributes a special license plate created by the General Assembly after January 1, 2006, it must receive: (1) six thousand eight hundred dollars from the individual or organization seeking issuance of the license plate; and (2) a plan to market the sale of the special license plate which must be approved by the department. (B) The Comptroller General shall place the six thousand eight hundred dollar application fee pursuant to subsection (A)(1) into the State Highway Fund as established by Section 57-11-20, to be distributed as provided in Section 11-43-167. (C) The department must develop a basic plate design that will be used for all special license plates authorized by the General Assembly. The license plate must be the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates but may be imprinted on the license plate in an area specified by the department with an emblem, seal, insignia, or other identifying symbol of the sponsoring organization that the department considers appropriate. No text or slogans may be added to the license plate design unless they are part of the approved emblem, seal, insignia, or other identifying symbol. The name of the organization may be imprinted across the top of the license plate. The standard license plate design must be issued for all organizational license plates newly requested after July 1, 2013. License plate designs in production as of that date must be changed when the license plate, or license plate class, is replaced. (D) The fee for all special license plates created by the General Assembly after January 1, 2006, is the regular biennial registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title plus an additional fee to be requested by the individual or organization seeking issuance of the plate, as authorized by law. The initial fee amount requested can only be changed every five years from the first year the plate is issued. Each special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. Each special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial period which expires twenty-four months from the month the special license plate is issued. (E) If the individual or organization seeking issuance of the plate does not request an additional fee above the regular registration fee, and no other additional fee is prescribed by law, the department may collect an additional fee of ten dollars. (F) Of the additional fee collected pursuant to subsections (D) and (E), the Comptroller General shall place into the State Highway Fund as established by Section 57-11-20, to be distributed as provided in Section 11-43-167, an amount equal to the expenses of producing and administering special license plates. (G) Any of the remaining additional fee collected pursuant to subsections (D) and (E) not placed in the restricted account must be distributed to an organization designated by the individual or organization seeking issuance of the license plate, or to the general fund, if no additional fee is requested by the organization. (H) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial applications and renewals for a particular special license plate, it shall not produce additional special license plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted. (I) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial applications and renewals for plates created pursuant to Article 12, Chapter 3, Title 56; Article 14, Chapter 3, Title 56; Article 31, Chapter 3, Title 56; Article 39, Chapter 3, Title 56; Article 40, Chapter 3, Title 56; Article 43, Chapter 3, Title 56; Article 45, Chapter 3, Title 56; Article 49, Chapter 3, Title 56; Article 50, Chapter 3, Title 56; Article 60, Chapter 3, Title 56; Article 70, Chapter 3, Title 56; Article 72, Chapter 3, Title 56; and Article 76, Chapter 3, Title 56 it shall not produce additional special license plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted. (J) The provisions contained in subsection (A)(1) and (2) do not apply to the production and distribution of the Korean War Veterans Special License Plates contained in Article 68, Chapter 3, Title 56. (K) For each new classification of special vehicle license plate, including, but not limited to, motorcycle license plates, created pursuant to this section, must meet the requirements of Articles 81 and 82, Chapter 3, Title 56, as appropriate. (L) The fee required in subsection (A)(1) must be reviewed by the General Assembly during the 2013 legislative session, and every two years thereafter. The department must provide a detailed, comprehensive justification to increase the fee. Any fee increase must be introduced in a separate bill separate and apart from any other matter.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-5635 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 39 / Section 56-5-5635
SECTION 56-5-5635. Law enforcement towing and storage procedures; notification of registered owner; disposition of vehicle and personal property.
Status: in_force

(A) Notwithstanding another provision of law, a law enforcement officer who directs that a vehicle be towed for any reason, whether on public or private property, must use the established towing procedure for his jurisdiction. A request by a law enforcement officer resulting from a law enforcement action including, but not limited to, a vehicle collision, vehicle breakdown, or vehicle recovery incident to an arrest, is considered a law enforcement towing for purposes of recovering costs associated with the towing and storage of the vehicle unless the request for towing is made by a law enforcement officer at the direct request of the owner or operator of the vehicle. (B) Within ten days following a law enforcement's towing request, the proprietor, owner, or operator of any towing company, storage facility, garage, or repair shop must provide to the sheriff or chief of police a list describing the vehicles remaining in the possession of the proprietor, owner, or operator of any towing company, storage facility, garage, or repair shop. Within ten days of receipt of this list, the sheriff or chief of police must provide to the towing company or storage facility, the current owner's name, address, and a record of all lienholders along with the make, model, and identification number or a description of the vehicle at no cost to the proprietor, owner, or operator of the towing company, storage facility, garage, or repair shop. The proprietor, owner, or operator of the towing company, storage facility, garage, or repair shop having towed or received the vehicle must notify by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or certified mail with electronic tracking the last known registered owner and all lienholders of record that the vehicle has been taken into custody, pursuant to Section 29-15-10. (C) If the identity of the last registered owner cannot be determined, or if the registration contains no address for the owner, or if it is impossible to determine with reasonable certainty the identity and addresses of all lienholders, the proprietor, owner, or operator of the towing company, storage facility, garage, or repair shop must provide notice by one publication in one newspaper of general circulation in the area from which the vehicle was abandoned which is sufficient to meet all requirements of notice pursuant to this article. The notice by publication may contain multiple listings of abandoned vehicles. (D)(1) Before a vehicle is sold, the proprietor, owner, or operator of the towing company, storage facility, garage, or repair shop must apply to the appropriate titling facility for the name and address of any owner or lienholder. The appropriate titling facility may include, but is not limited to: (a) the Department of Motor Vehicles; (b) a vendor authorized by the DMV to provide real-time access to title and lienholder information; (c) if the vehicle is not titled in South Carolina, the titling governmental entity in the state in which the vehicle was last titled as provided by a search of the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS); (d) if the vehicle is not titled in South Carolina, a vendor authorized by the state in which the vehicle was last titled to provide real-time access to the most current title and lienholder information; or (e) the Department of Natural Resources. (2) For nontitled vehicles, where the owner's name is known, a search must be conducted through the Secretary of State's Office to determine any lienholders. The application must be on prescribed forms as required by the appropriate titling facility or the Secretary of State. If the vehicle has an out-of-state registration, an application must be made to that state's appropriate titling facility. When the vehicle is not titled in this State and does not have a registration from another state, the proprietor, owner, or operator of the towing company, storage facility, garage, or repair shop may apply to the sheriff or chief of police in the jurisdiction where the vehicle is stored to determine the state where the vehicle is registered. The sheriff or chief of police shall conduct a records search. This search must include, but is not limited to, a search on the National Crime Information Center and any other appropriate search that may be conducted with the vehicle's identification number. The sheriff or chief of police must supply, at no cost to the proprietor, owner, or operator of the towing company, storage facility, garage, or repair shop, the name of the state in which the vehicle is titled. (E) The proprietor, owner, or operator of the towing company, storage facility, garage, or repair shop that has towed and stored a vehicle has a lien against the vehicle and may have the vehicle sold at public auction pursuant to Section 29-15-10. The proprietor, owner, or operator of the towing company, storage facility, garage, or repair shop may hold the license tag of any vehicle until all towing and the storage costs have been paid, or if the vehicle is not reclaimed, until it is declared abandoned and sold. (F) After the vehicle is in the possession of the proprietor, owner, or operator of the towing company, storage facility, garage, or repair shop, the owner of the vehicle as demonstrated by providing a certificate of registration has one opportunity to remove from the vehicle any personal property not attached to the vehicle. The proprietor, owner, or operator of the towing company, storage facility, garage, or repair shop must release any personal property that does not belong to the owner of the vehicle to the owner of the personal property. (G) When a law enforcement agency stores a vehicle at a law enforcement facility, the agency must follow the notification procedures contained in this section and submit vehicle information to a magistrate in the county where the vehicle is stored to provide for the sale of the vehicle at public auction. A law enforcement agency is exempt from paying filing fees in any matter related to the towing and storing of a vehicle. Effect of Amendment 2022 Act No. 233, SECTION 4, rewrote the section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-4590 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 35 / Section 56-5-4590
SECTION 56-5-4590. Color of clearance lamps, side-marker lamps, reflectors, stop lights, and back-up lamps.
Status: in_force

Front clearance lamps and those marker lamps and reflectors mounted on the front or on the side near the front of a vehicle shall display or reflect an amber color. Rear clearance lamps and those marker lamps and reflectors mounted on the rear or on the sides near the rear of a vehicle shall display or reflect a red color. All lighting devices and reflectors mounted on the rear of any vehicle shall display or reflect a red color, except the stop light or other signal device, which may be red, amber or yellow and except that the light illuminating the license plate or the light emitted by a back-up lamp shall be white.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-60 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 56-5-60
SECTION 56-5-60. Requirements for envelope containing certain notices.
Status: in_force

The envelope in which a notice required by law to be mailed by the Department of Motor Vehicles is mailed, other than by registered or certified mail, must have printed on it in bold letters "Please Forward".
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-3725 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 37 / Section 56-3-3725
SECTION 56-3-3725. Reference to or symbol of college or university on license plate.
Status: in_force

License plates issued pursuant to this article shall not contain a reference to a private or public college or university in this State or use symbols, designs, or logos of these institutions without the institution's written authorization.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-3200 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 25 / Section 56-5-3200
SECTION 56-5-3200. Vehicle shall stop for pedestrian guided by dog or raising cane.
Status: in_force

Whenever a pedestrian is crossing or attempting to cross a public street or highway, guided by a guide dog or carrying in a raised or extended position a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white tipped with red, the driver of every vehicle approaching the intersection or place where such pedestrian is attempting to cross shall bring his vehicle to a full stop before arriving at such intersection or place of crossing and before proceeding shall take such precautions as may be necessary to avoid injuring such pedestrian.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-11460 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 114 / Section 56-3-11460
SECTION 56-3-11460. Guidelines.
Status: in_force

The guidelines for the production, collection and distribution of fees for a "Historic" special license plate must meet the requirements of Section 56-3-8100.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-19-290 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 19 / Article 3 / Section 56-19-290
SECTION 56-19-290. Contents of certificate.
Status: in_force

Each certificate of title issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles shall contain: (1) the date issued; (2) the name and address of the owner; (3) the names and addresses of any lienholders, in the order of priority as shown on the application, and dates of the liens, or if the application is based on a certificate of title, as shown on the certificate; (4) the title number assigned to the vehicle; (5) a description of the vehicle including, so far as the following data exists: its make, model, vehicle identification number, odometer reading at the time of application, and type of body; (6) the names of any Transfer on Death beneficiary established upon such title pursuant to Section 62-6-401; and (7) any other data the department prescribes. The certificate of title shall contain forms for assignment and warranty of title by the owner and for reassignment and warranty of title by a dealer and may contain forms for application for a certificate of title by a transferee, the naming of a lienholder and the assignment or release of the security interest of a lienholder. Editor's Note 2024 Act No. 200, SECTION 30, provides as follows: "SECTION 30. SECTIONS 1-21 of this act take effect upon approval by the Governor and their provisions shall apply to all applicable actions, proceedings, and matters filed on and after the effective date; SECTIONS 22-29 of this act take effect on July 1, 2025." Effect of Amendment 2024 Act No. 200, SECTION 27, inserted (6), redesignated former (6) as (7), and made nonsubstantive changes.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-3660 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 29 / Section 56-5-3660
SECTION 56-5-3660. Helmets must be worn by operators and passengers under age twenty-one; helmet design; list of approved helmets.
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one to operate or ride upon a two-wheeled motorized vehicle unless he wears a protective helmet of a type approved by the Department of Public Safety. Such a helmet must be equipped with either a neck or chin strap and be reflectorized on both sides thereof. The department is hereby authorized to adopt and amend regulations covering the types of helmets and the specifications therefor and to establish and maintain a list of approved helmets which meet the specifications as established hereunder.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-14-100 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 14 / Section 56-14-100
SECTION 56-14-100. Termination or cancellation of manufacturer/dealer agreement with or without good cause; notice of intent to cure; burden of proof.
Status: in_force

(A) A dealer may terminate or cancel its manufacturer/dealer agreement with or without good cause by giving the manufacturer thirty day's written notice. If the termination or cancellation is for good cause, the notice must state all reasons for the proposed termination or cancellation and must further state that if, within thirty days following receipt of the notice, the manufacturer provides to the dealer a written notice of intent to cure all claimed deficiencies, the manufacturer will then have ninety days following receipt of the original notice to rectify the deficiencies. If the deficiencies are rectified within ninety days, the dealer's notice is voided. If the manufacturer fails to provide the notice of intent to cure the deficiencies or fails to cure the deficiencies in the time period prescribed, the termination or cancellation shall take effect as provided in the original notice. (B) If the dealer terminates, cancels, or fails to renew the manufacturer/dealer agreement without good cause, the terms of Section 56-14-110 do not apply. If the dealer terminates, cancels, or fails to renew the manufacturer/dealer agreement with good cause, Section 56-14-110 shall apply. If the dealer terminates for cause and has new and untitled inventory on hand subject to the termination then the inventory may be sold pursuant to Section 56-14-110. (C) The dealer has the burden of showing good cause. Any of the following items shall be deemed "good cause" for the proposed termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal action by a dealer: (1) a manufacturer being convicted of, or entering a plea of nolo contendere to, a felony; (2) the business operations of the manufacturer have been abandoned or closed for ten consecutive business days, unless the closing is due to an act of God, strike, labor difficulty, or other cause over which the manufacturer has no control; (3) a significant misrepresentation by the manufacturer materially affecting the business relationship; (4) a material violation of this chapter which is not cured within thirty days after written notice by the dealer; (5) a declaration by the manufacturer of bankruptcy, insolvency, or the occurrence of an assignment for the benefit of creditors or bankruptcy. Editor's Note 2017 Act No. 51,SECTIONS 6, 7, provide: "SECTION 6. The department is authorized to promulgate regulations for the enforcement of the provisions of Chapter 14, Title 56. "SECTION 7. This act takes effect six months after approval by the Governor and applies to manufacturer/dealer agreements entered into on or after July 1, 2018."
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-9-550 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 9 / Article 5 / Section 56-9-550
SECTION 56-9-550. Certificate or notice of insurance as proof; contents, terms, and cancellation.
Status: in_force

Proof of financial responsibility may be furnished by filing with the Department of Motor Vehicles the written certificate or notice by magnetic or electronic media in a manner satisfactory to the department of any insurance carrier authorized to do business in this State certifying that there is in effect a motor vehicle liability policy for the benefit of the person required to furnish proof of financial responsibility. The certificate or notice shall give the date of the motor vehicle liability policy, which must be the same as the effective date of the certificate or notice and shall designate by explicit description or by appropriate reference all motor vehicles covered, unless the policy is issued to a person who is not the owner of a motor vehicle. The policy must be written for a minimum term of six months. A certificate or notice of insurance shall remain in full force and effect for a period of at least ninety days unless the certificate or notice is canceled by the insurance company for some reason other than nonpayment of premium. Should a certificate or notice of insurance be canceled after ninety days for nonpayment of premium, the insurance company issuing the certificate or notice immediately shall notify the department that the reason for cancellation is for nonpayment of premium. Should a certificate or notice of insurance be canceled for any reason other than for nonpayment of premium, the insurance company issuing the certificate or notice immediately shall notify the department that the cancellation is not for nonpayment of premium. The department may refuse acceptance of the certificate or notice of insurance required under this section if the certificate or notice is filed: (1) by an agent or company found to be in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter; or (2) for a person who previously has had a certificate or notice canceled for nonpayment of premium, unless the policy under which the certificate or notice is issued is certified to be noncancellable for a period of one year for nonpayment of premium. No motor vehicle may be or may continue to be registered in the name of a person required to file proof of financial responsibility unless the motor vehicle is designated in the certificate or notice.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-23-90 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 23 / Section 56-23-90
SECTION 56-23-90. Penalties.
Status: in_force

Any person violating any provisions of this chapter, or of any driver training school license issued pursuant to this chapter, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction, shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days, or both, for such violation.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-3480 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 27 / Section 56-5-3480
SECTION 56-5-3480. Signaling turns; penalty.
Status: in_force

(A)(1) A bicyclist shall indicate a right turn by extending the left arm upward, by raising the left arm to the square, or by extending the right arm horizontally to the right. (2) A bicyclist shall indicate a left turn by extending the left arm horizontally. (3) A bicyclist shall indicate stopping or decreasing speed by extending the left arm or the right arm downward. (B) A bicyclist is not required to give signals provided for in subsection (A) continuously if the hand or arm is needed to control the bicycle. (C) A violation of this section is punishable by a fine of twenty-five dollars.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-1510 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 11 / Section 56-3-1510
SECTION 56-3-1510. Special license plates authorized for amateur radio operators; fee.
Status: in_force

The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue special motor vehicle license plates to persons who hold unrevoked and unexpired amateur radio licenses of a renewable nature issued by the Federal Communications Commission for private passenger motor vehicles registered in the same name. The biennial fee for the special license plates is two dollars in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee prescribed by Article 5 of this chapter. Only one set of the special plates may be issued to a person.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-1880 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 13 / Section 56-5-1880
SECTION 56-5-1880. Further limitations on driving to left of center of roadway.
Status: in_force

(a) No vehicle shall be driven on the left side of the roadway under the following conditions: 1. When approaching or upon the crest of a grade or a curve in the highway where the driver's view is obstructed within such distance as to create a hazard in the event another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction. 2. When approaching within one hundred feet of or traversing any intersection. 3. When the view is obstructed upon approaching within one hundred feet of any bridge, viaduct or tunnel. (b) The foregoing limitations shall not apply upon a one-way roadway, nor under the conditions described in item 2, subsection (a) of Section 56-5-1810 nor to the driver of a vehicle turning left into or from an alley, private road or driveway.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-620 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 5 / Section 56-3-620
SECTION 56-3-620. Fees for handicapped persons or persons of certain ages for private passenger motor vehicle and property-carrying vehicles weighing six thousand pounds or less.
Status: in_force

(A) For persons sixty-five years of age or older or persons who are handicapped, as defined in Section 56-3-1950, the biennial registration fee for every private passenger motor vehicle, excluding trucks, is thirty-six dollars. (B) For persons under the age of sixty-five years the biennial registration fee for every private passenger motor vehicle, excluding trucks, is forty dollars. (C) For persons sixty-five years of age or older, the biennial registration fee for a property-carrying vehicle with a gross weight of six thousand pounds or less is forty-six dollars. (D) For persons who are sixty-four years of age, the biennial registration fee for a private passenger motor vehicle, excluding trucks, is thirty-eight dollars. (E) Applicable truck fees, established by Section 56-3-660, are not negated by this section. (F) Annual license plate validation stickers which are issued for nonpermanent license plates on certified South Carolina public law enforcement vehicles must be issued without charge. (G) From each biennial registration and license fee collected, sixteen dollars must be credited to the Infrastructure Maintenance Trust Fund. Effect of Amendment 2017 Act No. 40, SECTION 4.A, in (A), substituted "thirty-six dollars" for "twenty dollars"; in (B), substituted "For" for "Beginning July 1, 1987, for" and "forty dollars" for "twenty-four dollars"; in (C), substituted "forty-six dollars" for "thirty dollars"; in (D), substituted "thirty-eight dollars" for "twenty-two dollars"; and added (G), relating to credits to the Infrastructure Maintenance Trust Fund.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-4990 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 35 / Section 56-5-4990
SECTION 56-5-4990. Mirrors.
Status: in_force

Every motor vehicle which is so constructed or loaded as to obstruct the driver's view to the rear thereof from the driver's position shall be equipped with a mirror so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least two hundred feet to the rear of such vehicle.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-2010 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 19 / Section 56-3-2010
SECTION 56-3-2010. Special and personalized license plates; International Symbol of Access decals.
Status: in_force

(A) The Department of Motor Vehicles shall provide, upon proper application being made, special personalized motor vehicle license plates to the owner of a private passenger motor vehicle and motorcycles. The personalized plates must be of the design and bear the letters and numerals the department prescribes. However, there may be no duplication of registration plates, except South Carolina members of the United States Congress or members of the South Carolina General Assembly may purchase a maximum of the original and two duplicate registration plates. The department, in its discretion, may refuse the issue of letter combinations which may carry connotations offensive to good taste and decency and may not assign to a person not holding the relevant office letters or numerals denoting the holder to have a public office. (B) Private passenger motor vehicles must be assigned a biennial registration which expires on a staggered monthly basis. Where a current vehicle license plate currently is displayed, the owner of the vehicle may make application for personalized license plates two months in advance of the current registration expiration. A sticker reflecting the month of expiration of registration must be issued and affixed in the space provided on the license plate assigned to the vehicle. A personalized license plate issued to a motorcycle must be assigned a biennial registration which expires on a staggered monthly basis. Every personalized license plate issued to members of the General Assembly and members of licensed state or federal commissions and boards expires on January thirty-first each year. Every vehicle registration must be renewed biennially upon application by the owner and by payment of the fee required by law to take effect the first day of the month following the expiration of the registration to be renewed. (C) If a person who qualifies for the special license plate issued under this section also qualifies for the handicapped license plate issued pursuant to Section 56-3-1910, then the license plate issued pursuant to this section also shall include a decal with the International Symbol of Access used on license plates issued pursuant to Section 56-3-1910. The decal only can be used if space is available to place the decal on the license plate without covering any identifying numbers or letters on the license plate.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-190 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 1 / Article 1 / Section 56-1-190
SECTION 56-1-190. License must be carried and exhibited on demand.
Status: in_force

A licensee shall have his license in his immediate possession at all times when operating a motor vehicle and shall display it upon demand of an officer or agent of either the Department of Motor Vehicles or the Department of Public Safety or a law enforcement officer of the State. No points pursuant to Section 56-1-720 may be assessed. No points for insurance merit rating system and recoupment purposes may be assessed.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-650 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 5 / Section 56-3-650
SECTION 56-3-650. Optional fees for bus companies operating in interstate and intrastate commerce; computation; retention of records; display of license plates.
Status: in_force

In order for inter-city bus companies operating fleets both in inter and intra state commerce in South Carolina to more efficiently dispatch individual buses in such fleets from one state to another, any such inter-city bus company operating a fleet of ten or more buses of thirty or more passenger capacity each may comply with the license requirements of this chapter by paying an in lieu license fee to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Such fee shall be an amount equivalent to an annual fee of two hundred dollars per bus, with the number of buses or fractions thereof determined by dividing the company's total bus travel mileage in this State in any one license year by forty thousand miles. Such an inter-city bus company shall declare at the beginning of each license year prior to May first respectively of each year the mileage its fleet operated in this State during the preceding calendar year, and shall pay to the department a total annual license fee for all such buses computed in accordance with this section. Any bus company licensed pursuant to this section must retain and hold, subject to audit by the department, for a period of at least four years all records used in computing the total mileage operated in the State during each calendar year. Bus companies electing to license under this provision shall not be required to display license plates as otherwise required by this chapter on the buses operated in South Carolina, but they shall have the option of displaying license plates on buses where such license plates are specifically identified with specific buses.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-10-245 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 10 / Article 3 / Section 56-10-245
SECTION 56-10-245. Per diem fine for lapse in required coverage.
Status: in_force

Whenever a person furnishes proof of liability insurance, or surrenders or has his registration or license tags confiscated for failure to produce proof of insurance, after the Department of Motor Vehicles receives notice of the lapse or termination of the required liability insurance, the department shall compare the effective date of the lapse or termination with the date of the proof of insurance or the date of the confiscation or surrender. If the department determines there was a lapse in the required coverage, the department shall assess, in addition to other fines or penalties imposed by the law, a per diem fine in the amount of five dollars. The fine provided for in this section and the two hundred dollar reinstatement fee pursuant to Section 56-10-240 must not be assessed if the person furnishes proof, as documented by his sworn statement, that the motor vehicle upon which the coverage has lapsed or been terminated has not been operated upon the roads, streets, or highways of this State during the lapse or termination, and the lapse or termination is due to military service or illness as documented by a signed physician's statement. The total amount of the fine provided for in this section may not exceed two hundred dollars per vehicle for a first offense. Revenue generated by the fine imposed pursuant to this section must be placed by the Comptroller General into the State Highway Fund as established by Section 57-11-20, to be distributed as provided in Section 11-43-167. Effect of Amendment 2023 Act No. 51, SECTION 4, in the third sentence, deleted "of the 1976 Code" following "Section 56-10-240", and in the fourth sentence, inserted "per vehicle" following "two hundred dollars".
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-21-20 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 21 / Section 56-21-20
SECTION 56-21-20. Unlawful parking at state institutions.
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person to park a vehicle upon any property under the control of a State institution except in the manner designated by such institution.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-3700 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 29 / Section 56-5-3700
SECTION 56-5-3700. Penalty for violation of Sections 56-5-3660 to 56-5-3690.
Status: in_force

Any person violating the provisions of Sections 56-5-3660 to 56-5-3690 shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars or be imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-11-230 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 11 / Article 3 / Section 56-11-230
SECTION 56-11-230. Registration card and vehicle identification application forms.
Status: in_force

The Department of Motor Vehicles shall prepare forms for use in making applications for registration cards and identification markers in accordance with this chapter, and the applicant shall furnish all the information required by such forms before a registration card or identification marker is issued.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-7320 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 64 / Section 56-3-7320
SECTION 56-3-7320. Emergency Medical Service special license plates.
Status: in_force

The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Emergency Medical Service" special license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles registered in their names. The requirements for production and distribution of the plate are those set forth in Section 56-3-8100. The biennial fee for this plate is the regular registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title plus an additional fee of thirty dollars. The Comptroller General shall place into the State Highway Fund as established by Section 57-11-20, to be distributed as provided in Section 11-43-167, an amount equal to the department's costs of production and distribution. Any portion of the additional thirty-dollar fee not placed in the State Highway Fund by the Comptroller General must be distributed to the South Carolina Emergency Medical Services Association.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-1930 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 13 / Section 56-5-1930
SECTION 56-5-1930. Following too closely.
Status: in_force

(A) The operator of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway. (B) The operator of any truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle when traveling upon a roadway outside of a business or residence district and which is following another truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle shall, whenever conditions permit, leave sufficient space so that an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy such space without danger, except that this shall not prevent a truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle from overtaking and passing any vehicle or combination of vehicles. (C) Motor vehicles being operated upon any roadway outside of a business or residence district in a caravan or motorcade whether or not towing other vehicles shall be so operated as to allow sufficient space between each such vehicle or combination of vehicles so as to enable any other vehicle to enter and occupy such space without danger. This provision shall not apply to funeral processions. (D) This section does not apply to the operator of any nonleading commercial motor vehicle subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and traveling in a series of commercial vehicles using cooperative adaptive cruise control or any other automated driving technology. Effect of Amendment 2017 Act No. 66, SECTION 1, in (A) and (B), substituted "The operator" for "The driver"; in (C), substituted "being operated" for "being driven"; added (D), relating to the applicability of the section; and made nonsubstantive changes.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-470 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 1 / Article 1 / Section 56-1-470
SECTION 56-1-470. Unlawful to operate vehicle under foreign license while license is suspended or revoked.
Status: in_force

Any resident or nonresident whose operator's or chauffeur's license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this State has been suspended or revoked as provided in this article or other laws of this State shall not operate a motor vehicle in this State under a license, permit or registration certificate issued by any other state or otherwise during such suspension or after such revocation until a new license is obtained when and as permitted under this article.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-110 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 56-5-110
SECTION 56-5-110. Generally.
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this chapter the words, phrases and terms defined in this article shall have the meanings thereby attributed to them.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-11-440 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 11 / Article 5 / Section 56-11-440
SECTION 56-11-440. Payment of tax.
Status: in_force

The tax herein imposed with respect to each calendar quarter shall be paid to the Department of Motor Vehicles at the same time the report required by this chapter is filed.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-5110 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 35 / Section 56-5-5110
SECTION 56-5-5110. Display of flags when vehicle disabled in daytime.
Status: in_force

Whenever any vehicle of a type referred to in Sections 56-5-5090 and 56-5-5100 is disabled upon the traveled portion of a highway or the shoulder thereof, outside of any municipality, at any time when the display of fusees, flares or electric lanterns is not required, the driver of such vehicle shall display two red flags upon the roadway in the lane of traffic occupied by the disabled vehicle, one at a distance of approximately one hundred feet in advance of the vehicle and one at a distance of approximately one hundred feet to the rear of the vehicle.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-2310 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 17 / Section 56-5-2310
SECTION 56-5-2310. Vehicles approaching or entering intersection.
Status: in_force

(a) When two vehicles approach or enter an intersection from different highways at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right. (b) The right-of-way rule in subsection (a) is modified at through highways and as otherwise provided in this chapter.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-5870 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 41 / Section 56-5-5870
SECTION 56-5-5870. Contract for collection of vehicles and related services; collecting areas.
Status: in_force

The Department of Public Safety, or any county or municipality may contract with any federal, other state, county, or municipal authority or private enterprise for tagging, collection, storage, transportation, or any other services necessary to prepare derelict or abandoned vehicles for recycling or other methods of disposal. Publicly-owned properties, when available, shall be provided as temporary collecting areas for the motor vehicles defined herein.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-905 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 5 / Section 56-3-905
SECTION 56-3-905. Motor vehicle registration refund.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 56-3-900, when the owner or lessee of a motor vehicle or vehicle including, but not limited to, trailers and semitrailers, licensed and registered for a biennium pursuant to Section 56-3-253 surrenders the license plate and registration to the Department of Motor Vehicles in the first twelve months of the licensing period, the department shall refund to the owner or lessee an amount equal to one-half the registration fee paid on the vehicle. If the owner or lessee is simultaneously registering another vehicle, the refund amount, at the owner's or lessee's option, may be applied against the registration fee due.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-11-240 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 11 / Article 3 / Section 56-11-240
SECTION 56-11-240. Form and content of registration card and vehicle identification marker.
Status: in_force

The registration card and the identification marker must be of such form as the Department of Motor Vehicles may prescribe. Each identification marker shall bear a number which must be the same as the number appearing on the registration card for the same vehicle.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-470 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 56-5-470
SECTION 56-5-470. Laned roadway defined.
Status: in_force

A "laned roadway" is a roadway which is divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for vehicular traffic.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-4750 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 35 / Section 56-5-4750
SECTION 56-5-4750. Side cowl, running board, and back-up lamps.
Status: in_force

Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two side cowl or fender lamps which shall emit an amber or white light without glare. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than one running-board courtesy lamp on each side thereof which shall emit a white or amber light without glare. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two back-up lamps either separately or in combination with other lamps, but any such back-up lamp shall not be lighted when the motor vehicle is in forward motion.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-1540 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 11 / Section 56-5-1540
SECTION 56-5-1540. Alteration of speed limits by local authorities; signs; approval by Department of Transportation.
Status: reserved

(a) Establishing speed zones. Whenever local authorities in their respective jurisdictions determine on the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that the maximum speed permitted under this article is greater or less than is reasonable and safe under the conditions found to exist upon a highway or part of a highway, the local authority may determine and declare a reasonable and safe maximum limit thereon which: (1) decreases the limit at intersections; or (2) increases the limit within an urban district but not to more than seventy miles an hour; or (3) decreases the limit outside an urban district, but not to less than thirty-five miles an hour. (b) Setting maximum limits on arterial streets. Local authorities in their respective jurisdictions shall determine by an engineering and traffic investigation the proper maximum speed for all arterial streets and shall declare a reasonable and safe maximum limit thereon which may be greater or less than the maximum speed permitted under this article for an urban district. (c) Signs. Any altered limit established as hereinabove authorized is effective at all times or during hours of darkness or at other times as may be determined when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected upon the street or highway. (d) Approval of altered limits by Department of Transportation. Any alteration of maximum limits on state highways or extensions thereof in a municipality by local authorities is not effective until the alteration has been approved by the Department of Transportation. (e) Limitations on alterations. Not more than six such alterations as authorized above may be made for each mile along a street or highway, except in the case of reduced limits at intersections, and the difference between adjacent limits must not be more than ten miles an hour. SECTIONS 56-5-1550 to 56-5-1555. Reserved.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-10-225 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 10 / Article 3 / Section 56-10-225
SECTION 56-10-225. Proof of insurance and financial responsibility in vehicle; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) A person whose application for registration and licensing of a motor vehicle has been approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles must maintain in the motor vehicle at all times proof that the motor vehicle is an insured vehicle in conformity with the laws of this State and Section 56-10-510. (B) The owner of a motor vehicle must maintain proof of financial responsibility in the motor vehicle at all times, and it must be displayed upon demand of a police officer or any other person duly authorized by law. Evidence of financial responsibility may be provided by use of a mobile electronic device in a format issued by an automobile insurer. This section does not require that an automobile insurer issue verification concerning the existence of coverage it provides an insured in an electronic format. Information contained or stored in a mobile electronic device presented pursuant to this subsection is not subject to a search by a law enforcement officer except pursuant to the provisions of Section 17-13-140 providing for the issuance, execution, and return of a search warrant or pursuant to the express written consent of the lawful owner of the device. (C) A person who fails to maintain the proof of insurance in his motor vehicle as required by subsection (A) is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, is subject to the same punishment as provided by law for failure of the person driving or in control of a motor vehicle to carry the vehicle registration card and to display the registration card upon demand. However, a charge of failing to maintain proof that a motor vehicle is insured must be dismissed if the person provides proof to the court that the motor vehicle was insured on the date of the violation. Upon notice of conviction, the department shall suspend the owner's driver's license until satisfactory proof of insurance is provided. If at any time the department determines that the vehicle was without insurance coverage, the owner's registration and driving privileges will be suspended pursuant to Section 56-10-520.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-31-50 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 31 / Section 56-31-50
SECTION 56-31-50. Motor vehicle rental fees; definitions; good faith estimates; disclosures; excess fees; taxes.
Status: in_force

(A) As used in this section: (1) "Motor vehicle rental company" means an individual or business entity whose business activity is renting motor vehicles to consumers under rental agreements for periods of ninety days or less. (2) "Vehicle license fee" means a charge that may be separately stated and charged on the rental contract in a vehicle rental transaction originating in this State to recover the motor vehicle rental company's costs incurred for: (a) licensing, titling, registering, plating, and inspecting of its rental vehicles; and (b) taxes paid in connection with registering its rental vehicles. (B) Rental companies engaged in the business of renting vehicles for periods of ninety days or less may charge, at the time the vehicle or rental vehicle is rented in South Carolina, separately stated fees which may include, but must not be limited to, vehicle license fees, airport access fees, airport concession fees, and all applicable taxes. For purposes of this section, a vehicle or rental vehicle is rented in South Carolina if it is picked up by the renter in South Carolina. (C) If a motor vehicle rental company includes a vehicle license fee for a rental transaction disclosed on the rental agreement, the amount of the charge must represent the good faith estimate by the motor vehicle rental company of its daily charge calculated to recover its actual total annual recoverable costs, pursuant to subsection (A)(2), on its rental motor vehicle fleet for the corresponding calendar year. (D)(1) If the total amount of the vehicle license fees collected by a motor vehicle rental company pursuant to this section in any calendar year exceeds the actual costs of the car rental company, as allowed under subsection (A)(2), for that calendar year, the car rental company shall: (a) retain the excess amount; and (b) adjust the estimated average per vehicle charge for the following calendar year by a corresponding amount. (2) Nothing in this section may prevent a motor vehicle rental company from making adjustments to a vehicle license fee per vehicle charge during the calendar year to reflect interim developments affecting the motor vehicle rental company's prior estimated per vehicle fee for that calendar year. (E)(1) If a motor vehicle rental company charges a vehicle license fee, the amount of the fee must be: (a) disclosed at the time of reservation and as part of any estimated pricing provided to the renter; and (b) shown as a separately itemized charge on the rental agreement. (2) The vehicle license fee must be described in the terms and conditions of the rental agreement as the estimated average per day portion of the motor vehicle company's costs incurred for: (a) licensing, titling, registering, plating, and inspecting its rental vehicles; and (b) taxes paid in connection with registering its rental vehicles. (F) The vehicle license fee authorized by this section is subject to state and local sales and use tax in the manner and to the same extent as the fee charged for the lease or rental of the rental vehicle.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-260 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 56-5-260
SECTION 56-5-260. Pole trailer defined.
Status: in_force

Every vehicle without motive power designed to be drawn by another vehicle and attached to the towing vehicle by means of a reach or pole or by being boomed or otherwise secured to the towing vehicle and ordinarily used for transporting long or irregularly shaped loads such as poles, pipes or structural members capable, generally, of sustaining themselves as beams between the supporting connections is a "pole trailer."
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-19-400 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 19 / Article 3 / Section 56-19-400
SECTION 56-19-400. Procedures for involuntary transfer or repossession; issuance of new certificate.
Status: in_force

The Department of Motor Vehicles, upon receipt of an application for a new certificate of title by a transferee other than by voluntary transfer, with proof of the transfer, the required fee and any other documents required by law, shall issue a new certificate of title in the name of the transferee as owner. If the outstanding certificate of title is not delivered to it, the Department shall make demand therefor from the holder thereof.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-2540 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 28 / Section 56-3-2540
SECTION 56-3-2540. "Conserve South Carolina" license plates.
Status: in_force

The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles as defined in Section 56-3-630 registered in their names which shall have imprinted on the plate "Conserve South Carolina" and which may have an emblem, a seal, logo, or other symbol of the South Carolina Conservation Bank. The South Carolina Conservation Bank shall submit to the department for its approval the emblem, seal, logo, or other symbol it desires to be used for this special license plate. The South Carolina Conservation Bank may request a change in the emblem, seal, logo, or other symbol not more than once every five years. The fee for this special license plate is forty-eight dollars every two years in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3, Title 56. This special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. The special license plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial period which expires twenty-four months from the month they are issued.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-11450 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 114 / Section 56-3-11450
SECTION 56-3-11450. Fees.
Status: in_force

The fee for the plate is the regular motor vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title and a special motor vehicle license fee of thirty-five dollars. Notwithstanding another provision of law, from the fees collected pursuant to this section, the Comptroller General shall place sufficient funds into a special restricted account to be used by the Department of Motor Vehicles to defray the expenses of the department in producing and administering the special license plates. The remaining funds collected from the special motor vehicle license fee must be placed in the state's general fund.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-2360 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 17 / Section 56-5-2360
SECTION 56-5-2360. Operation of vehicles on approach of authorized emergency vehicles.
Status: in_force

(a) Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making use of an audible signal meeting the requirements of Section 56-5-4970 and visual signals meeting the requirements of Section 56-5-4700, or of a police vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible signal or visual signal, the driver of every other vehicle traveling along a two-lane roadway shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible, to the right hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in that position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer. A driver of a vehicle traveling along a multilane roadway shall yield the right-of-way and shall remain in, or move to a location that allows the emergency vehicle or police vehicle to pass safely, except as otherwise directed by a police officer. (b) This section shall not operate to relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-13310 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 133 / Section 56-3-13310
SECTION 56-3-13310. "Motorcycle Awareness Alliance" special motor vehicle license plates.
Status: in_force

(A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Motorcycle Awareness Alliance" special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles, as defined in Section 56-3-630, or motorcycles, as defined in Section 56-3-20, registered in their names which may have imprinted on the plate the Motorcycle Awareness Alliance emblem. The Motorcycle Awareness Alliance shall submit to the department for its approval the proposed design it desires to be used for this special license plate. The fee for this special license plate is the regular motor vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title and a special motor vehicle license plate fee of thirty dollars. This special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. The special license plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial period which expires twenty-four months from the month the special license plate is issued. (B) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, from the fees collected pursuant to this section, the Comptroller General shall place sufficient funds into a special restricted account to be used by the Department of Motor Vehicles to defray the expenses of the Department of Motor Vehicles in producing and administering the special license plates. The remaining funds collected from the special motor vehicle license plate fee must be distributed to the Motorcycle Awareness Alliance for the promotion of motorcycle safety, education and awareness programs and deposited into an appropriate nonprofit account designated by the Motorcycle Awareness Alliance. (C) The guidelines for the production of a special license plate under this section must meet the requirements of Section 56-3-8100. (D) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial applications and renewals for a particular special license plate authorized under this section, it shall not produce additional special license plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-2970 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 23 / Section 56-5-2970
SECTION 56-5-2970. Reports to Department of Motor Vehicle of convictions, certain pleas and bail forfeitures.
Status: in_force

All clerks of court, magistrates, city recorders, and other public officers in this State having charge or responsibility with respect to convictions or of the entry of pleas of guilty or of nolo contendere or of the forfeitures of bail posted for violation of Section 56-5-2930, 56-5-2933, or for convictions or of the entry of pleas of guilty or of nolo contendere or of the forfeitures of bail posted for violations of any other laws or ordinances of this State that prohibit any person from operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, drugs, or narcotics are required to report to the Department of Motor Vehicles every such conviction, plea of guilty or of nolo contendere or bail forfeiture within ten days after such conviction, entry of a plea of guilty or of nolo contendere or forfeiture or after the receipt of such report, as the case may be. Such reports shall be made upon forms to be provided by the department, arranged in duplicate, and the director of the Department of Motor Vehicles shall acknowledge the filing of each such report by signing the duplicate of such report and returning it to the officer making it, to be kept by such officer as evidence of his compliance with the requirement that he make such report. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be subject to a penalty of twenty-five dollars for each such failure, to be collected by the Attorney General or the solicitors of the State under the direction of the Attorney General and paid into the general fund of the State.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-2150 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 1 / Article 13 / Section 56-1-2150
SECTION 56-1-2150. Authorized drivers of commercial motor vehicles.
Status: in_force

A person may drive a commercial motor vehicle if the person has a commercial driver license issued by a state in accordance with the minimum federal standards for the issuance of commercial motor vehicle driver licenses, if the person's license is not suspended, revoked, or cancelled and if the person is not disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-11910 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 3 / Article 119 / Section 56-3-11910
SECTION 56-3-11910. South Carolina Highway Patrol-Retired special license plates.
Status: in_force

(A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "South Carolina Highway Patrol-Retired" license plates for use on private passenger motor vehicles, as defined in Section 56-3-630, or motorcycles as defined in Section 56-3-20, registered in a person's name in this State who served as a South Carolina Highway Patrolman or State Trooper and who honorably retired. An application for this special motor vehicle license plate must include certification from the South Carolina Highway Patrol that the applicant honorably retired. (B) The requirements for production, collection and distribution of fees for a license plate are those set forth in Section 56-3-8100. The Department of Motor Vehicles shall imprint the special license plates with the insignia of the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the words "South Carolina Highway Patrol-Retired" with numbers the department may determine. (C) Only one special license plate authorized by this section may be issued to a person. A license plate issued pursuant to this section may be transferred to another vehicle of the same weight class owned by the same person upon application being made and being approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles. (D) Any person issued a special license plate pursuant to this section who is convicted of any felony, classified misdemeanor, traffic violation requiring a suspension of driving privileges, crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude, or other crime punishable by imprisonment for one year or more, shall surrender the special license plate to the Department of Motor Vehicles within three days of the date of the conviction. (E) The provisions of this section do not affect the registration and licensing of motor vehicles required by other provisions of this chapter, but are cumulative to those other provisions. (F) A person violating the provisions of this section or a person who: (1) fraudulently gives false or fictitious information in any application for a special license plate authorized by this section; (2) conceals a material fact or otherwise commits fraud in the application for a special license plate issued pursuant to this section; (3) permits the special license plate to be displayed on any vehicle except the one authorized by the Department of Motor Vehicles; or (4) who fails to surrender the special license plate as required by this section, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be punished by a fine of not more than two hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days, or both.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-9-356 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 9 / Article 4 / Section 56-9-356
SECTION 56-9-356. Transmittal of record of nonresident's suspension to officials in nonresident's state.
Status: in_force

When a nonresident's operating privilege is suspended pursuant to Section 56-9-351 or 56-9-354, the Department of Motor Vehicles shall transmit a certified copy of the record of such action to the official in charge of the issuance of licenses and registration certificates in the state in which such nonresident resides, if the law of such other state provides for action in relation thereto similar to that provided for in Section 56-9-357.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-288 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 1 / Article 1 / Section 56-1-288
SECTION 56-1-288. Tax refund garnishment for failure to comply with financial responsibility.
Status: in_force

The Department of Motor Vehicles may garnish a person's income tax refund instead of revoking a person's driver's license or vehicle registration for failure to satisfy financial responsibility requirements of Title 56.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-4760 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 35 / Section 56-5-4760
SECTION 56-5-4760. Identification lamps for large commercial vehicles.
Status: in_force

Any commercial vehicle eighty inches or more in over-all width may be equipped with not more than three identification lamps showing to the front which shall emit an amber light without glare and not more than three identification lamps showing to the rear which shall emit a red light without glare. Such lamps shall be placed in a row and may be mounted either horizontally or vertically.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-10-220 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 10 / Article 3 / Section 56-10-220
SECTION 56-10-220. Requirement that vehicle sought to be registered be insured; proof; regulations.
Status: in_force

Every person applying for registration for a motor vehicle shall at the time of such registration and licensing declare the vehicle to be an insured motor vehicle under the penalty set forth in Section 56-10-260 and shall execute and furnish to the Department of Motor Vehicles his certificate that such motor vehicle is an insured motor vehicle, and that he will maintain insurance thereon during the registration period. The certificate must be in the form prescribed by the department with input from the Department of Insurance and the working group. The department may require any registered owner or any applicant for registration and licensing of a motor vehicle declared to be an insured motor vehicle to submit a certificate of insurance executed by an authorized agent or representative of an insurance company authorized to do business in this State. Such certificate must also be in a form prescribed by the department with input from the Department of Insurance and the working group. The Department of Motor Vehicles with input from the Department of Insurance and the working group may promulgate a regulation to require proof of insurance on new and renewal registrations which may be submitted on behalf of the applicant by the agent or insurer in a manner acceptable to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-7-10 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 7 / Section 56-7-10
SECTION 56-7-10. Use of uniform traffic ticket; vesting of jurisdiction; forms; utilization of electronic devices.
Status: in_force

(A) There will be a uniform traffic ticket used by all law enforcement officers in arrests for traffic offenses and for the following additional offenses: (1) Interfering with Police Officer Serving Process Section 16-5-50; (2) Dumping Trash on Highway/Private Property Section 16-11-700; (3) Indecent Exposure Section 16-15-130; (4) Disorderly Conduct Section 16-17-530; (5) Damaging Highway Section 57-7-10; (6) Place Glass, Nails, etc. on Highway Section 57-7-20; (7) Obstruction of Highway by Railroad Cars, etc. Section 57-7-240; (8) Signs Permitted on Interstate Section 57-25-140; (9) Brown Bagging Section 61-5-20; (10) Drinking Liquors in Public Conveyance Section 61-13-360; (11) Poles Dragging on Highway Section 57-7-80; (12) Open Container Section 61-9-87; (13) Purchase or Possession of Beer or Wine by a Person Under Age Section 63-19-2440; (14) Purchase or Possession of Alcoholic Liquor by a Person Under Age Twenty-One Section 63-19-2450; (15) Unlawful Possession and Consumption of Alcoholic Liquors Section 61-5-30; (16) Sale of Beer or Wine on Which Tax Has Not Been Paid Section 61-9-20; (17) Falsification of Age to Purchase Beer or Wine Section 61-9-50; (18) Unlawful Purchase of Beer or Wine for a Person Who Cannot Legally Buy Section 61-9-60; (19) Unlawful Sale or Purchase of Beer or Wine, Giving False Information as to Age, Buying Beer or Wine Unlawfully for Another Section 61-9-85; (20) Employment of a Person Under the Age of Twenty-One as an Employee in Retail or Wholesale or Manufacturing Liquor Business Section 61-13-340; (21) Failure to Remove Doors from Abandoned Refrigerators Section 16-3-1010; (22) Malicious Injury to Animals or Personal Property Section 16-11-510; (23) Timber, Logs, or Lumber Cutting, Removing, Transporting Without Permission, Valued at Less Than Fifty Dollars Section 16-11-580; (24) Littering Section 16-11-700; (25) Larceny of a Bicycle Valued at Less Than One Hundred Dollars Section 16-13-80; (26) Shoplifting Section 16-13-110; (27) Cock Fighting Section 16-17-650; (28) Ticket Scalping Section 16-17-710; (29) Domestic Violence, second and third degree Section 16-25-20; (30) Glue Sniffing Section 44-53-1110; (31) Trespassing Section 16-11-755; (32) Trespassing Section 16-11-600; (33) Trespassing Section 16-11-610; (34) Trespassing Section 16-11-620; (35) Negligent Operation of Watercraft; Operation of Watercraft While Under Influence of Alcohol or Drugs Section 50-21-110; (36) Negligence of Boat Livery to Provide Proper Equipment and Registration Section 50-21-120; (37) Interference with Aids to Navigation or Regulatory Markers or Operation of Watercraft in Prohibited Area Section 50-21-170; (38) Operation of Watercraft Without a Certificate of Title Section 50-23-190; (39) Parking on Private Property without Permission Section 16-11-760; (40) Certificate of Veterinary Inspection; Requirement for Out-of-State Livestock or Poultry Section 47-4-60; (41) Inhibition of Livestock Inspection Section 47-4-120; (42) Imported Swine Section 47-6-50; (43) Operating Equine Sales Facility or Livestock Market Without Permit Section 47-11-20; (44) Liability of Person Removing Livestock for Slaughter Section 47-11-120; (45) Notice to Disinfect Section 47-13-310; (46) Quarantine of Livestock or Poultry Section 47-4-70; (47) Unlawful for Horse to Enter State Unless Tested Section 47-13-1350; (48) Quarantine of Exposed Horses Section 47-13-1360; (49) Proof of Test Required for Public Assembly of Horses Section 47-13-1370; (50) False Certificates Section 47-13-1390; (51) Unlawful to Feed Garbage to Swine Section 47-15-20; (52) Notification Required from Certain Persons Disposing of Garbage Section 47-15-40; (53) Sale of Uninspected Meat and Meat Products Section 47-17-60; (54) Sale of Uninspected Poultry and Poultry Product Section 47-19-70; (55) Misrepresenting Service Animals Section 47-3-980. (B) In addition to the offenses contained in subsection (A), a uniform traffic ticket may be used in an arrest for a misdemeanor offense within the jurisdiction of magistrates court that has been freshly committed or is committed in the presence of a law enforcement officer. (C) No other ticket may be used for these offenses. The service of the uniform traffic ticket shall vest all traffic, recorders', and magistrates' courts with jurisdiction to hear and to dispose of the charge for which the ticket was issued and served. This ticket will be designed by the department and approved by the Attorney General within thirty days of submission by the department. A law enforcement agency may utilize computers and other electronic devices to issue uniform traffic citations and store information resulting from the issuance of a traffic citation if this method of issuing a citation has been approved by the Department of Public Safety. Editor's Note 2019 Act No. 44, preamble, provides as follows: "Whereas, service animals that are properly trained to assist persons with disabilities play a vital role in establishing independence for such persons; and "Whereas, the term "service animal" has a distinct meaning in the law. A service animal means an animal that is trained for the purposes of assisting or accommodating the sensory, mental, or physical disability of a disabled person. Under the law, the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship does not constitute the work or tasks of a service animal; and "Whereas, no vest, other marking, or documentation is required for an animal to qualify as a service animal, nor are such vests, markings, or documentation a reliable indication of whether an animal is, by law, a service animal. People sometimes erroneously think that a therapy animal, an emotional support animal, or any animal wearing a vest or having any other type of marking is a service animal as defined by law; and "Whereas, there is an increasing number of occurrences in which people exploit the confusion related to service animals and attempt to bring an animal into a place that it would otherwise not be allowed to enter by passing off the pet, therapy animal, or emotional support animal as a service animal, either by oral misrepresentation, placement of a vest or other marking on the animal, or presentation of a "certificate", despite knowing that it is not a service animal; and "Whereas, some companies mislead individuals into believing that they will be entitled to the rights or privileges for individuals with disabilities with service animals if they buy the company's vests or obtain some type of certificate. These misrepresentations, in some cases, are unlawful deceptive trade practices and compound the confusion around service animals; and "Whereas, commendably, federal and state laws require places of public accommodation, including airports, restaurants, theaters, stores, hospitals, and more, to allow any animal that is presented as a service animal into the place of public accommodation. These same places of public accommodation face a dilemma if someone enters the premises and intentionally misrepresents his animal as a service animal; and "Whereas, when people try to falsely represent a nonservice animal as a service animal, business owners and other places of public accommodation become increasingly distrustful that the animals being represented to them as service animals are, in fact, service animals. Misrepresentation of service animals delegitimizes the program and makes it harder for persons with disabilities to gain unquestioned acceptance of their legitimate, properly trained, and essential service animals. Now, therefore, [Text of Act]." Effect of Amendment 2019 Act No. 44, SECTION 2, in (A), inserted the (1) to (54) identifiers and removed the column formatting, and added (55), relating to misrepresenting service animals.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-4940 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 35 / Section 56-5-4940
SECTION 56-5-4940. Bumpers; exceptions to warranty requirements; common-law and statutory remedies not removed.
Status: in_force

The warranty provisions of Sections 56-5-4910 to 56-5-4940 shall not be applicable with respect to any private passenger automobile as to which the manufacturer files a written certification under oath with the Department of Motor Vehicles, on a form to be prescribed by that department, that the particular make and model described therein complies with the applicable standards of Sections 56-5-4910 to 56-5-4940. Nothing in Sections 56-5-4910 to 56-5-4940 should be construed to remove any common-law or statutory remedy available against the manufacturer, distributor or ultimate vendor for a defective product.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-590 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 56-5-590
SECTION 56-5-590. Stop defined.
Status: in_force

"Stop," when required, means complete cessation from movement.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-4020 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 33 / Section 56-5-4020
SECTION 56-5-4020. Exemptions; annual permits for certain vehicles; maximum width for exempt vehicles.
Status: in_force

(A) Except as provided in Section 56-5-4140(2), the provisions of this article governing size, weight, and load do not apply to fire apparatus, road machinery or implements, and products of husbandry including farm tractors, timber equipment, liquid fertilizer storage facilities, and vehicles or combinations of vehicles used to transport, store, or spread lime, nitrogen, or other soil improvement products for agricultural purposes moved upon the highways so as not to damage the highways nor unduly interfere with highway traffic, or to vehicles operated under terms of special permits issued pursuant to this chapter. The exemptions do not apply to Section 56-5-4230. With regard to vehicles or combinations of vehicles used to transport, store, or spread soil improvement products and to transport products of husbandry exempted pursuant to this section, the owners shall obtain an annual permit to operate the vehicle as provided in Section 57-3-130 which prescribes the specific conditions of the exemption. (B) For purposes of this section, 'timber equipment' means implements of silviculture including, but not limited to, machinery used in establishing, tending, harvesting, and protecting forest crops such as tree shears, chippers, slashers, log loaders, skidders, and fellers. (C) None of the vehicles or devices exempted by this section may exceed twelve feet in width, except farm implements which may not exceed sixteen feet in width, and they may be moved only in clear weather conditions during daylight hours.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-3140 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 25 / Section 56-5-3140
SECTION 56-5-3140. Pedestrian shall use right half of crosswalk.
Status: in_force

Pedestrians shall move, whenever practicable, upon the right half of crosswalks.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-6310 — SC Code / Title 56 / Chapter 5 / Article 45 / Section 56-5-6310
SECTION 56-5-6310. Application of chapter to private roads upon owner's consent.
Status: in_force

The provisions of Chapters 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 10 of Title 56 shall be applicable to private roads if the owner, including any corporation or homeowners' association holding title to community roads and excluding those only holding easements over such roads, shall file a written consent stating that the undersigned is the owner of the private roads shown on an attached plat and consents to the application of the provisions of this chapter for purposes of highway safety on such private roads. When the road is owned by two abutting owners, both shall consent to the application of this chapter. In the event there are more than two owners of the road, the provisions of this chapter shall apply when a majority of those owners of the total front footage abutting such road shall consent thereto. The consent shall be executed with the same formalities as a deed and with the plat shall be filed with the clerk of court or register of deeds for the county in which the private road is located and with the sheriff of such county. No derivation clause shall be required. Such filing shall not constitute a dedication to the public of such roads nor shall it constitute permission by the owner for the public to use such roads. The written consent shall become effective thirty days from the date it is filed with the clerk of court or register of deeds.