reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-1810. Drive on the right side of roadways; exceptions.

(a) Upon all roadways of sufficient width a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway except as follows:
1. When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such movement.
2. When an obstruction exists making it necessary to drive to the left of the center of the highway. Any person so doing shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles traveling in the proper direction upon the unobstructed portion of the highway within such distance so as not to constitute an immediate hazard.
3. Upon a roadway divided into three marked lanes for traffic under the rules applicable thereon.
4. Upon a roadway restricted to one-way traffic.
(b) Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
(c) Upon any roadway having four or more lanes for moving traffic and providing for two-way movement of traffic, no vehicle shall be driven to the left of the center line of the roadway, except when authorized by official traffic-control devices designating certain lanes to the left side of the center of the roadway for use by traffic not otherwise permitted to use such lanes, or except as permitted under item 2 of subsection (a). This subsection shall not be construed as prohibiting the crossing of the center line in making a left turn into or from an alley, private road or driveway.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-381; 1952 Code Section 46-381; 1949 (46) 466; 1977 Act No. 143 Section 1.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-1830. Passing vehicles proceeding in opposite directions.

Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other to the right, and upon roadways having width for not more than one line of traffic in each direction each driver shall give to the other at least one half of the main-traveled portion of the roadway, as nearly as possible.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-383; 1952 Code Section 46-383; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-1840. Overtaking and passing vehicles proceeding in same direction.

The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to those limitations, exceptions and special rules hereinafter stated:
(1) The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle; and
(2) Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal and shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-384; 1952 Code Section 46-384; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-1850. When passing on the right is permitted.

(a) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions:
1. When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn.
2. Upon a roadway with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for two or more lines of vehicles moving lawfully in the direction being travelled by the overtaking vehicle.
(b) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. Such movement shall not be made by driving off the roadway.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-385; 1952 Code Section 46-385; 1949 (46) 466; 1977 Act No. 143 Section 2.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-1860. Limitations on overtaking on the left.

No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless the left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken. In every event the overtaking vehicle must return to an authorized lane of travel as soon as practicable and in the event the passing movement involves the use of a lane authorized for vehicles approaching from the opposite direction, before coming within two hundred feet of any approaching vehicle.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-386; 1952 Code Section 46-386; 1949 (46) 466; 1977 Act No. 143 Section 3.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-1880. Further limitations on driving to left of center of roadway.

(a) No vehicle shall be driven on the left side of the roadway under the following conditions:
1. When approaching or upon the crest of a grade or a curve in the highway where the driver's view is obstructed within such distance as to create a hazard in the event another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction.
2. When approaching within one hundred feet of or traversing any intersection.
3. When the view is obstructed upon approaching within one hundred feet of any bridge, viaduct or tunnel.
(b) The foregoing limitations shall not apply upon a one-way roadway, nor under the conditions described in item 2, subsection (a) of Section 56-5-1810 nor to the driver of a vehicle turning left into or from an alley, private road or driveway.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-388; 1952 Code Section 46-388; 1949 (46) 466; 1977 Act No. 143 Section 4; 1992 Act No. 399, Section 6.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-1890. No-passing zones.

(a) The Department of Transportation and local authorities may determine those portions of any highway under their respective jurisdictions where overtaking and passing or driving on the left of the roadway would be especially hazardous and may by appropriate signs or markings on the roadway indicate the beginning and end of such zones and when such signs or markings are in place and clearly visible to an ordinarily observant person every driver of a vehicle shall obey the directions thereof.
(b) Where signs or markings are in place to define a no-passing zone as set forth in subsection (a) no driver shall at any time drive on the left side of the roadway within such or on the left side of any pavement striping designed to mark such no-passing zone throughout its length.
(c) This section shall not apply under the conditions described in item 2, subsection (a) of Section 56-5-1810 nor to the driver of a vehicle turning left into or from an alley, private road or driveway.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-389; 1952 Code Section 46-389; 1949 (46) 466; 1977 Act No. 143 Section 5; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1409.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-1895. Passing prohibited in highway work zones; penalties.

No vehicle may be driven so as to overtake and pass another vehicle in a highway work zone where road maintenance or construction work is underway and passing would be hazardous to the highway worker. A person who violates the provisions of this section must be punished as provided in Section 56-5-6190.
HISTORY: 1994 Act No. 409, Section 2, eff May 25, 1994.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-1900. Driving on roadways laned for traffic.

Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic the following rules in addition to all others consistent herewith shall apply:
(a) A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety.
(b) Upon a roadway which is divided into three lanes and provides for two-way movement of traffic, a vehicle shall not be driven in the center lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction when the center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance or in preparation for making a left turn or where the center lane is at the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the same direction that the vehicle is proceeding and such allocation is designated by official traffic-control devices.
(c) Official traffic-control devices may be erected directing specified traffic to use a designated lane or designating those lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction regardless of the center of the roadway and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every such device.
(d) Official traffic-control devices may be installed prohibiting the changing of lanes on sections of roadway and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of such devices.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-390; 1952 Code Section 46-390; 1949 (46) 466; 1977 Act No. 143 Section 6.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-1910. One-way roadways and rotary traffic islands.

(a) The Department of Transportation and local authorities with respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions may designate any highway, roadway, part of a roadway or specific lanes upon which vehicular traffic shall proceed in one direction at all or such times as shall be indicated by official traffic-control devices.
(b) Upon a roadway so designated for one-way traffic, a vehicle shall be driven only in the direction designated at all or such times as shall be indicated by official traffic-control devices.
(c) A vehicle passing around a rotary traffic island shall be driven only to the right of such island.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-391; 1952 Code Section 46-391; 1949 (46) 466; 1977 Act No. 143 Section 7; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1410.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-1920. Driving on divided highways.

Whenever any highway has been divided into two or more roadways by leaving an intervening space or by a physical barrier or clearly indicated dividing section so constructed as to impede vehicular traffic, every vehicle shall be driven only upon the right-hand roadway unless directed or permitted to use another roadway by official traffic-control devices or police officers. No vehicle shall be driven over, across or within any such dividing space, barrier or section except through an opening in such physical barrier or dividing section or space or at a crossover or intersection as established, unless specifically prohibited by public authority. For clarification, a left turn across a painted median is authorized unless prohibited by an official traffic-control device.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-392; 1952 Code Section 46-392; 1949 (46) 466; 1956 (49) 1594; 1977 Act No. 143 Section 8.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-1930. Following too closely.

(A) The operator of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.
(B) The operator of any truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle when traveling upon a roadway outside of a business or residence district and which is following another truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle shall, whenever conditions permit, leave sufficient space so that an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy such space without danger, except that this shall not prevent a truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle from overtaking and passing any vehicle or combination of vehicles.
(C) Motor vehicles being operated upon any roadway outside of a business or residence district in a caravan or motorcade whether or not towing other vehicles shall be so operated as to allow sufficient space between each such vehicle or combination of vehicles so as to enable any other vehicle to enter and occupy such space without danger. This provision shall not apply to funeral processions.
(D) This section does not apply to the operator of any nonleading commercial motor vehicle subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and traveling in a series of commercial vehicles using cooperative adaptive cruise control or any other automated driving technology.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-393; 1952 Code Section 46-393; 1949 (46) 466; 1977 Act No. 143 Section 9; 2017 Act No. 66 (H.3289), Section 1, eff May 19, 2017.
Effect of Amendment
2017 Act No. 66, Section 1, in (A) and (B), substituted "The operator" for "The driver"; in (C), substituted "being operated" for "being driven"; added (D), relating to the applicability of the section; and made nonsubstantive changes.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-1960. Following fire apparatus prohibited.

The driver of any vehicle other than one on official business shall not follow any fire apparatus traveling in response to an emergency closer than five hundred feet or stop such vehicle within five hundred feet of any fire apparatus stopped in answer to an emergency.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-496; 1952 Code Section 46-496; 1949 (46) 466; 1976 Act No. 534; 1978 Act No. 451 Section 5; 1998 Act No. 392, Section 2.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-1970. Restricted access.

No person shall drive a vehicle onto or from any controlled-access roadway except at such entrances and exits as are established by public authority.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-397; 1977 Act No. 143 Section 10.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-1980. Restrictions on use of controlled-access roadway.

(a) The Commission of the Department of Transportation by resolution or order entered in its minutes, and local authorities by ordinance, may regulate or prohibit the use of any controlled-access roadway or highway within their respective jurisdictions by any class or kind of traffic which is found to be incompatible with the normal and safe movement of traffic.
(b) The commission or local authority adopting any such prohibition shall erect and maintain official traffic-control devices on the controlled-access highway on which such prohibitions are applicable and when in place no person shall disobey the restrictions stated on such devices.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-398; 1977 Act No. 143 Section 11; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1411.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-2110. Starting of a vehicle.

No person shall start a vehicle which is stopped, standing or parked unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-401; 1952 Code Section 46-401; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-2120. Required position and method of turning.

The driver of a vehicle intending to turn shall do so as follows:
(a) Right turns. Both the approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
(b) Left turns. The driver of a vehicle intending to turn left shall approach the turn in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of such vehicle. Whenever practicable the left turn shall be made to the left of the center of the intersection so as to leave the intersection or other location in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the same direction as the vehicle on the roadway being entered.
(c) The Department of Transportation and local authorities in their respective jurisdictions may cause official traffic-control devices to be placed and thereby require and direct that a different course from that specified in this section be traveled by turning vehicles and when such devices are so placed no driver shall turn a vehicle other than as directed and required by such devices.
(d) Two-way left turn lanes. Where a special lane for making left turns by drivers proceeding in the opposite directions has been indicated by official traffic-control devices:
1. A left turn shall not be made from any other lane.
2. A vehicle shall not be driven in the lane except when preparing for or making a left turn from or into the roadway or when preparing for or making a U turn when otherwise permitted by law.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-402; 1952 Code Section 46-402; 1949 (46) 466; 1977 Act No. 144 Section 1; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1412.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-2140. Limitations on turning around.

(a) The driver of any vehicle shall not turn such vehicle so as to proceed in the opposite direction unless such movement can be made in safety and without interfering with other traffic.
(b) No vehicle shall be turned so as to proceed in the opposite direction upon any curve or upon the approach to or near the crest of a grade where such vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of any other vehicle approaching from either direction within five hundred feet.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-404; 1952 Code Section 46-404; 1949 (46) 466; 1953 (48) 313; 1977 Act No. 144 Section 2.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-2150. Turning movements and required signals.

(A) No person shall turn a vehicle or move right or left upon a roadway unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety nor without giving an appropriate signal as provided for in this section.
(B) A signal of intention to turn or move right or left when required shall be given continuously during not less than the last one hundred feet traveled by the vehicle before turning.
(C) No person shall stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided herein to the driver of any vehicle immediately to the rear when there is opportunity to give such signal.
(D) The signals required on vehicles by subsection (B) of Section 56-5-2180, shall not be flashed on one side only on a disabled vehicle, flashed as a courtesy or 'do pass' signal to operators of other vehicles approaching from the rear, nor be flashed on one side only of a parked vehicle except as may be necessary for compliance with this section.
(E) A person who violates the provisions of this section must be fined twenty-five dollars, all or part of which may not be suspended. In addition no court costs, assessments, surcharges, or points may be assessed against the person or his driving record."
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-405; 1952 Code Section 46-405; 1949 (46) 466; 1977 Act No. 144 Section 3; 2017 Act No. 81 (H.4033), Section 5.B, eff May 19, 2017.
Effect of Amendment
2017 Act No. 81, Section 5.B, added (E), providing a penalty for a violation of the section, and made nonsubstantive changes.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-2170. Method of giving hand and arm signals.

All signals herein required given by hand and arm shall be given from the left side of the vehicle in the following manner, and such signals shall indicate as follows:
(1) Left turn, hand and arm extended horizontally;
(2) Right turn, hand and arm extended upward; and
(3) Stop or decrease speed, hand and arm extended downward.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-407; 1952 Code Section 46-407; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-2180. Signals given by hand and arm or signal lamps.

(a) Any stop or turn signal when required herein shall be given either by means of the hand and arm or by signal lamps except as otherwise provided in subsection (b).
(b) Any motor vehicle in use on a highway shall be equipped with, and required signal shall be given by, signal lamps when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the left outside limit of the body, cab or load of such motor vehicle exceeds twenty-four inches or when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the rear limit of the body or load thereof exceeds fourteen feet. The latter measurement shall apply to any single vehicle or to any combination of vehicles.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-408; 1952 Code Section 46-408; 1949 (46) 466; 1977 Act No. 144 Section 4.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-2310. Vehicles approaching or entering intersection.

(a) When two vehicles approach or enter an intersection from different highways at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.
(b) The right-of-way rule in subsection (a) is modified at through highways and as otherwise provided in this chapter.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-421; 1952 Code Section 46-421; 1949 (46) 466; 1977 Act No. 144 Section 5.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-2320. Vehicle turning left.

The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left within an intersection or into an alley, private road or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-422; 1952 Code Section 46-422; 1949 (46) 466; 1977 Act No. 144 Section 6.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-2330. Stop signs and yield signs.

(a) Preferential right-of-way may be indicated by stop signs or yield signs as authorized by the Department of Transportation or local authorities.
(b) Except when directed to proceed by a police officer, every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop sign shall stop at a clearly marked stop line but, if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering it. After having stopped, the driver shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another roadway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time when such driver is moving across or within the intersection or junction of roadways.
(c) The driver of a vehicle approaching a yield sign shall in obedience to such sign slow down to a speed reasonable for the existing conditions and, if required for safety to stop, shall stop at a clearly marked stop line but, if none, before entering the cross-walk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting road before entering it. After slowing or stopping, the driver shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another roadway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time the driver is moving across or within the intersection or junction of roadways. If such driver is involved in a collision with a vehicle in the intersection or junction of roadways, after driving past a yield sign without stopping, the collision shall be deemed prima facie evidence of his failure to yield right-of-way.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-423; 1952 Code Section 46-423; 1949 (46) 466; 1977 Act No. 144 Section 7; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1413.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-2350. Vehicle entering roadway.

The driver of a vehicle about to enter or cross a roadway from any place other than another roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on the roadway to be entered or crossed.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-424; 1952 Code Section 46-424; 1949 (46) 466; 1977 Act No. 144 Section 8.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-2360. Operation of vehicles on approach of authorized emergency vehicles.

(a) Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making use of an audible signal meeting the requirements of Section 56-5-4970 and visual signals meeting the requirements of Section 56-5-4700, or of a police vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible signal or visual signal, the driver of every other vehicle traveling along a two-lane roadway shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible, to the right hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in that position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer. A driver of a vehicle traveling along a multilane roadway shall yield the right-of-way and shall remain in, or move to a location that allows the emergency vehicle or police vehicle to pass safely, except as otherwise directed by a police officer.
(b) This section shall not operate to relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-425; 1952 Code Section 46-425; 1949 (46) 466; 1977 Act No. 144 Section 9; 2002 Act No. 348, Section 5.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-2370. Highway construction and maintenance.

(a) The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to any authorized vehicle or pedestrian actually engaged in work upon a highway within any highway traffic construction or maintenance area indicated by official traffic-control devices.
(b) The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to any authorized vehicle obviously and actually engaged in work upon a highway whenever such vehicle displays flashing lights meeting the requirements of Section 56-5-4650.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-426; 1977 Act No. 144 Section 10.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-2510. Stopping, standing, or parking outside of business or residential district.

(A) No person shall stop, park, or leave standing a vehicle, whether attended or unattended, upon the roadway outside a business or residential district when it is practicable to stop, park, or leave the vehicle off the roadway. An unobstructed width of the highway opposite a standing vehicle must be left for the free passage of other vehicles and a clear view of the stopped vehicle must be available from a distance of two hundred feet in each direction upon the highway.
(B) This section and Sections 56-5-2530 and 56-5-2560 do not apply to the driver of a vehicle which is disabled making it impossible to avoid stopping and temporarily leaving the vehicle in the roadway.
(C) Notwithstanding another provision of law, a vehicle used solely for the purpose of collecting municipal solid waste as defined in Section 44-96-40(46) or recovered materials as defined in Section 44-96-40(34) may stop or stand on the road, street, or highway for the purpose of collecting solid waste or recovered materials. The vehicle shall maintain flashing hazard lights when engaged in stopping or standing to collect solid waste or recovered materials.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-481; 1952 Code Section 46-481; 1949 (46) 466; 1979 Act No. 105 Section 1; 1996 Act No. 298, Section 1.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-2520. Officers authorized to remove vehicles.

(a) Whenever any police officer finds a vehicle in violation of any of the provisions of Section 56-5-2510 he may move the vehicle or require the driver or other person in charge of the vehicle to move it to a position off the roadway.
(b) Any police officer may remove or cause to be removed to a place of safety any unattended vehicle illegally left standing upon any highway, bridge, causeway or in any tunnel in such position or under such circumstances as to obstruct the normal movement of traffic.
(c) Any police officer may remove or cause to be removed to the nearest garage or other place of safety any vehicle found upon a highway when:
(1) A report has been made that the vehicle has been stolen or taken without the consent of its owner.
(2) The person in charge of the vehicle is unable to provide for its custody or removal.
(3) The person driving or in control of the vehicle is arrested for an alleged offense for which the officer is required by law to take such person before a magistrate or other judicial official without unnecessary delay.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-482; 1952 Code Section 46-482; 1949 (46) 466; 1979 Act No. 105 Section 2.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-2525. Notice to authorities of towing and storing of motor vehicle without person's knowledge; exceptions; return of vehicle.

(A) For purposes of this section, " vehicle" means a motor vehicle, trailer, mobile home, watercraft, or any other item that is subject to towing and storage, and applies to any vehicle in custody at the time of the enactment of this section. "Vehicle" includes:
(1) items that are towed and left in the possession of a towing, storage, garage, or repair facility;
(2) contents contained in the vehicle; and
(3) personal property affixed to the vehicle.
(B) A towing company which tows and stores a person's vehicle without the person's knowledge must immediately notify the police department of the municipality where the vehicle was parked, or the sheriff of the county, if the vehicle was parked outside the limits of a municipality, of the location from which the vehicle was towed, the name of the company which towed the vehicle and the place where the vehicle is stored.
(C) A towing company failing to give this notice within one hour of the time the vehicle was towed is not entitled to any compensation for the towing and storing operations. The provisions of this section must be posted in a conspicuous place in all public areas on the premises of the towing company. The law enforcement agency that receives this notice must draft a towing report and furnish the towing company with the report's document number within a reasonable time. Notification to the law enforcement agency is not required when the towing is performed at the direction of a law enforcement officer.
(D) A towing company that tows away a person's vehicle without his knowledge and stores it is not required to return the vehicle to the person after the company's normal business hours.
HISTORY: 1981 Act No. 73, Section 1; 2004 Act No. 269, Section 2.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-2530. Stopping, standing, or parking prohibited in specified places; exceptions.

(A) Except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or in compliance with law or the directions of a police officer or official traffic-control device, no person shall:
(1) Stop, stand or park a vehicle:
(a) On the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street.
(b) On a sidewalk.
(c) Within an intersection.
(d) On a crosswalk.
(e) Between a safety zone and the adjacent curb or within thirty feet of points on the curb immediately opposite the ends of a safety zone, unless a different length is indicated by signs or markings.
(f) Alongside or opposite any street excavation or obstruction when stopping, standing or parking would obstruct traffic.
(g) Upon any bridge or other elevated structure upon a highway or within a highway tunnel.
(h) On any railroad tracks.
(i) On any controlled-access highway.
(j) In the area between roadways of a divided highway, including crossovers.
(k) At any place where official traffic-control devices prohibit stopping.
(2) Stand or park a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except momentarily to pick up or discharge passengers:
(a) In front of a public or private driveway.
(b) Within fifteen feet of a fire hydrant.
(c) Within twenty feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
(d) Within thirty feet upon the approach to any flashing signal, stop sign, yield sign or traffic-control signal located at the side of a roadway.
(e) Within twenty feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station and on the side of a street opposite to any fire station within seventy-five feet of the entrance when properly signposted.
(f) At any place where official traffic-control devices prohibit standing.
(3) Park a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading property or passengers:
(a) Within fifty feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing.
(b) At any place where official traffic-control devices prohibit parking.
(B) No person shall move a vehicle not lawfully under his control into any such prohibited area or away from a curb such a distance as is unlawful.
(C) This section does not prohibit a federal postal service carrier from stopping, standing, or parking along a rural roadway for frequent short intervals during delivery of mail, parcels, or packages. As used in this section, "rural" means an area outside the incorporated areas of the county.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-483; 1952 Code Section 46-483; 1949 (46) 466; 1979 Act No. 105 Section 3; 1994 Act No. 511, Section 1.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-2540. Stopping, standing, or parking may be prohibited on state highways.

The Department of Transportation with respect to state highways may place signs prohibiting or restricting the stopping, standing or parking of vehicles on any highway where, in its judgment, such stopping, standing or parking is deemed by the Department of Transportation to be hazardous to those using the highway or where the stopping, standing or parking of vehicles would unduly interfere with the free movement of traffic thereon. Such signs shall be official signs and no person shall stop, stand or park any vehicle in violation of the restrictions stated on such signs.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-486; 1952 Code Section 46-486; 1949 (46) 466; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1414.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-2550. Left curb and angle parking may be permitted.

The Department of Transportation with respect to state highways and local authorities with respect to highways under their jurisdiction may permit parking of vehicles with the left-hand wheels adjacent to and within eighteen inches of the left-hand curb on one-way roadways and may permit angle parking on any roadway of sufficient width to permit angle parking without interfering with the free movement of traffic. But local authorities shall not permit such left-hand parking on one-way roadways nor angle parking on state highways except upon written approval of the Department of Transportation.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-485; 1952 Code Section 46-485; 1949 (46) 466; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1415.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-2560. Parking at right-hand curb not more than 18 inches from curb.

Except as otherwise provided in Sections 56-5-2540 and 56-5-2550, every vehicle stopped or parked upon a roadway where there are adjacent curbs shall be so stopped or parked with the right-hand wheels of such vehicle parallel to and within eighteen inches of the right-hand curb.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-484; 1952 Code Section 46-484; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-2570. Parking of unattended motor vehicle.

No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key and effectively setting the brake thereon and, when standing upon any grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-491; 1952 Code Section 46-491; 1949 (46) 466.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-2580. Certain jurors exempt from municipal parking meters and time regulations; exceptions.

Jurors subpoenaed and in attendance at federal court or subpoenaed and in attendance at circuit or county court in this State in a municipality which has parking meters or parking regulations from the standpoint of continuous time of parking are allowed to use parking spaces without depositing coins in the meters and are not subject to these parking regulations; however, if parking is provided otherwise for jurors, this exemption does not apply.
In order to avail himself of the privilege conferred by this section, the juror shall place in or about his vehicle, so that it can be easily seen and read, the subpoena requiring his attendance or some statement in writing signed by the officer issuing it, or some agent of his thereunto authorized, to the effect that the juror has been subpoenaed and is attendant upon such court.
The privilege granted shall be effective only during the particular week in which the court is being held, unless for some reason the attendance of the juror under special circumstances is continued into the succeeding week, and only during the days on which the court is in session and at which the attendance of the juror is required. In determining the duration of the privilege conferred by this section, a part of a day shall be construed as a whole day.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-487; 1956 (49) 1812; 1992 Act No. 341, Section 1.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-2585. Disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients exempt from parking meter fees.

Disabled veterans and recipients of the Purple Heart are exempt from the payment of municipal parking meter fees when their vehicles bear a disabled veteran's or Purple Heart license plate issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
HISTORY: 1976 Act No. 564; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1416; 1996 Act No. 459, Section 184; 2000 Act No. 242, Section 1.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-2590. Unlawful for certain cities to place meters or time limit on streets abutting county property.

It shall be unlawful for any municipality of this State, having a population of between six thousand three hundred and fifty and six thousand eight hundred inhabitants according to the last official United States census, to require any person to pay a fee of any kind for parking an automobile or other vehicle on the abutting side of any street abutting and adjacent to property owned by the county in which such municipality is situate or located and used in connection with the county courthouse or county office building or on the abutting side of any street abutting or adjacent to any sidewalk which is adjacent to or abutting on such property owned by such county by the use of any device known as a parking meter or otherwise or to place a time limit on parking in such areas except such as may be authorized by the governing body of the county.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-488; 1955 (49) 598.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-2600. Parking violations; grace period.

A local governing authority that has issued a citation to a person who violates a provision that regulates the parking of vehicles shall allow the person thirty days to pay the original fine assessed before the local governing authority may increase the fine by any amount.
HISTORY: 2008 Act No. 283, Section 4, eff June 11, 2008.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-2710. Obedience to signal indicating approach of train or other on-track equipment.

(a) Whenever any person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing under any of the circumstances stated in this section the driver of the vehicle shall stop within fifty feet, but not less than fifteen feet, from the nearest rail of the railroad and shall not proceed until he can do so safely. The foregoing requirements shall apply when:
(1) A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a railroad train or other on-track equipment.
(2) A crossing gate is lowered or when a flagman gives or continues to give a signal of the approach or passage of a railroad train or other on-track equipment.
(3) A railroad train or other on-track equipment approaching within approximately one thousand, five hundred feet of the highway crossing emits a signal audible from such distance and the train, by reason of its speed or nearness to the crossing, is an immediate hazard.
(4) An approaching railroad train or other on-track equipment is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to the crossing.
(b) No person shall drive any vehicle through, around or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while the gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-471; 1952 Code Section 46-471; 1949 (46) 466; 1976 Act No. 579; 1979 Act No. 105 Section 4; 2022 Act No. 132 (H.3730), Section 1, eff April 11, 2022.
Effect of Amendment
2022 Act No. 132, Section 1, in (a), substituted "railroad train or other on-track equipment" for "railroad train" in four places.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-2715. Stop required at designated railroad grade crossings.

The Department of Transportation, and local authorities with the approval of the Department of Transportation, may designate particularly dangerous highway grade crossings of railroads and erect stop signs thereat. When such signs are erected, the driver of any vehicle shall stop within fifty feet, but not less than fifteen feet, from the nearest rail of the railroad and shall proceed only upon exercising due care.
HISTORY: 1979 Act No. 105 Section 5; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1417.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 56 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways › Section 56-5-2720. Vehicles required to stop at railroad grade crossings; exceptions.

(A) Except as provided in subsection (B), the driver or operator of every bus transporting passengers, or a vehicle permitted by the Department of Health and Environmental Control to carry hazardous waste, or any vehicle required by 49 C.F.R. Section 392.10 to stop at a railroad grade crossing, before crossing at grade any tracks of a railroad, shall stop the vehicle within fifty feet, but not less than fifteen feet, from the nearest rail of the railroad and while stopped shall listen and look in both directions along the track for an approaching train and for signals indicating the approach of a train and shall not proceed until he can do so safely. After stopping and upon proceeding when it is safe to do so, the driver of the vehicle shall cross only in the gear of the vehicle that there is no necessity for manually changing gears while traversing the crossing and the driver shall not manually shift gears while crossing the tracks.
(B) The provisions of this section do not apply at:
(1) a streetcar crossing, or railroad tracks used exclusively for industrial switching purposes, within a business district;
(2) a railroad grade crossing when a police officer or crossing flagman directs traffic to proceed;
(3) a railroad grade crossing controlled by a functioning highway traffic signal transmitting a green indication which, under local law, permits the commercial motor vehicle to proceed across the railroad tracks without slowing or stopping;
(4) an abandoned railroad grade crossing which is marked with a sign indicating that the rail line is abandoned; and
(5) an industrial or spur line railroad grade crossing marked with a sign reading "Exempt". "Exempt" signs shall be erected only by or with the consent of the appropriate state or local authority.
(C) For purposes of the section, "business district" means the territory contiguous to and including a highway when within any six hundred feet along a highway where there are buildings in use for business or industrial purposes including, but not limited to, hotels, banks, or office buildings which occupy at least three hundred feet of frontage on one side or three hundred feet collectively on both sides of the highway.
(D) For purposes of this section, a "bus" means:
(1) a motor vehicle designed or used to transport more than eight passengers, including the driver, for compensation; or
(2) a motor vehicle designed or used to transport more than fifteen passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation.
(E) The provisions of Section 59-67-230 apply to school buses as defined in Section 56-5-190.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-472; 1952 Code Section 46-472; 1949 (46) 466; 1979 Act No. 105 Section 6; 1981 Act No. 183; 1992 Act No. 399, Section 2; 2022 Act No. 134 (H.4618), Section 1, eff April 11, 2022.
Effect of Amendment
2022 Act No. 134, Section 1, rewrote the section.