In South Carolina, certain legal provisions apply specifically to motorcyclists.
A motorcycle driver can only carry a passenger if their vehicle was designed to carry more than one person.
A driver must ensure that they do not operate the motorcycle while carrying anything that prevents them from keeping both hands on the handlebars.
All motorcycle operators and passengers under the age of 21 must wear a helmet. The Department of Highways and Public Transportation must approve the helmet, and it must come equipped with either a neck or chin strap. It must also have reflectors on both sides of the head.
Motorcycle operators cannot pass other vehicles using the same lane as the car they’re passing, and they cannot drive between lanes of traffic.
While helmets are not required for motorcyclists over the age of 21 in South Carolina, the CDC estimates that helmets can reduce the risk of head injury in a crash by 69 percent. However, helmet usage does not eliminate the risks of death and serious injury.