reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3430. Riding on roadways and bicycle paths.

(A) Except as provided in subsection (B), every bicyclist operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable. A bicyclist may, but is not required to, ride on the shoulder of the roadway in order to comply with the requirements of this subsection.
(B) A bicyclist may ride in a lane other than the right-hand lane if only one lane is available that permits the bicyclist to continue on his intended route.
(C) When operating a bicycle upon a roadway, a bicyclist must exercise due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.
(D) Bicyclists riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-453; 1952 Code Section 46-453; 1949 (46) 466; 2008 Act No. 317, Section 3, eff June 10, 2008.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3435. Driver to maintain safe operating distance between motor vehicle and bicycle.

A driver of a motor vehicle must at all times maintain a safe operating distance between the motor vehicle and a bicycle.
HISTORY: 2008 Act No. 317, Section 3, eff June 10, 2008.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3440. Manner of riding bicycles; number of persons which may be carried.

A bicyclist propelling a bicycle may not ride other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached to the bicycle. No bicycle may be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-454; 1952 Code Section 46-454; 1949 (46) 466; 2008 Act No. 317, Section 3, eff June 10, 2008.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3445. Harassing or throwing object at person riding bicycle; penalty.

It is unlawful to harass, taunt, or maliciously throw an object at or in the direction of any person riding a bicycle. A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two hundred fifty dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.
HISTORY: 2008 Act No. 317, Section 3, eff June 10, 2008.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3450. Clinging to vehicles prohibited.

A person riding upon any bicycle, coaster, roller skates, sled, or toy vehicle may not attach it or them or himself to a vehicle upon a roadway.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-455; 1952 Code Section 46-455; 1949 (46) 466; 2008 Act No. 317, Section 3, eff June 10, 2008.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3460. Carrying articles.

A bicyclist operating a bicycle may not carry any package, bundle, or article that prevents the rider from keeping at least one hand upon the handle bars.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-456; 1952 Code Section 46-456; 1949 (46) 466; 2008 Act No. 317, Section 3, eff June 10, 2008.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3470. Lamps and reflectors on bicycle.

A bicycle when in use at nighttime must be equipped with a lamp on the front which must emit a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet to the front and with a red reflector on the rear that must be visible from all distances from fifty feet to three hundred feet to the rear when directly in front of the lawful upper beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle. A lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of five hundred feet to the rear may be used in addition to the red reflector.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-457; 1952 Code Section 46-457; 1949 (46) 466; 2008 Act No. 317, Section 3, eff June 10, 2008.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3480. Signaling turns; penalty.

(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.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-458; 1952 Code Section 46-458; 1949 (46) 466; 1997 Act No. 56, Section 2; 2008 Act No. 317, Section 3, eff June 10, 2008.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3490. Brake on bicycle; penalty.

A bicycle must be equipped with a brake that will enable the bicyclist to make the braked wheels skid on dry, level, clean pavement. A violation of this section is punishable by a fine of twenty-five dollars.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-459; 1952 Code Section 46-459; 1949 (46) 466; 2008 Act No. 317, Section 3, eff June 10, 2008.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3500. Violations of article; penalties.

(A) Except as otherwise provided, in the absence of another violation being cited, a violation of this article by the driver of a motor vehicle is subject to a civil fine of up to one hundred dollars unless a bicyclist is injured as a result of the violation.
(B) In the absence of another violation being cited, a person driving a motor vehicle who violates a provision of this article and the violation is the proximate cause of a:
(1) minor injury to a bicyclist, must be assessed a civil fine of up to five hundred dollars; or
(2) great bodily injury, as defined in Section 56-5-2945, to a bicyclist, must be assessed a civil fine of not more than one thousand dollars.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-460; 1952 Code Section 46-460; 1949 (46) 466; 2008 Act No. 317, Section 3, eff June 10, 2008.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3515. Authorized police patrol bicycles; operating as emergency vehicles.

(A) An authorized police patrol bicycle used as a part of a police bicycle patrol may exercise the privileges of an emergency vehicle provided in Section 56-5-760.
(B) An authorized police patrol bicycle may be equipped with a siren or the officer may utilize a whistle in the performance of his duties, or both.
(C) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 56-5-760(C), an authorized police patrol bicycle acting as an emergency vehicle is entitled to the exemptions of an authorized emergency vehicle if it makes use of an audible signal meeting the requirements of Section 56-5-4970 or visual signals meeting the requirements of Section 56-5-4700.
HISTORY: 1997 Act No. 56, Section 1; 2008 Act No. 317, Section 3, eff June 10, 2008.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3520. Applicability of provisions to bicycles with helper motors.

Bicyclists operating bicycles with helper motors, as defined in Section 56-1-10, are subject to all statutory provisions applicable to bicyclists, as provided in Section 56-5-3420.
HISTORY: 2020 Act No. 114 (H.3174), Section 2, eff February 3, 2020.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3610. Rights and duties of operator of motorcycle generally.

Every person operating a motorcycle shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the drivers of motor vehicles, except as to special regulations or other provisions of law which by their nature would not apply.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-498.4; 1969 (56) 317.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3630. Manner in which motorcycles must be operated.

(A) A person operating a motorcycle shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached thereto and the operator shall not carry any other person nor shall any other person ride on a motorcycle unless the motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person, in which event a passenger may ride upon the permanent and regular seat if designed for two persons, or upon another seat firmly attached to the motorcycle at the rear or side of the operator.
(B) A person shall ride upon a motorcycle only while sitting astride the seat, facing forward, with one leg on each side of the motorcycle.
(C) No person shall operate a motorcycle while carrying any package, bundle or other article which prevents him from keeping both hands on the handlebars.
(D) No operator shall carry any person, nor shall any person ride, in a position that will interfere with the operation or control of the motorcycle or the view of the operator.
(E) No person shall ride upon a motorcycle as a passenger unless, when sitting astride the seat, the person can reach the footrests with both feet. Provided, the provisions of this section shall not apply to persons riding in a motorcycle sidecar.
(F) No person riding upon a motorcycle shall attach himself or the motorcycle to any other vehicle on the roadway.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-498; 1952 Code Section 46-498; 1949 (46) 466; 1978 Act No. 451 Section 6; 2016 Act No. 267 (S.689), Section 2, eff June 7, 2016.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3640. Motorcycle entitled to full use of lane; riding two or more abreast; overtaking and passing; operation in other instances.

(a) All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such a manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. This shall not apply to motorcycles operated two abreast in a single lane.
(b) The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken.
(c) No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.
(d) Motorcycles shall not be operated more than two abreast in a single lane.
(e) Items (b) and (c) shall not apply to police officers in the performance of their official duties.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-498.2; 1969 (56) 317.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3650. Footrests; rear view mirror.

(A) Any motorcycle carrying a passenger, other than in a sidecar or enclosed cab, must be equipped with footrests for its passenger.
(B) A person shall not operate any motorcycle unless it is equipped with a rear view mirror which will afford the operator ample vision to the rear at all times.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-4983; 1969 (56) 317; 2006 Act No. 278, Section 1, eff May 23, 2006.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3660. Helmets must be worn by operators and passengers under age twenty-one; helmet design; list of approved helmets.

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.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-631; 1967 (55) 199; 1980 Act No. 514, Section 1; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1422.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3670. Goggles or face shields shall be worn by operators under age twenty-one; list of approved goggles and face shields.

It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one to operate a two-wheeled motorized vehicle unless he wears goggles or a face shield of a type approved by the Department of Public Safety. The department is hereby authorized to adopt and amend regulations covering types of goggles and face shields and the specifications therefor and to establish and maintain a list of approved goggles and face shields which meet the specifications as established hereunder.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-632; 1967 (55) 199; 1980 Act No. 514, Section 2; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1423.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3680. Wind screens.

The provisions of Section 56-5-3670 with respect to goggles and face shields shall not apply to the operator of a two-wheeled motorized vehicle equipped with a wind screen meeting specifications established by the Department of Public Safety. The department is hereby authorized to adopt and amend regulations covering types of wind screens and specifications therefor.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-633; 1967 (55) 199; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1424.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3690. Unlawful to sell or distribute helmets, goggles, or face shields not approved by Department of Public Safety.

It shall be unlawful to sell, offer for sale or distribute any protective helmets, goggles or face shields for use by the operators of two-wheeled motorized vehicles, or protective helmets for the use of passengers thereon, unless they are of a type and specification approved by the Department of Public Safety and appear on the list of approved devices maintained by the department.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-634; 1967 (55) 199; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1425.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3700. Penalty for violation of Sections 56-5-3660 to 56-5-3690.

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.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-635; 1967 (55) 199.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3710 to 56-5-3760. Repealed.

HISTORY: Former Section 56-5-3710, titled Limitations as to riding position and number of riders, had the following history: 1986 Act No. 528, Section 11. Repealed by 2017 Act No. 89, Section 35, eff November 19, 2018.
HISTORY: Former Section 56-5-3720, titled Required equipment, had the following history: 1986 Act No. 528, Section 11; 1991 Act No. 94, Section 5. Repealed by 2017 Act No. 89, Section 35, eff November 19, 2018.
HISTORY: Former Section 56-5-3730, titled Use of operating lights, had the following history: 1986 Act No. 528, Section 11. Repealed by 2017 Act No. 89, Section 35, eff November 19, 2018.
HISTORY: Former Section 56-5-3740, titled Modification of equipment to increase horsepower or speed, had the following history: 1986 Act No. 528, Section 11; 1991 Act No. 94, Section 6. Repealed by 2017 Act No. 89, Section 35, eff November 19, 2018.
HISTORY: Former Section 56-5-3750, titled Labeling requirements; violations and penalties, had the following history: 1986 Act No. 528, Section 11; 1991 Act No. 94, Section 7; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1426; 1996 Act No. 459, Section 187. Repealed by 2017 Act No. 89, Section 35, eff November 19, 2018.
HISTORY: Former Section 56-5-3760, titled Sign to be posted by persons selling mopeds, had the following history: 1986 Act No. 528, Section 11. Repealed by 2017 Act No. 89, Section 35, eff November 19, 2018.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3810. Limitations on backing.

(a) No driver shall back a vehicle unless such movement can be made with safety and without interfering with other traffic.
(b) No driver shall back a vehicle upon any shoulder or roadway of any controlled-access highway.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-492; 1952 Code Section 46-492; 1949 (46) 466; 1978 Act No. 451 Section 1.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3820. Operation of vehicle when driver's view or control over driving mechanism interfered with.

No person shall drive a vehicle when it is so loaded or when there are in the front seat such number of persons, exceeding three, as to obstruct the view of the driver to the front or sides of the vehicle or as to interfere with the driver's control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle. No passenger in a vehicle shall ride in such position as to interfere with the driver's view ahead or to the side or to interfere with his control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-493; 1952 Code Section 46-493; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3822. Opening vehicle doors.

No person shall open any door of a motor vehicle unless it is reasonably safe to do so, and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic, nor shall any person leave a door open on the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.
HISTORY: 1978 Act No. 451 Section 2.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3830. Driving through defiles or canyons or on mountain highways.

The driver of a motor vehicle traveling through defiles or canyons or on mountain highways shall hold the vehicle under control and as near the right-hand edge of the roadway as reasonably possible and, except when driving entirely to the right of the center of the roadway, shall give audible warning with the horn of the vehicle upon approaching any curve where the view is obstructed within a distance of two hundred feet along the highway.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-494; 1952 Code Section 46-494; 1949 (46) 466; 1978 Act No. 451 Section 4.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3840. Coasting prohibited.

The driver of any motor vehicle when traveling upon a downgrade shall not coast with the gears of such vehicle in neutral. The driver of a commercial motor vehicle when traveling upon a downgrade shall not coast with the clutch disengaged.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-495; 1952 Code Section 46-495; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3850. Crossing fire hose prohibited.

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.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-497; 1952 Code Section 46-497; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3870. Motor vehicle speed detection jamming devices.

(A) It is unlawful for a motor vehicle to be equipped with or for an operator of a motor vehicle to employ any device that is designed for jamming, scrambling, neutralizing, disabling, or interfering with radar, laser, or any other electronic device used by a law enforcement agency to measure the speed of a motor vehicle.
(B) A person who violates a provision contained in this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars.
HISTORY: 2006 Act No. 279, Section 1, eff May 23, 2006.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3880. Closure of state highways for running events.

The Department of Transportation may close state highways, roadways, or bridges to allow marathons or other running events when the race or event is open to all persons including the handicapped if in the opinion of the district engineer the race or event may be conducted in a safe manner. The Department of Transportation, city, county, organization, and sponsors of the race or event are immune from liability except for gross negligence from incidents arising from participation in or association with the race or event.
If the John P. Grace Memorial Bridge is not available for the annual Cooper River Bridge Run and Walk in Charleston County, the Silas N. Pearman Bridge must be made available for the event, if a contingency plan for vehicular traffic can be developed, provided, that if the Cooper River Bridge Run and Walk is not open to persons sixty-five years of age or older, neither bridge may be used for this event.
HISTORY: 1985 Act No. 201, Part II, Section 20A; 1992 Act No. 304, Section 2; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1427.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3885. Unlawful to display obscene bumper sticker.

(A) No person may operate a motor vehicle in this State which has affixed or attached to any part of the motor vehicle which is visible to members of the public not occupying the vehicle any sticker, decal, emblem, or other device containing obscene or indecent words, photographs, or depictions.
(B) Obscene words, photographs, or depictions must be defined and interpreted as provided in Section 16-15-305(B), (C), (D), and (E).
(C) A sticker, decal, emblem, or device is indecent when:
(1) taken as a whole, it describes, in a patently offensive way, as determined by contemporary community standards, sexual acts, excretory functions, or parts of the human body; and
(2) taken as a whole, it lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.
(D) A person who violates the provisions of subsection (A) is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be punished by a fine not exceeding two hundred dollars.
HISTORY: 1990 Act No. 443, Section 1.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-3900. Transportation of minors in open vehicles.

(A) It is unlawful to transport a person under fifteen years of age in the open bed or open cargo area of a pickup truck or trailer. An open bed or open cargo area is a bed or cargo area without permanent overhead restraining construction.
(B) Subsection (A) does not apply when:
(1) an adult is present in the bed or cargo area of the vehicle and is supervising the child;
(2) the child is secured or restrained by a seat belt manufactured in compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, installed to support a load of not less than five thousand pounds for each belt, and of a type approved by the Department of Public Safety;
(3) an emergency situation exists;
(4) the vehicle is being operated in an organized hayride or parade pursuant to a valid permit;
(5) the vehicle is being operated while hunting or in an agricultural enterprise;
(6) the vehicle is being operated in a county which has no incorporated area with a population greater than three thousand five hundred; or
(7) the vehicle has a closed metal tailgate and is being operated less than thirty-six miles an hour.
(C) A person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined twenty-five dollars.
(D) No driver's license points or insurance surcharge may be assessed for a violation of this section.
HISTORY: 2002 Act No. 181, Section 8.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4010. Size and weight limits not to be exceeded; powers of local authorities.

(A) It is unlawful for a person to drive or move or for the owner to cause or knowingly to permit to be driven or moved on a highway a vehicle of a size or weight exceeding the limitations stated in this article or otherwise in violation of this article. The maximum size and weight of vehicles herein specified is lawful throughout the State, and local authorities shall have no power or authority to alter these limitations except as express authority may be granted in this article. Provided, that municipalities and their franchisees may operate combinations of vehicles of not more than four units and not more than sixty-five feet in length on city streets within their corporate limits and the operation of these combinations of units is limited to speeds not in excess of twenty miles an hour, and these combination units must be equipped with brakes meeting braking requirements of Section 56-5-4860 and the rear vehicle must be equipped with at least one stoplight.
(B) The Transport Police Division of the Department of Public Safety has exclusive authority in this State for enforcement of the commercial motor vehicle carrier laws, which include Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, Hazardous Material Regulations, and size and weight laws and regulations.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-651; 1952 Code Section 46-651; 1949 (46) 466; 1978 Act No. 411 Section 1; 2012 Act No. 180, Section 4, eff May 25, 2012.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4020. Exemptions; annual permits for certain vehicles; maximum width for exempt vehicles.

(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.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-653; 1952 Code Section 46-653; 1949 (46) 466; 1954 (48) 1551; 1975 (59) 209; 1976 Act No. 588 Section 3; 1977 Act No. 77; 1980 Act No. 450; 1983 Act No. 151 Part II Section 28A; 1993 Act No. 164, Part II, Section 39B.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4030. Width of vehicles.

(A) As contained in this section, "appurtenances" include:
(1) an awning and its support hardware; and
(2) an appendage that is intended to be an integral part of a motor home, travel trailer, or truck camper and is installed by the manufacturer or dealer which includes, but is not limited to, vents, electrical outlet covers, and window frames.
(B) The total outside width of a vehicle or the load on it may not exceed one hundred two inches exclusive of safety devices approved by the Department of Public Safety.
(C) Appurtenances on motor homes, travel trailers, and truck campers in noncommercial use may extend to a maximum of six inches on one side and four inches on the other beyond the maximum width requirement contained in subsection (B).
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-654; 1952 Code Section 46-654; 1949 (46) 466; 1977 Act No. 36; 1986 Act No. 373, Section 1; 1989 Act No. 167, Section 1; 2002 Act No. 197, Section 1.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4035. Permit for transporting culvert pipe; penalties.

The Department of Transportation may, under such terms and conditions as it may deem to be in the public interest for safety on the highways and in addition to any other permits required by Title 56, issue annual permits for vehicles transporting culvert pipe on public highways. No permit shall be issued for loads exceeding a width of one hundred six inches, exclusive of safety devices approved by the Department of Public Safety. The fee for each permit shall be fifteen dollars for each vehicle hauling such loads.
Any person violating the provisions of this section or any regulation promulgated by authority hereof shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined in an amount not to exceed two hundred dollars or imprisoned for a term not to exceed thirty days.
HISTORY: 1978 Act No. 516 Section 1; 1996 Act No. 459, Section 188.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4040. Width of motor buses and trolley coaches; local ordinances.

Incorporated cities and municipalities may by ordinance permit the operation within their respective jurisdictions of any motor bus or trolley coach with a maximum outside width of not to exceed one hundred and two inches. But in the case of state highways within incorporated cities no such permit shall become effective until approved by the Department of Transportation. All such permits shall specify the streets or sections of streets over which such trolley coaches may be operated. The term "trolley coach" means a vehicle which is propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires though not operated upon rails.
The Department of Transportation with respect to the state highways and local authorities with respect to other highways, may issue permits for the operation of motor buses and trolley coaches, having a lateral outside width of not exceeding one hundred and two inches upon any highway, route or routes of sufficient width in suburban areas adjacent to municipalities.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-655; 1952 Code Section 46-655; 1949 (46) 466; 1950 (46) 2314; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1428.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4050. Side projecting loads on passenger vehicles.

No passenger vehicle shall be operated on any highway with any load carried thereon extending beyond the line of the fenders on the left side of such vehicle nor extending more than six inches beyond the line of the fenders on the right side of such vehicle.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-656; 1952 Code Section 46-656; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4055. Oversized vehicle on interstate highway.

Notwithstanding any provision of this article, relating to the issuance of permits for the movement of oversized loads or vehicles on the highways of this State or exemptions from permit requirements provided for oversized loads or vehicles, no vehicle or load shall be moved within the interstate highway system if such oversized load or vehicle could not be lawfully moved on the highways of this State pursuant to permit or otherwise on July 1, 1956.
HISTORY: 1978 Act No. 516 Section 2.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4060. Height of vehicles; exception; routing permits; underpasses.

(A)(1) No vehicle, unladen or with load, may exceed a height of thirteen feet six inches except that the height of an automobile transporter unit or a heavy truck transporting one or more other heavy trucks in a saddle mount combination may not exceed fourteen feet. Automobile transporters and heavy trucks transporting one or more other heavy trucks in a saddle mount combination are responsible for any personal injury or property damage resulting from operating a unit at a height in excess of thirteen feet six inches.
(2) To qualify for the fourteen foot exception contained in subsection (A)(1), the owner or operator of the heavy truck transporting one or more other heavy trucks in a saddle mount combination must have a valid routing permit issued by the Department of Transportation. All applicants shall be issued routing permits at no charge upon providing the department with evidence of its general liability coverage. Routing permits shall remain valid for twelve months from the date of issuance and specify the routes that may be traveled by the permittee and the conditions the permittee must observe while transporting heavy trucks in a saddle mount combination. Routing permits do not limit or otherwise affect the holder's liability for personal injuries or property damage.
(B) It is unlawful for any person to operate or attempt to operate under any underpass having a vertical clearance of less than thirteen feet six inches any vehicle with a height in excess of the vertical clearance of the underpass posted in accordance with the manual on uniform traffic-control devices provided for in Section 56-5-920. No person is required to raise, alter, construct, or reconstruct any existing underpass, wire, pole, trestle, or other structure to permit the passage of any vehicle, and neither the State nor any of its agencies or political subdivisions are liable for any personal injury or property damage resulting from the operation of a vehicle over any highway, road, or bridge or through any underpass having a vertical clearance of less than fourteen feet where the Department of Transportation or other body having maintenance jurisdiction of the underpass has posted notice of the reduced vertical clearance in accordance with the manual on uniform traffic-control devices provided for in Section 56-5-920.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-657; 1952 Code Section 46-657; 1949 (46) 466; 1950 (46) 2314; 1956 (49) 1689; 1960 (51) 1611; 1988 Act No. 298; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1429; 2008 Act No. 234, Section 4, eff upon approval (became law without the Governor's signature on May 22, 2008).
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4075. Promulgation of regulations; cooperation with United States Government; petition for removal of federally designated highway.

The Department of Public Safety and the Department of Transportation may promulgate regulations as necessary to implement the provisions of this article. Regulations may be promulgated to make designations as are necessary to provide for those vehicles which operate on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways and "other qualifying highways" pursuant to Sections 56-5-4030 and 56-5-4070 reasonable access to:
(a) terminals, facilities for food, fuel, repairs, and rest;
(b) points of loading and unloading for household goods carriers and auto transporters; and
(c) specific industrial, commercial, warehousing, and similar sites, only after consulting with and considering the views of the local governments through whose jurisdictions such specific site access would pass.
The Department of Transportation may cooperate with the United States Government by providing information to accomplish uniformity in designating "other qualifying highways". The information may only be provided after safety and operational requirements of the citizens of this State have been studied by the Department of Transportation. Any proposals by the Department of Transportation to add highways, other than those provided for in (a), (b), and (c) of this section, to the network of "qualifying highways" designated by the U. S. Secretary of Transportation must be approved by the General Assembly before they become effective.
The Governor may petition the Secretary of Transportation of the United States to remove any highway federally designated under the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 [49 USCS Appx Sections 2301 et seq.], as amended by Congress, and not considered safe.
HISTORY: 1986 Act No. 373, Section 4; 1989 Act No. 167, Section 3; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1431; 1996 Act No. 459, Section 190.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4080. Length of loads; hydraulic boom and bucket.

Subject to the foregoing provisions of this article limiting the length of vehicles and loads, the load upon any vehicle operated alone or the load upon the front vehicle of a combination of vehicles shall not extend more than three feet beyond the foremost part of the vehicle and the load upon any vehicle operated alone or the load upon the rear vehicle of a combination of vehicles shall not extend more than six feet beyond the rear of the bed or body of such vehicle; provided, that the hydraulic boom and bucket permanently attached to a vehicle used in the maintenance and construction of electric service lines shall not be considered as load within the meaning of this section. Provided, further, that such boom and bucket shall not extend more than eight feet beyond the foremost part of the vehicle.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-658; 1952 Code Section 46-658; 1949 (46) 466; 1972 (57) 2269.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4090. Length of load on certain pole trailers or pole carriers; structural material.

(A) The limitations regarding length of vehicles and loads stated in Sections 56-5-4070 and 56-5-4080 do not apply to a load upon a pole trailer, longwood trailer, or self-propelled pole carrier when transporting poles or logs.
(B) During daylight hours only, the limitations regarding length of vehicles and loads stated in Sections 56-5-4070 and 56-5-4080 do not apply to a load upon a pole trailer, longwood trailer, or self-propelled pole carrier when transporting pipes or structural material which cannot be dismembered.
(C) Between 2:00 a.m. and thirty minutes past sunset, the limitations regarding length of loads stated in Section 56-5-4080 do not apply to loads of iron, steel, and concrete articles up to sixty feet in length carried on a fifty-three foot long flat-bed trailer so long as:
(1) the vehicle is traveling upon or within five miles of the South Carolina Truck Network as defined by regulation of the Department of Transportation;
(2) the load does not extend more than three feet six inches beyond the front of the bed of the trailer;
(3) the load does not extend more than four feet beyond the rear of the bed of the trailer;
(4) a flashing amber strobe light and a red flag as required by Section 56-5-4630 are attached to any overhanging rear load; and,
(5) the vehicle's headlights, taillights, and any other exterior lights are on at all times while traveling upon the highways of this State.
(D) A pole, log, pipe, or other material exceeding eighty feet in length may not be transported unless a permit has been first obtained as authorized in Section 57-3-130.
(E) The provisions of this section do not apply to a pole trailer or self-propelled pole carrier operated by a utility company when transporting a pole to replace a damaged one.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-659; 1952 Code Section 46-659; 1949 (46) 466; 1956 (49) 1689; 1972 (57) 2270; 1991 Act No. 122, 1996 Act No. 425, Section 4; 1998 Act No. 333, Section 4.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4095. Transportation of modular or sectional housing units.

An official of the Department of Transportation designated by the secretary, in his discretion, upon application in writing and good cause being shown, may issue to a vehicle a permit in writing authorizing the applicant to operate or move upon the state's public highways a motor vehicle and loads for transporting not more than two modular housing units or sectional housing units if the total length of the vehicle, including the load, does not exceed the length presently authorized by law and regulation for the transporting of mobile homes. No permit may be issued to any vehicle whose operation upon the public highways of this State threatens the safety of others or threatens to unduly damage a highway or any of its appurtenances.
HISTORY: 1986 Act No. 391; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1432; 1996 Act No. 459, Section 191.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4110. Loads and covers must be firmly attached.

No person shall operate on any highway any vehicle with any load unless such load and any covering thereon is securely fastened so as to prevent such covering or load from becoming loose, detached or in any manner a hazard to other users of the highway.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-661; 1952 Code Section 46-661; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4120. Connections to trailers and towed vehicles; display of white flag.

When one vehicle is towing another vehicle, the drawbar or other connection shall be of sufficient strength to pull all weight towed thereby and such drawbar or other connection shall not exceed fifteen feet from one vehicle to the other except the connection between any two vehicles transporting poles, pipe, machinery or other objects of structural nature which cannot readily be dismembered. When one vehicle is towing another vehicle and the connection consists of a chain, rope or cable there shall be displayed upon such connection a white flag or cloth not less than twelve inches square.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-662; 1952 Code Section 46-662; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4130. Wheel and axle loads; high and low pressure tires.

(A)(1) The gross weight upon any wheel of a vehicle shall not exceed eight thousand pounds when equipped with high-pressure pneumatic, solid rubber or cushion tires, nor ten thousand pounds when equipped with low-pressure pneumatic tires. The gross weight upon any one axle of a vehicle shall not exceed sixteen thousand pounds when equipped with high-pressure pneumatic, solid rubber or cushion tires, nor twenty thousand pounds when equipped with low-pressure pneumatic tires.
(2) On the interstate and noninterstate highways of this State, any over-the-road bus as defined by Title 49 of the United States Code, motorhome, or any vehicle which is regularly and exclusively used as an intrastate public agency transit passenger bus as defined by Title 49 of the United States Code, is excluded from the axle weight limits in item (1). However, these vehicles are limited to a maximum single axle weight limit of twenty-four thousand pounds, including all enforcement tolerances.
(B) For the purpose of this section an "axle load" shall be defined as the total load transmitted to the road by all wheels whose centers may be included between two parallel transverse vertical planes forty inches apart, extending across the full width of the vehicle, every pneumatic tire designed for use and used when inflated with air to less than one hundred pounds pressure shall be deemed a "low-pressure tire" and every pneumatic tire inflated to one hundred pounds pressure or more shall be deemed a "high-pressure tire".
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-663; 1952 Code Section 46-663; 1949 (46) 466; 2016 Act No. 188 (H.4932), Section 2, eff May 25, 2016.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4145. Limitations as to weight, width, and vehicle combinations on Grace Memorial Bridge.

(a) The weights stated in Sections 56-5-4070, 56-5-4075 and 56-5-4140 are applicable to all roads and bridges as designated except the Grace Memorial Bridge in Charleston County on which trucks of no greater weight than ten tons are allowed.
(b) The Grace Memorial Bridge (U.S. Route 17 over the Cooper River in Charleston County) is not a designated route in accordance with the provisions of the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 [49 USCS Appx Sections 2301 et seq.]. Vehicles being operated or used on such segment of highway may not exceed a width of ninety-six inches nor exceed the gross weight limit as posted by the Department of Transportation, except during emergency conditions as determined by the Department of Transportation. Vehicle combinations of a truck-tractor, trailer or a truck-tractor, semitrailer or a truck-tractor, semitrailer, trailer or a truck-tractor, trailer-trailer are prohibited from being operated or used on this segment of highway.
HISTORY: 1986 Act No. 373, Sections 7, 8; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1434.