reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4740. Warning lamps.

Any vehicle may be equipped with lamps which may be used for the purpose of warning the operators of other vehicles of the presence of a vehicular traffic hazard requiring the exercise of unusual care in approaching, overtaking or passing, and when so equipped may display such warning in addition to any other warning signals required by this chapter. The lamps used to display such warning to the front shall be mounted at the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable and shall display simultaneously flashing white or amber lights or any shade of color between white and amber. The lamps used to display such warning to the rear shall be mounted at the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable and shall show simultaneously flashing amber or red lights or any shade of color between amber and red. These warning lights shall be visible from a distance of not less than five hundred feet under normal atmospheric conditions at night.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-545.1; 1957 (50) 59.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4750. Side cowl, running board, and back-up lamps.

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.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-546; 1952 Code Section 46-546; 1949 (46) 466; 1957 (50) 59.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4760. Identification lamps for large commercial vehicles.

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.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-546.1; 1957 (50) 59.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4770. Multiple-beam road-lighting equipment.

Except as hereinafter provided in this article the head lamps, the auxiliary driving lamps or the auxiliary passing lamps, or combinations thereof, on motor vehicles other than motorcycles or motor-driven cycles shall be so arranged that the driver may select at will between distributions of light projected to different elevations and may be so arranged that such selection can be made automatically, subject to the following limitations:
(1) There shall be an uppermost distribution of light or composite beam, so aimed and of such intensity as to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least three hundred and fifty feet ahead for all conditions of loading;
(2) There shall be a lowermost distribution of light or composite beam so aimed and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least one hundred feet ahead, and on a straight level road under any condition of loading none of the high-intensity portion of the beam shall be directed so as to strike the eyes of an approaching driver; and
(3) Every motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, registered in this State after January 1, 1949 which has multiple-beam road-lighting equipment shall be equipped with a beam indicator, which shall be lighted whenever the uppermost distribution of light from the head lamps is in use and shall not otherwise be lighted. Such indicator shall be so designed and located that when lighted it will be readily visible without glare to the driver of the vehicle so equipped.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-547; 1952 Code Section 46-547; 1949 (46) 466; 1955 (49) 89.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4780. Use of multiple-beam road-lighting equipment.

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.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-548; 1952 Code Section 46-548; 1949 (46) 466; 1955 (49) 89.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4790. Single-beam road-lighting equipment.

Head lamps arranged to provide a single distribution of light not supplemented by auxiliary driving lamps shall be permitted on motor vehicles manufactured and sold prior to April 29, 1939 in lieu of multiple-beam road-lighting equipment herein specified, if the single distribution of light complies with the following requirements and limitations:
(1) The head lamps shall be so aimed that when the vehicle is not loaded none of the high-intensity portion of the light shall at a distance of twenty-five feet ahead project higher than a level of five inches below the level of the center of the lamp from which it comes and in no case higher than forty-two inches above the level on which the vehicle stands at a distance of seventy-five feet ahead; and
(2) The intensity shall be sufficient to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least two hundred feet.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-549; 1952 Code Section 46-549; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4800. Road-lighting equipment on motor-driven cycles.

The head lamp or head lamps upon every motor-driven cycle may be of the single-beam or multiple-beam type but in either event shall comply with the requirements and limitations as follows:
(1) Every such head lamp or head lamps on a motor-driven cycle shall be of sufficient intensity to reveal a person or a vehicle at a distance of not less than one hundred feet when the motor-driven cycle is operated at any speed less than twenty-five miles per hour and at a distance of not less than two hundred feet when the motor-driven cycle is operated at a speed of twenty-five or more miles per hour, and any such motor-driven cycle shall be subject to the speed limitations in Section 56-5-1550;
(2) In the event the motor-driven cycle is equipped with a multiple-beam head lamp or head lamps, the upper beam shall meet the minimum requirements set forth above and the lowermost beam shall meet the requirements applicable to a lowermost distribution of light as set forth in item (2) of Section 56-5-4770; and
(3) In the event the motor-driven cycle is equipped with a single-beam lamp or lamps, such lamp or lamps shall be so aimed that when the vehicle is loaded none of the high-intensity portion of light, at a distance of twenty-five feet ahead, shall project higher than the level of the center of the lamp from which it comes.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-550; 1952 Code Section 46-550; 1949 (46) 466; 1955 (49) 89.
Editor's Note
Section 56-5-1550 was reserved by 2017 Act No. 89, Section 25, effective November 19, 2018.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4810. Alternate road-lighting equipment at low speeds.

Any motor vehicle may be operated under the conditions specified in Section 56-5-4450 when equipped with two lighted lamps upon the front thereof capable of revealing persons and objects seventy-five feet ahead in lieu of lamps required in Sections 56-5-4770 and 56-5-4790, provided that it is at no time operated at a speed in excess of twenty miles per hour.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-551; 1952 Code Section 46-551; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4820. Number of driving lamps required or permitted.

At all times specified in Section 56-5-4450 at least two lighted lamps shall be displayed, one on each side at the front of every motor vehicle other than a motor cycle or motor-driven cycle, except when such vehicle is parked subject to the regulations governing lights on parked vehicles. Whenever a motor vehicle equipped with head lamps as herein required is also equipped with any auxiliary lamps, a spot lamp or any other lamp on the front thereof projecting a beam of an intensity greater than three hundred candle power, not more than a total of four of any such lamps on the front of a vehicle shall be lighted at any one time when upon a highway.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-552; 1952 Code Section 46-552; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4830. Special restrictions on lamps; degree of intensity; red, blue and flashing lights.

Any lighted lamp or illuminating device upon a motor vehicle, other than head lamps, spot lamps, auxiliary lamps, flashing turn signals, emergency vehicle warning lamps, and school bus warning lamps, which project a beam of light of an intensity greater than three hundred candlepower shall be so directed that no part of the high intensity portion of the beam will strike the level of the roadway on which the vehicle stands at a distance of more than seventy-five feet from the vehicle.
A person shall not drive, move, or park any vehicle or equipment upon a highway with a lamp or device on it displaying a red or blue light visible from directly in front of the center of it. This section shall not apply to a vehicle upon which a red or blue light visible from the front is expressly authorized or required by this chapter.
Flashing lights are prohibited except on an authorized emergency vehicle, school bus, snow-removal equipment, or on any vehicle as a means of indicating a right or left turn or the presence of a vehicular traffic hazard requiring unusual care in approaching, overtaking, or passing.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-553; 1952 Code Section 46-553; 1949 (46) 466; 1957 (50) 112; 2003 Act No. 65, Section 2.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4840. Selling or using devices or equipment to change design or performance of lamps or reflectors.

It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, offer for sale or use any device or equipment which tends to change the original design or performance of any head lamps or any other lamps or reflectors required by law to be attached to motor vehicles, trailers or semitrailers unless the equipment or device has been approved by the director of the Department of Public Safety.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-554; 1960 (51) 1969; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1448.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4860. Performance ability of brakes; tests for deceleration and stopping distances.

Every motor vehicle and combination of vehicles, at all times and under all conditions of loading, upon application of the service brake, shall be capable of:
(a) Developing a braking force that is not less than the percentage of its gross weight tabulated herein for its classification,
(b) Decelerating to a stop from not more than twenty miles per hour at not less than the feet per second tabulated herein for its classification, and
(c) Stopping from a speed of twenty miles per hour in not more than the distance tabulated herein for its classification, such distance to be measured from the point at which movement of the service brake pedal or controls begins.
Tests for deceleration and stopping distance shall be made on a substantially level (not to exceed plus or minus one per cent grade), dry, smooth, hard surface that is free from loose material.
Classification
of Vehicles Braking force at a percentage of gross vehicle or combination weight Deceleration in feet
per second Brake System application and braking distance in feet from an initial speed of 20 m.p.h. (A) Passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of ten people or less including driver, not having a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating 52.8% 17 25 (B-1) All motorcycles and motor-driven cycles 43.5% 14 30 (B-2) Single unit vehicles with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less 43.5% 14 30 (C-1) Single unit vehicles with a manufacturer's gross weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds 43.5% 14 40 (C-2) Combination of a two-axle towing vehicle and a trailer with a gross trailer weight of 3,000 pounds or less 43.5% 14 40 (C-3) Buses, regardless of the number of axles, not having a manufacturer's gross weight rating 43.5% 14 40 (C-4) All combinations of vehicles in driveaway-towaway operations 43.5% 14 40 (D) All other vehicles and combinations of vehicles 43.5% 14 50
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-562; 1952 Code Section 46-562; 1949 (46) 466; 1964 (53) 2127.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4870. Maintenance and adjustment of brakes.

All brakes shall be maintained in good working order and shall be so adjusted as to operate as equally as practicable with respect to the wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-563; 1952 Code Section 46-563; 1949 (46) 466; 1964 (53) 2127.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4880. Inspection of brakes; effect of disapproval.

(a) The Department of Public Safety is authorized to require an inspection of the braking system on any motor-driven cycle and to disapprove any such braking system on a vehicle which it finds will not comply with the performance ability standard set forth in Section 56-5-4860, or which in its opinion is equipped with a braking system that is not so designed or constructed as to insure reasonable and reliable performance in actual use.
(b) The Department of Motor Vehicles may refuse to register or may suspend or revoke the registration of any vehicle referred to in this section when the Department of Public Safety determines that the braking system thereon does not comply with the provisions of this section.
(c) No person shall operate on any highway any vehicle referred to in this section in the event the Department of Public Safety has disapproved the braking system upon such vehicle.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-564; 1952 Code Section 46-564; 1949 (46) 466; 1964 (53) 2127; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1449; 1996 Act No. 459, Section 197.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4890. Hydraulic brake fluid; distribution and servicing; minimum standards; labelling.

(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.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-565; 1952 Code Section 46-565; 1949 (46) 466; 1964 (53) 2127.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4900. Regulations concerning brakes inapplicable to certain farm trailers; speed limit; small tandem tobacco trailers; chains, hooks, other safety equipment required.

Sections 56-5-4850 to 56-5-4890 do not apply to trailers, not exceeding eight thousand pounds gross weight, which are pulled behind farm tractors or trucks and used in the transportation of farm products and articles to and from farms. These trailers may not exceed a speed of twenty miles an hour. However, farm trailers exceeding eight thousand pounds gross weight, excluding gooseneck-type trailers, which are not equipped with brakes must be pulled by tow vehicles whose empty vehicle weight is at least one-half of the farm trailer's gross vehicle weight. These trailers may not exceed a speed of thirty miles an hour and may only be pulled in clear weather conditions.
Two small tobacco trailers may be pulled in tandem if:
(1) the maximum trailer length of each trailer is thirteen feet six inches;
(2) the maximum gross weight of each trailer is three thousand pounds;
(3) the maximum speed is twenty miles an hour;
(4) within a twenty-mile radius of the operations center; and
(5) operated in daylight hours only.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section or of this chapter, all farm and tobacco trailers when towed must be secured by a pintle hook, spring-load latch, safety lock hitch pin, or equivalent mechanism and also must be equipped with and shall have in use safety chains secured by a spring-loaded latch or other mechanism to ensure positive closure under loaded, operating conditions when the trailers are used to haul farm products and articles on the roads, streets, or highways of this State.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-566; 1952 Code Section 46-566; 1949 (46) 466; 1964 (53) 2127; 1992 Act No. 479, Section 1; 1993 Act No. 164, Part II, Section 39E.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4910. Bumpers; "private passenger automobile" defined.

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.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-571; 1972 (57) 2115, 2677.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4920. Bumpers; warranty as to energy absorption system and ability to sustain shock; automobiles manufactured on and after August 1, 1972.

Every private passenger automobile manufactured on and after August 1, 1972, sold and licensed in the State of South Carolina, shall be sold subject to the manufacturer's warranty that it is equipped with an appropriate energy absorption system and that, without compromising existing standards of passenger safety, it can be driven front directly into a standard Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE-J-850) test barrier at a speed of five miles per hour, rear directly into a standard Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE J-850) test barrier at a speed of two and one-half miles per hour without sustaining any damage to the automobile.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-572; 1972 (57) 2115.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4930. Bumpers; warranty as to energy absorption system and ability to sustain shock; automobiles manufactured on and after August 1, 1974.

Every private passenger automobile manufactured on and after August 1, 1974, sold and licensed in the State of South Carolina, shall be sold subject to the manufacturer's warranty that it is equipped with an appropriate energy absorption system and that without compromising existing standards of passenger safety, it can be driven, both front and rear, directly into a standard Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE J-850) test barrier at a speed of five miles per hour without sustaining any damage to the automobile other than minor deformation of bumper parts.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-573; 1972 (57) 2115.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4940. Bumpers; exceptions to warranty requirements; common-law and statutory remedies not removed.

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.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-574; 1972 (57) 2115; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1450.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4950. Horns and warning devices.

Every motor vehicle when operated upon a highway shall be equipped with a horn in good working order and capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than two hundred feet, but no horn or other warning device shall emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound or whistle. No vehicle other than an authorized emergency vehicle shall be equipped with nor shall any person use upon any such vehicle any siren, whistle or bell.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-581; 1952 Code Section 46-581; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4960. Use of horn.

The driver of a motor vehicle shall, when reasonably necessary to insure safe operation, give audible warning with his horn but shall not otherwise use such horn when upon a highway.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-582; 1952 Code Section 46-582; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4970. Sirens, whistle, or bell on authorized emergency vehicles.

Any authorized emergency vehicle may be equipped with a siren, whistle or bell capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than five hundred feet and of a type approved by the Department of Public Safety, but such siren shall not be used except when such vehicle is operated in response to an emergency call or in the immediate pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law, in which latter event the driver of such vehicle shall sound such siren when necessary to warn pedestrians and other drivers of the approach thereof.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-583; 1952 Code Section 46-583; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4975. Operation of vehicle upfitted but no longer licensed as an ambulance; removal of exterior equipment and markings; penalties.

(A) It is unlawful for a person to operate a vehicle that is upfitted as an ambulance or no longer permitted and licensed as an ambulance pursuant to Article 1, Chapter 61, Title 44, unless the vehicle's exterior equipment and markings including, but not limited to, emergency lights, sirens, and decals that distinguish it as an ambulance are removed. A person who violates this subsection, except as provided in subsections (B) and (C), is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
(B) A person who operates a vehicle in violation of subsection (A) with the intent to commit a felony, or in the commission of a felony, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.
(C) A person who operates a vehicle in violation of subsection (A) with the intent to commit a terrorist act, or in the commission of a terrorist act, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined ten thousand dollars and imprisoned for a mandatory minimum of ten years, no part of which may be suspended nor probation granted. For purposes of this section, "terrorist act" means activities that:
(1) involve acts dangerous to human life, which are a violation of the criminal laws of this State;
(2) appear to be intended to:
(a) intimidate or coerce a civilian population;
(b) influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or
(c) affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping; and
(3) occur primarily within the territorial jurisdiction of this State.
(D) The provisions of this section do not apply to:
(1) eleemosynary or not-for-profit organizations that operate an ambulance that is no longer permitted and licensed and whose exterior markings have been removed for use in parades, fundraising activities, and other official functions;
(2) a person operating a vehicle that is going from the place of purchase to his home or his fixed place of business;
(3) a person operating a vehicle going to a location for the purpose of removing the vehicle's exterior equipment or markings; or
(4) a person operating an antique vehicle as defined by Section 56-3-2210.
HISTORY: 2009 Act No. 5, Section 1, eff May 6, 2009.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4980. Theft alarm signal.

It is permissible but not required that any commercial vehicle be equipped with a theft alarm signal device which is so arranged that it cannot be used by the driver as an ordinary warning signal.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-584; 1952 Code Section 46-584; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-4990. Mirrors.

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.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-591; 1952 Code Section 46-591; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-5000. Windows unobstructed; windshield wipers.

No person shall drive any motor vehicle with any sign, poster or other nontransparent material upon the front windshield, sidewings or side or rear windows of such vehicle which obstructs the driver's clear view of the highway or any intersecting highway. The windshield on every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a device for cleaning rain, snow or other moisture from the windshield, which shall be so constructed as to be controlled or operated by the driver of the vehicle. Every windshield wiper upon a motor vehicle shall be maintained in good working order.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-592; 1952 Code Section 46-592; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-5010. Safety glass in motor vehicles.

No person shall sell any new motor vehicle nor shall any new motor vehicle be registered unless such vehicle is equipped with safety glass wherever glass is used in doors, windows, and windshields. The foregoing provisions shall apply to all passenger-type motor vehicles, including passenger buses and school buses. But in respect to trucks, including truck tractors, the requirements as to safety glass shall apply to all glass used in doors, windows, and windshields in the drivers' compartments of such vehicles.
The Department of Motor Vehicles shall not register any motor vehicle which is subject to the provisions of this section unless it is equipped with an approved type of safety glass, and the department may thereafter suspend the registration of any motor vehicle so subject to this section which it finds is not so equipped until it is made to conform to the requirements of this section.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-593; 1952 Code Section 46-593; 1949 (46) 466; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1451; 1996 Act No. 459, Section 198.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-5020. Mufflers.

Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise and annoying smoke and no person shall use a muffler cutout, bypass or similar device upon a motor vehicle upon a highway. The engine and power mechanism of every motor vehicle shall be so equipped and adjusted as to prevent the escape of excessive fumes and smoke.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-601; 1952 Code Section 46-601; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-5030. Devices to emit smoke screen, noisome gases, or odors prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for any person to attach to any motor vehicle any device to emit from the exhaust pipe or any other part of such vehicle any smoke screen, noisome gases or odors. It shall be unlawful for any person to drive upon any highway or to have in his possession any motor vehicle to which is attached or unattached or in which is transported any device or substantial part of a device, attached or unattached, used in whole or in part for any smoke screen or any noisome gases or odors. It shall be unlawful for any person to use or operate in this State any device attached to any motor vehicle so as to emit from such device any smoke screen, noisome gases or odors. Any person violating any of the foregoing provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be imprisoned for not less than six months nor more than two years or fined not less than two hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars, in the discretion of the court, and his driver's license shall be forthwith revoked for a period of two years.
Any motor vehicle possessed or operated by any person in violation of this section shall be forfeited to the county in which such conviction is had. But the rights of innocent owners of mortgages shall be protected. Any such motor vehicle so forfeited may be redeemed by the owner upon the payment to the county treasurer of a sum of money agreed upon by the governing body and the sheriff of such county.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-602; 1952 Code Section 46-602; 1949 (46) 466; 1960 (51) 1602; 1962 (52) 2179.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-5040. Tires.

Every motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer operated upon the highways shall be equipped with tires of sufficient size and in sufficient number to distribute the wheel loads on the road surface so as to avoid damage to the highway, and all such tires shall be in a safe operating condition. Every solid rubber tire on a vehicle shall have rubber on its entire traction surface at least one inch thick above the edge of the flange of the entire periphery. No person shall operate or move on any highway any motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer having any metal tire in contact with the roadway. No tire on a vehicle moved on a highway shall have on its periphery any block, stud, flange, cleat or spike or any other protuberance of any material other than rubber (or other resilient material) which projects beyond the tread of the traction surface of the tire, except that it shall be permissible to use farm machinery with tires having protuberances which will not injure the highway and except also that it shall be permissible to use tire chains of reasonable proportions upon any vehicle when required for safety, because of snow, ice or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to skid. It shall also be permissible to use upon any vehicle for increased safety, regular and snow tires with studs which project beyond the tread of the traction surface of the tire not more than one sixteenth of an inch when compressed.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-611; 1952 Code Section 46-611; 1949 (46) 466; 1968 (55) 2518.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-5050. Toilets or other devices hazardous to health.

No motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer shall be equipped with an open toilet or other device that may be hazardous from a health and sanitation standpoint.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-612; 1952 Code Section 46-612; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-5060. Certain vehicles must carry flares and other warning devices.

No person shall operate any motor truck, passenger bus or truck tractor upon any highway outside of the corporate limits of municipalities at any time from a half hour after sunset to half hour before sunrise unless there shall be carried in such vehicle the following equipment, except as provided in Section 56-5-5070:
(1) At least three flares or three red electric lanterns, each of which shall be capable of being seen and distinguished at a distance of five hundred feet under normal atmospheric conditions at nighttime. Each flare (liquid-burning pot torch) shall be capable of burning for not less than twelve hours in a five-mile-per-hour wind velocity and capable of burning in any air velocity from zero to forty miles per hour. Every such flare shall be substantially constructed so as to withstand reasonable shocks without leaking. Every such flare shall be carried in the vehicle in a metal rack box. Every such red electric lantern shall be capable of operating continuously for not less than twelve hours and shall be substantially constructed so as to withstand reasonable shock without breakage.
(2) At least three red-burning fusees unless red electric lanterns are carried. Every fusee shall be made in accordance with specifications of the Bureau of Explosives, New York, and so marked and shall be capable of burning at least fifteen minutes.
(3) At least two red cloth flags, not less than twelve inches square, with standards to support them.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-621; 1952 Code Section 46-621; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-5070. Red electric lanterns shall be carried in vehicles transporting inflammable liquids or gases.

No person shall operate at the time and under the conditions stated in Section 56-5-5060 any motor vehicle used in the transportation of inflammable liquids in bulk or transporting compressed inflammable gases unless there shall be carried in such vehicle three red electric lanterns meeting the requirements stated in Section 56-5-5060, and there shall not be carried in any such vehicle any flare, fusee or signal produced by a flame.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-622; 1952 Code Section 46-622; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-5080. Alternative warning device; portable reflector units.

As an alternative it shall be deemed a compliance with Sections 56-5-5060 and 56-5-5070 in the event the person operating any motor vehicle described therein shall carry in such vehicle three portable reflector units on standards of a type approved by the Department of Public Safety. No portable reflector unit shall be approved unless it is so designed and constructed as to include two reflectors, one above the other, each of which shall be capable of reflecting red light clearly visible from all distances within five hundred to fifty feet under normal atmospheric conditions at nighttime when directly in front of lawful upper beams of head lamps.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-623; 1952 Code Section 46-623; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-5090. Display of warning devices when vehicle disabled.

Whenever any motor truck, passenger bus, truck tractor, trailer, semitrailer or pole trailer is disabled upon the traveled portion of any highway or the shoulder thereof outside of any municipality at any time when lighted lamps are required on vehicles, the driver of such vehicle shall display the following warning devices upon the highway during the time the vehicle is so disabled on the highway, except as provided in Section 56-5-5100:
(1) A lighted fusee shall be immediately placed on the roadway at the traffic side of the motor vehicle unless electric lanterns are displayed; and
(2) Within the burning period of the fusee and as promptly as possible three lighted flares (pot torches) or three electric lanterns shall be placed on the roadway as follows: One at a distance of approximately one hundred feet in advance of the vehicle, one at a distance of approximately one hundred feet to the rear of the vehicle, each in the center of the lane of traffic occupied by the disabled vehicle, and one at the traffic side of the vehicle approximately ten feet rearward or forward thereof.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-624; 1952 Code Section 46-624; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-5100. Display of warning devices when disabled vehicle is carrying inflammable liquids or gases.

Whenever any vehicle used in the transportation of inflammable liquids in bulk or transporting compressed inflammable gases is disabled upon a highway at any time or place mentioned in Section 56-5-5090, the driver of such vehicle shall display upon the roadway the following lighted warning devices: One red electric lantern shall be immediately placed on the roadway at the traffic side of the vehicle and two other red electric lanterns shall be placed in the front and rear of the vehicle in the same manner as prescribed in Section 56-5-5090 for flares.
When a vehicle of a type specified in this section is involved, the use of flares, fusees or any signal produced by flame as warning signals is prohibited.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-625; 1952 Code Section 46-625; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-5110. Display of flags when vehicle disabled in daytime.

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.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-626; 1952 Code Section 46-626; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-5120. Alternative warning devices.

In the alternative it shall be deemed a compliance with Sections 56-5-5090, 56-5-5100 or 56-5-5110 in the event three portable reflector units on standards of a type approved by the Department of Public Safety are displayed at the times and under the conditions specified in said sections, either during the daytime or at nighttime, and such portable reflector units shall be placed on the roadway in the locations as described with reference to the placing of electric lanterns and lighted flares.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-627; 1952 Code Section 46-627; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-5130. Requirements as to flares, fusees, and other warning devices.

The flares, fusees, lanterns and flags to be displayed as required in Sections 56-5-5090 to 56-5-5110 shall conform with the requirements of Section 56-5-5060 applicable thereto.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-628; 1952 Code Section 46-628; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-5140. Vehicles transporting explosives.

Any person operating any vehicle transporting any explosive as a cargo or part of a cargo upon a highway shall at all times comply with the provisions of this section. Such vehicle shall be marked or placarded on each side and the rear with the word "Explosive" in letters not less than eight inches high or there shall be displayed on the rear of such vehicle a red flag not less than twenty-four inches square marked with the word "Danger" in white letters six inches high. Every such vehicle shall be equipped with not less than two fire extinguishers, filled and ready for immediate use and placed at a convenient point on the vehicle so used.
The Department of Public Safety shall promulgate such additional regulations governing the transportation of explosives and other dangerous articles by vehicles upon the highways as it shall deem advisable for the protection of the public.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-629; 1952 Code Section 46-629; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-5150. Use of safety devices when towing vehicles.

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.
HISTORY: 1984 Act No. 455.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-5310. Condition of vehicle and vehicle equipment.

No person shall drive or move on any highway any vehicle unless the equipment thereon is in good working order and adjustment as required in this chapter and the vehicle is in such safe mechanical condition as not to endanger the driver or other occupant or any person upon the highway.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-641; 1952 Code Section 46-641; 1949 (46) 466; 1965 (54) 649.
Article 39
Disposition of Abandoned Motor Vehicles on Highways
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-5620. Duty of sheriffs and police officers to remove vehicles; storage; personnel, equipment, and facilities for removing and storing.

(a) It shall be the duty of every police officer having knowledge of an abandoned motor vehicle to seize it and have it removed for safekeeping to such place as may be designated by the sheriff of the county, or the chief of police of the municipality, in which it was found, who shall be charged with its custody and disposition as provided in this article.
(b) A sheriff or chief of police may employ his own personnel, equipment, and facilities or hire persons, equipment, and facilities for the purpose of removing, preserving and storing abandoned motor vehicles.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-490.12; 1972 (57) 2459; 1974 (58) 2103.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-5640. Sale of unclaimed vehicles; disposition of proceeds.

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.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-490.14; 1972 (57) 2459; 2002 Act No. 195, Section 1; 2003 Act No. 71, Section 5; 2004 Act No. 269, Section 5; 2012 Act No. 242, Section 6, eff December 15, 2012; 2022 Act No. 233 (H.3729), Section 5, eff June 17, 2022.
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".