reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors › Section 50-23-200. Unlawful acts; forging or altering statement of origin, assignment, or certificate of title; stolen property; altered, removed number.

No person may:
(1) alter, forge, or counterfeit a certificate of title or manufacturer's or importer's statement of origin for a watercraft or for an outboard motor;
(2) alter or falsify an assignment of a certificate of title, or an assignment or cancellation of a security interest on a certificate of title to a watercraft or to an outboard motor;
(3) hold or use a certificate of title to a watercraft or to an outboard motor nor hold or use an assignment or cancellation of a security interest on a certificate of title to a watercraft or to an outboard motor knowing it to have been altered, forged, counterfeited, or falsified;
(4) have possession of, buy, receive, sell or offer for sale, or otherwise dispose of a watercraft or an outboard motor knowing or having reason to believe the watercraft or outboard motor has been stolen. No person may procure or attempt to procure a certificate of title to a watercraft or an outboard motor or pass or attempt to pass a certificate of title or an assignment to a watercraft or an outboard motor knowing or having reason to believe the watercraft or the outboard motor has been stolen;
(5) have possession of, buy, receive, sell or offer for sale, or otherwise dispose of in this State a watercraft or an outboard motor on which a manufacturer's hull identification number or part of it or assigned serial number has been destroyed, removed, covered, altered, or defaced, knowing or having reason to believe of the destruction, removal, covering, alteration, or defacement of the manufacturer's hull identification number or part of it or assigned serial number; or
(6) destroy, remove, cover, alter, or deface the manufacturer's hull identification number or part of it or assigned serial number on a watercraft or an outboard or inboard motor.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.120; 1971 (57) 915; 1989 Act No. 190, Section 14; 1993 Act No. 128, Section 13; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1270; 2008 Act No. 344, Section 18, eff six months after approval (approved June 11, 2008).
Effect of Amendment
The 2008 amendment, in item (1), substituted "statement of origin for" for "certificate to" and "for" for "to" preceding "an outboard motor".
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors › Section 50-23-201. Obtaining or attempting to obtain certificate of title or number or decals by fraud or misrepresentation; penalty.

(A) Any person or entity that attempts to obtain a certificate of title, certificate of number or decals by fraud or misrepresentation or who obtains a certificate of title or certificate of number or decals by fraud or misrepresentation is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.
(B) Any certificate or decal obtained by fraud or misrepresentation is void.
HISTORY: 2008 Act No. 344, Section 19, eff six months after approval (approved June 11, 2008).
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors › Section 50-23-205. Seizure of certain watercraft; notice of seizure and of time for removal; forfeiture and disposal.

(A) A stolen or abandoned, junked, adrift, destroyed, or salvaged watercraft or outboard motor, a watercraft or outboard motor for which the true owner is not determined, or a watercraft or outboard motor on which the manufacturer's or assigned serial number has been destroyed, removed, covered, altered, or defaced may be seized.
(B) Upon seizure of the watercraft or outboard motor, the department shall notify a person claiming an interest in it, and the person has the right to prove his interest before the circuit court in the county where the property was seized. If no action is filed within sixty days of notification, the department may retain the property for official use or transfer the property to another public entity for official use, sell the property at public auction, or, if the watercraft or outboard motor is determined to be unsafe, destroy it. The proceeds derived from the sale must be deposited in the Boating Operating Fund of the department for administration of the program.
(C) When the department determines the owner of a seized watercraft or outboard motor and related marine equipment, it shall notify the owner by certified mail of the procedure, the location, and the fact that he has not less than thirty days from the date of the certified letter to remove the equipment from the department's storage facility. If a security interest has been perfected, the department must notify the lienholder by certified mail allowing thirty days to respond. Failure to respond within thirty days or remove the watercraft or outboard motor by the date designated forfeits the equipment to the department to be used or disposed of according to law.
HISTORY: 1980 Act No. 470, Section 2; 1989 Act No. 190, Section 15; 1993 Act No. 128, Section 14; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1270; 2008 Act No. 344, Section 20, eff six months after approval (approved June 11, 2008).
Effect of Amendment
The 2008 amendment, in subsection (C), substituted the second and third sentences for a sentence which read "Failure to remove the watercraft or outboard motor by the date designated forfeits the equipment to the department to be used or disposed of according to this section."
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors › Section 50-23-210. Suspension or revocation of certificate.

(a) The department shall have the authority to suspend or revoke a certificate of title to a watercraft, or to an outboard motor, upon reasonable notice and hearing, when authorized by any other provision of law or if he finds:
(1) The certificate of title was fraudulently procured or erroneously issued, or
(2) The watercraft, or outboard motor, has been scrapped, dismantled, or destroyed, or transferred and registered in another state.
(b) Suspension or revocation of a certificate of title does not, in itself, affect the validity of a security interest noted on it;
(c) When the department suspends or revokes a certificate of title, the owner or person in possession of it shall, immediately upon receiving notice of the suspension or revocation, mail or deliver the certificate to the department; or
(d) The department may seize and impound any certificate of title which has been suspended and revoked.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.121; 1971 (57) 915; 1985 Act No. 47, Section 3; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1270.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors › Section 50-23-220. Deposit and use of funds.

(A) Except as provided in subsection (B), all fees received and money collected under the provisions of this chapter must be deposited in the State Treasury and set apart in a special fund. Appropriations from this fund must be used for the expenses of the department in administering the provisions of this chapter or for any purpose related to the mission of the department.
(B) To the extent fees collected pursuant to Section 50-23-70, in connection with titling a boat, are attributable to fee increases beginning July 1, 1999, revenues from those increases must be used by the department for its law enforcement responsibilities. Any surplus may be carried forward for that use.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.122; 1971 (57) 915; 1992 Act No. 501, Part II, Section 44.B; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1270; 1999 Act No. 100, Part II, Section 64.F; 1999 Act No. 124, Section 2.S.
Code Commissioner's Note
At the direction of the Code Commissioner, the amendments to subsection (A) by 1999 Acts 100 and 124 were read together.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors › Section 50-23-230. Wildlife and Marine Resources Commission authorized to promulgate rules and regulations.

The department is authorized and empowered to make, adopt, promulgate, amend, and repeal all rules and regulations necessary, or convenient for the carrying out of the duties and obligations and powers conferred on the department by this chapter.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.123; 1971 (57) 915; 1972 (57) 2431; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1270.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors › Section 50-23-240. Filing and publication of rules and regulations.

A copy of the regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter, and of any amendments thereto, shall be filed in the office of the board and in the office of the official State record-keeping agency. Rules and regulations shall be published by the department in a convenient form.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.124; 1971 (57) 915; 1972 (57) 2791; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1270.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors › Section 50-23-250. Employment and duties of investigators.

The director, for the purpose of more effectively carrying out the provisions of this chapter, shall have the power to employ and appoint the necessary enforcement officers for enforcement of this chapter. The duties of such enforcement officers shall include but not be limited to investigating applications for certificate of title, inspecting watercraft, or outboard motors, in or at public facilities for purposes of locating stolen property, and investigating and reporting thefts of watercraft, or outboard motors. With respect to the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter, such enforcement officers shall have and may exercise throughout this State all of the powers of peace officers.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.125; 1971 (57) 915; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1270.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors › Section 50-23-260. List of owners furnished to county auditors.

The department shall annually, between January first and January thirty-first, furnish to each county auditor a list of motors and watercraft registered and titled pursuant to this chapter in the previous year to residents of such auditor's county, which list shall include the names and addresses of the owners of such watercraft and motors and sufficient additional information as will permit the auditors to identify the chattels titled for tax purposes.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.126; 1971 (57) 915; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1270.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors › Section 50-23-270. False statement in document or other submission to department; penalty.

A transfer of a watercraft or outboard motor is subject to this chapter. A person making a false statement in a document or other submission to the department is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than fifty nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.126:1; 1974 (58) 2279; 1989 Act No. 190, Section 16; 1993 Act No. 128, Section 15; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1270; 2008 Act No. 344, Section 21, eff six months after approval (approved June 11, 2008).
Effect of Amendment
The 2008 amendment rewrote this section.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors › Section 50-23-275. Watercraft not previously titled.

A watercraft not previously required to be titled for which a title is required by this chapter must be titled at the time of renewal of the registration of the watercraft or transfer of the watercraft whichever occurs first. An owner of such a watercraft must secure a title for the watercraft within three years from the effective date of this section.
HISTORY: 1989 Act No. 190, Section 17; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1270.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors › Section 50-23-280. Penalties.

(A) Unless otherwise specified, a person violating this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than twenty-five nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.
(B) A dealer violating this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than twenty-five dollars for the first offense, and not less than one hundred dollars for a second offense within two years. For the second and subsequent offenses, the dealer's permit must be suspended for ninety days. Any demonstration numbers must be surrendered to the department. A dealer who submits a fraudulent document or payment to the department must be suspended for ninety days.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.127; 1971 (57) 915; 1989 Act No. 190, Section 18; 1993 Act No. 128, Section 16; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1270; 2008 Act No. 344, Section 22, eff six months after approval (approved June 11, 2008).
Effect of amendment
The 2008 amendment rewrote this section.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors › Section 50-23-290. Obtaining clear title to watercraft or outboard motor without proper proof of ownership.

Any person coming into possession of a watercraft or outboard motor without proper proof of ownership must apply to the department for a title using the form prescribed by the department. The application must be supported by an affidavit setting forth the circumstances under which the watercraft or outboard motor was acquired. The applicant must attempt to notify the last known titled or registered owner and any lienholder of record by certified mail of the application. The applicant must provide the department with proof of mailing.
The applicant must publish an advertisement in a newspaper of general circulation in the county of residence of the last known owner of record for three successive issues. If there is no prior owner of record, the advertisement must be published in the county where acquired. The advertisement must be as prescribed by the department in the application. Proof of advertising must be submitted to the department.
Thirty days after the date of the last advertisement if no claim of interest or ownership is made and the item has not been reported stolen, the department shall issue a clear title. If the item is reported stolen, the department shall dispose of the item according to law.
If there is a claim of interest adverse to the applicant, the department shall not issue a title until the issue is resolved. The parties may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for resolution.
HISTORY: 1989 Act No. 190, Section 19; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1270; 2008 Act No. 344, Section 23, eff six months after approval (approved June 11, 2008).
Effect of Amendment
The 2008 amendment rewrote this section which previously provided for issuance of a conditional title.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors › Section 50-23-310. Numbering of vessels.

Every vessel using the waters of this State shall be numbered except those exempt by Section 50-23-320. No person shall operate or give permission for the operation of any such vessel on such waters unless the vessel is numbered in accordance with this chapter or in accordance with applicable Federal law or in accordance with a Federally-approved numbering system of another state and unless
(1) The certificate of number issued to such a vessel is on board and in full force and effect.
(2) The identifying number set forth in the certificate of number is displayed on each side of the forward half of the vessel.
(3) The decals issued by the department are attached to each side of the bow of the boat within six inches following the identifying number. Such decals, when a certificate of number is issued or renewed, shall be deemed a part of the registration number.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.21; 1955 (49) 299; 1959 (51) 409; 1961 (52) 588; 1972 (57) 2431, 2791; 1979 Act No. 104, Section 1; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269.
Editor's Note
1999 Act No. 124, Section 2.T, provided for the transfer of the sections from Article 3, Chapter 21 where this section was numbered Section 50-21-310.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors › Section 50-23-320. Exceptions.

(A) A vessel is not required to be numbered under this chapter if it is:
(1) covered by a certificate of number in effect which has been issued to it pursuant to federal law;
(2) a federally approved numbering system of another state. However, this vessel must not be held or used in this State for more than sixty consecutive days;
(3) from a country other than the United States and temporarily using the waters of this State;
(4) a vessel whose owner is the United States except recreational-type vessels;
(5) a vessel whose owner is the United States, a state, or political subdivision to a state used for governmental purposes and which is clearly identifiable as such;
(6) a vessel's lifeboat if the boat is used solely for lifesaving purposes;
(7) a vessel's tender;
(8) boats designed, constructed, and used for racing;
(9) a vessel belonging to a class of boats which has been exempted from numbering by the department after the department has found that the federal government has exempted the vessel or class of vessels from their numbering provisions or as otherwise permitted by the federal government;
(10) documented by the United States Coast Guard or a federal agency successor to it;
(11) used under authority of a valid temporary certificate of number issued by the department or its agent; or
(12) a sailboat or paddle boat when no propulsion machinery of any description is installed in or attached to the boat.
(B) Nothing in this chapter prohibits the numbering of an undocumented vessel upon request by the owner even though the vessel is exempt from the numbering requirements of this chapter.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.22; 1955 (49) 299; 1959 (51) 409; 1961 (52) 588; 1972 (57) 2791; 1993 Act No. 128, Section 5; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269; 1999 Act No. 124, Section 2.N, T; 2008 Act No. 344, Section 24, eff six months after approval (approved June 11, 2008).
Editor's Note
1999 Act No. 124, Section 2.T, provided for the transfer of the sections from Article 3, Chapter 21 where this section was numbered Section 50-21-320.
Effect of Amendment
The 2008 amendment created item (2) from the last part of item (1); redesignated items (2) to (5) as items (3) to (6); added items (7) and (8); and redesignated items (7) to (9) as items (10) to (12).
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors › Section 50-23-330. Conformity to United States Government numbering system.

In the event that an agency of the United States Government shall have in force an overall system of identification (numbering) for vessels within the United States, the numbering system employed pursuant to this chapter by the department shall be in conformity therewith.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.23; 1955 (49) 299; 1959 (51) 409; 1972 (57) 2791; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269.
Editor's Note
1999 Act No. 124, Section 2.T, provided for the transfer of the sections from Article 3, Chapter 21 where this section was numbered Section 50-21-330.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors › Section 50-23-340. Application for and issuance of number and certificate; fee.

The owner of each motorboat requiring numbering by this chapter shall file an application for a number with the department on forms approved by it. The application shall be signed by the owner of the motorboat and shall be accompanied by a fee of ten dollars. Upon receipt of the application in approved form, the department shall enter the same upon the records of its office and issue to the applicant a certificate of number stating the number awarded to the motorboat and the name and address of the owner. The certificate of number shall be pocket size.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.24; 1955 (49) 299; 1960 (51) 1705; 1981 Act No. 94, Section 14; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269; 1999 Act No. 100, Part II, Section 64.B; 2018 Act No. 223 (H.4715), Section 3, eff January 1, 2020.
Editor's Note
1999 Act No. 124, Section 2.T, provided for the transfer of the sections from Article 3, Chapter 21, where this section was numbered Section 50-21-340.
Effect of Amendment
2018 Act No. 223, Section 3, in the second sentence, substituted "ten dollars" for "thirty dollars".
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors › Section 50-23-345. Temporary certificate of number.

(A) A transferee shall utilize the temporary certificate of number on the department's application form as a temporary certificate of number to permit the use of watercraft while applications for certificates of number are processed. Temporary certificates of number apply to new and previously owned watercraft. A temporary certificate is valid for not more than sixty days from the date of purchase. No temporary certificate of number may be issued for a boat, boat motor, or watercraft until the ad valorem tax is paid for the year for which the registration is to be issued.
(B) When using a recently purchased watercraft under authority of a temporary certificate of number, the operator shall carry a copy of the bill of sale on board along with the temporary certificate of number.
(C) A temporary certificate of number must not be issued for a watercraft not having a hull or manufacturer's identification number.
(D) Duplicate or updated temporary certificates of number or updated bills of sale are prohibited.
(E) The number assigned to a temporary certificate of number must not be displayed on the watercraft.
(F) A transferee may operate a newly acquired outboard motor for sixty days while application for title is pending provided the bill of sale is in possession while operating the motor.
HISTORY: 1993 Act No. 128, Section 1; 2008 Act No. 344, Section 25, eff six months after approval (approved June 11, 2008); 2018 Act No. 223 (H.4715), Section 4, eff January 1, 2020.
Editor's Note
1999 Act No. 124, Section 2T, provided for the transfer of this section from Chapter 21 where it was numbered Section 50-21-340.
Effect of Amendment
The 2008 amendment rewrote subsection (A); in subsection (B), substituted "along with the temporary certificate of number" for "as temporary proof of ownership"; in subsection (C), added "or manufacturer's"; and added subsection (F) pertaining to operation while title application is pending.
2018 Act No. 223, Section 4, in (A), added the fourth sentence, providing a certificate of number may not be issued until ad valorem taxes are paid for the year in which the certificate is issued.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors › Section 50-23-350. Issuance of certificates of number by agents.

The department may issue any certificate of number directly or may authorize any person to act as agent for the issuing thereof. In the event that a person accepts such authorization, he may be allotted a block of numbers and certificates therefor which upon assignment and issue in conformity with this chapter and with any rules and regulations of the department adopted pursuant to this chapter shall be valid as if assigned and issued directly by the department.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.25; 1955 (49) 299; 1959 (51) 409; 1972 (57) 2791; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269.
Editor's Note
1999 Act No. 124, Section 2T, provided for the transfer of the sections from Article 3, Chapter 21 where this section was numbered Section 50-21-350.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors › Section 50-23-360. Display of number.

The owner shall paint on or attach to each side of the forward half of the vessel the identification number in such a manner as may be prescribed by rules and regulations of the department; in order that it may be clearly visible the number shall be maintained in legible condition. No number other than the number validly assigned to a vessel shall be painted, attached or otherwise displayed on each side of the forward half of such vessel. Only one valid number may be displayed at any time.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.26; 1955 (49) 299; 1959 (51) 409; 1960 (51) 1705; 1972 (57) 2791; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269.
Editor's Note
1999 Act No. 124, Section 2T, provided for the transfer of the sections from Article 3, Chapter 21 where this section was numbered Section 5-21-360.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors › Section 50-23-375. Display of number or decal on watercraft or outboard motor other than that for which it was issued.

It is unlawful to display a registration number or a validation decal or an outboard motor title decal or sailboat title decal on any watercraft or outboard motor except on the watercraft or outboard motor for which it was issued.
HISTORY: 2008 Act No. 344, Section 27, eff six months after approval (approved June 11, 2008).
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors › Section 50-23-380. Transfer of registration upon change of ownership; fee.

(A) Upon the transfer of ownership of a watercraft, the purchaser shall file an application for transfer of a registration at a cost of six dollars. The application for transfer must be made by the purchaser within thirty days from date of purchase. The purchaser may operate the watercraft for not more than sixty days on a temporary certificate of number.
(B) The provisions of this section for the transfer charge do not apply to watercraft owned by volunteer rescue squads used exclusively for the purposes of the squads.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.28; 1955 (49) 299; 1961 (52) 588; 1972 (57) 2791; 1979 Act No. 66, Section 1; 1981 Act No. 94, Section 15; 1984 Act No. 512, Part II, Section 54A; 1993 Act No. 128, Section 7; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269; 1999 Act No. 100, Part II, Section 64.D; 2008 Act No. 344, Section 28, eff six months after approval (approved June 11, 2008).
Editor's Note
1993 Act No. 181, Section 1614 provides as follows:
"Notwithstanding any permanent or temporary provision of law, any enactment, or portion thereof, of the General Assembly in 1993 in conflict with any provision of this act shall be suspended as to its force and effect until March 1, 1994. Where there is no conflict the provisions of any other enactments shall supersede the provisions of this act. For the purposes of this section, "conflict" shall not include:
"(1) where provisions of the Code of Laws of 1976, as amended, are repeated herein so as to incorporate only changes in the names of agencies, divisions or departments, except so far as such change in name conflicts with another enactment or a portion of another enactment, or.
"(2) where provisions of the Code of Laws of 1976, as amended, are repeated herein so as to incorporate only changes in the governance or structure of an agency, division or department except so far as such governance or structure is in conflict with another enactment or some portion of another enactment."
1999 Act No. 124, Section 2T, provided for the transfer of the sections from Article 3, Chapter 21 where this section was numbered Section 50-21-380.
Effect of Amendment
The 2008 amendment, is subsection (A), in the first sentence deleted "card" following "registration".
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors › Section 50-23-385. Houseboats with waste-holding tanks; indefinite mooring; waste pump-out.

Houseboats used for habitation may be indefinitely moored at a private dock as long as the houseboat has a waste-holding tank. Waste pump-out must be done at an approved pump-out facility. A person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be punished by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars or imprisonment for thirty days, or both.
HISTORY: 1999 Act No. 114, Section 2.
Editor's Note
1999 Act No. 124, Section 2T, provided for the transfer of the sections from Article 3, Chapter 21 where this section was numbered Section 50-21-385.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors › Section 50-23-400. Notice of change of address.

Any holder of a certificate of number shall notify the department in writing within thirty days if his address no longer conforms to the address appearing on the certificate and, as part of the notification, shall furnish the department with his new address.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.30; 1955 (49) 299; 1959 (51) 409; 1972 (57) 2791; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269; 2008 Act No. 344, Section 29, eff six months after approval (approved June 11, 2008).
Editor's Note
1999 Act No. 124, Section 2T, provided for the transfer of the sections from Article 3, Chapter 21 where this section was numbered as Section 50-21-400.
Effect of Amendment
The 2008 amendment substituted "thirty days" for "fifteen days" and made nonsubstantive language changes.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors › Section 50-23-420. Display of hull identification number.

No vessel constructed after November 1, 1972, shall be offered for sale in this State unless the hull identification number is permanently displayed and affixed in accordance with United States Coast Guard rules and regulations.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.9; 1955 (49) 299; 1961 (52) 588; 1972 (57) 2791; 1973 (58) 648; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269.
Editor's Note
1999 Act No. 124, Section 2T, provided for the transfer of the sections from Article 3, Chapter 21 where this section was numbered 50-21-420.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors › Section 50-23-425. Denial of renewal of registration; proof of payment of property taxes on watercraft.

A registration of watercraft may not be renewed pursuant to this chapter if the department has notice that property taxes are owed on the watercraft. If renewal of registration has been denied pursuant to this section, a tax receipt from the person officially charged with the collection of ad valorem taxes in the county of residence must be accepted as proof that the taxes have been paid.
HISTORY: 1998 Act No. 383, Section 1.
Editor's Note
1999 Act No. 124, Section 2T, provided for the transfer of the sections from Article 3, Chapter 21 where this section was numbered as Section 50-21-425.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 25 - Boating And Surfing At Particular Localities › Section 50-25-10. Operation of motorboats.

Except on and during legal holidays, the operation and driving of motorboats upon the waters of Bath Lake in Aiken County by any method or means whereby disturbing, excessive and useless noises are produced by such operation is declared a public nuisance and is hereby forbidden. Any person who shall violate the provisions hereof shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars and not more than fifty dollars or imprisonment for a period not exceeding thirty days. All fines imposed and collected under the provisions hereof shall be paid to the treasurer of Aiken County and by him credited to the school funds of the school district in which Bath Lake is situated.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-321; 1952 Code Section 70-321; 1942 Code Section 3937; 1933 (38) 94; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1271.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 25 - Boating And Surfing At Particular Localities › Section 50-25-110. Operation of motorboats on portion of Brighton Beach in Beaufort County.

It is unlawful for any person to operate any boat propelled at the time by an inboard or outboard motor at Brighton Beach on May River in Beaufort County, between the low and high tide water marks and between the docks of J. E. Smith on the east and the docks of C. Ray Carter on the west. It is declared that the operation of such craft in the area referred to constitutes an undue hazard to persons using the area on this beach for bathing and swimming. The supervisor of Beaufort County shall place at each end of this area an appropriate sign designating it as a bathing area only. It is made the special duty of the sheriff of Beaufort County and his deputies to see that the provisions of this section are observed and enforced. Any violation of the provisions of this section is declared to be a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, the offender shall be fined not exceeding one hundred dollars or be imprisoned for a term not exceeding thirty days.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-331; 1953 (48) 36; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1271.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 25 - Boating And Surfing At Particular Localities › Section 50-25-120. Operation of motorboats at Bailey's Beach in Beaufort County.

It is unlawful for any person to operate a boat propelled at the time by an inboard or outboard motor between the low and high tide water marks and within two hundred feet east or west of a dock owned by George Bailey at Bailey's Beach on the north side of the Colleton River in Beaufort County. It is declared that the operation of such craft in the area referred to constitutes an undue hazard to persons using the area on this beach for bathing and swimming. Any violation of the provisions of this section is declared to be a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, the offender shall be fined not exceeding one hundred dollars or be imprisoned for a term not exceeding thirty days.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-332; 1954 (48) 1940; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1271.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 25 - Boating And Surfing At Particular Localities › Section 50-25-150. Operation of certain motorboats on Louther's Lake prohibited; signs posted; penalties.

It shall be unlawful for anyone to operate a motorboat on Louther's Lake near the Town of Mechanicsville in Darlington County when the boat has onboard a motor which has a manufacturer's advertised horsepower greater than ten. It shall be the responsibility of the department to post and maintain at each major landing on Louther's Lake a three foot by four foot sign, visible to users of the landings, on which the foregoing prohibition shall be plainly lettered. Anyone operating a boat in violation of the provisions of this section shall be fined not less than fifty dollars nor more than one hundred dollars, or be imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
HISTORY: 1979 Act No. 177, Section 1; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1271.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 25 - Boating And Surfing At Particular Localities › Section 50-25-210. Surfing unlawful at certain times on certain beaches in unincorporated community of Garden City.

It shall be unlawful for any person to use a surfboard or similar device used as a surfboard from May fifteenth until Labor Day on the beaches of the unincorporated community of Garden City in Horry County between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. except in the area from Holliday Drive south for a distance of six hundred ninety feet to a ten-foot alley or to engage in surfing at any time within three hundred feet of any fishing pier. The county sheriff shall arrange for the posting of signs to designate both the prohibited and permitted areas for surfing and the date and time limitations prescribed in this section. Any person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-335; 1971 (57) 768; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1271.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 25 - Boating And Surfing At Particular Localities › Section 50-25-310. Boating within two hundred feet below dam unlawful.

It shall be unlawful for anyone to enter in a boat or any other boating device within the watercourse below the Duke Power Company Wateree Dam in Kershaw County for a distance of two hundred feet. The department shall place appropriate signs or markers on each side of the watercourse indicating the zoned area for boats. Anyone violating the provisions of this section shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days, or both.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-341; 1957 (50) 62; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1271.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 25 - Boating And Surfing At Particular Localities › Section 50-25-320. Boating within one hundred feet above dam unlawful.

It shall be unlawful for anyone to enter in a boat or any other boating device within the watercourse above the Duke Power Company Wateree Dam in Kershaw County for a distance of one hundred feet. The department shall place appropriate signs or markers on each side of the watercourse indicating the zoned area for boats. Nothing in this section or Section 50-19-1820 shall be construed to prohibit fishing in waters within one hundred feet of the dam from a boat which is further than one hundred feet from the dam. Anyone violating the provisions of this section shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-342; 1961 (52) 663; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1271.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 25 - Boating And Surfing At Particular Localities › Section 50-25-410. Operation of motorboats.

The operation of motorboats upon the waters of Langley Lake in Aiken County with exhausts, mufflers or cutouts open or by any other method or means whereby disturbing, excessive and useless noises are produced by such operation is declared a public nuisance and is hereby forbidden except on legal holidays. Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars or be imprisoned for not exceeding thirty days. All fines collected under the provisions of this section shall be paid to the treasurer of Aiken County who shall deposit such funds to the credit of the school district in which Langley Lake is situated.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-351; 1962 (52) 1925; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1271.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 25 - Boating And Surfing At Particular Localities › Section 50-25-1010. Motorboats on Tugalo Lake; maximum horsepower.

Except for law enforcement and dam operation and maintenance watercraft, no motor in excess of twenty-five horsepower shall be used on any watercraft operated on Tugalo Lake. A person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one hundred dollars or more than five hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not more than thirty days, or both.
HISTORY: 1999 Act No. 43, Section 1; 2014 Act No. 161 (S.1028), Section 1, eff April 14, 2014.
Effect of Amendment
2014 Act No. 161, Section 1, substituted "twenty-five horsepower" for "twenty horsepower".
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 25 - Boating And Surfing At Particular Localities › Section 50-25-1110. Noise control requirements.

Any motorboat operating upon waters on Lake Wylie shall comply with the following noise control requirements:
(1) Motorboats with inboard-outboard propulsion machinery shall exhaust through the propeller.
(2) Inboard motorboats with "V"-drives-jets or propeller propulsion machinery with exhaust through the transom shall be water cooled with a steady stream of water or exhaust underwater while under way or exhaust through an automotive type sealed (baffle) muffler for each exhaust stack, with exhaust openings not to exceed two inches in diameter. Boats with original propulsion machinery made before 1970 are exempt from the requirements of this item.
(3) Motorboats and their propulsion machinery which exhaust over the transom shall exhaust through an automotive sealed (baffle) type muffler for each exhaust stack, with exhaust openings not to exceed two inches in diameter. Glass pack mufflers, resonators and above water open exhausts are prohibited for such motorboats. Baffle inserts are prohibited on all inboard boats.
(4) Motorboats with outboard propulsion machinery shall exhaust under water at all times unless designed or modified to exhaust above water and comply with the provisions of item (3) of this section.
HISTORY: 1982 Act No. 360, Section 1; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1271.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 25 - Boating And Surfing At Particular Localities › Section 50-25-1120. Exemptions and exceptions.

The motorboats competing in a regatta, boat race, marine parade, tournament or exhibition approved as provided in Section 50-21-1010 shall be exempted from the provisions of this article. Exceptions may also be granted during designated hours for pretrial runs and for trial runs for speed records immediately following the event.
HISTORY: 1982 Act No. 360, Section 1; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1271.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 25 - Boating And Surfing At Particular Localities › Section 50-25-1130. Violation of article; penalty.

The operator of any motorboat who violates any of the provisions of this article is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined for a first offense not less than fifty-dollars nor more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. For a conviction of a second offense the punishment shall be by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than two hundred or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days. For the conviction of third or subsequent offense the punishment shall be by a fine of not less than two hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than six months or both such fine and imprisonment.
HISTORY: 1982 Act No. 360, Section 1; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1271.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 25 - Boating And Surfing At Particular Localities › Section 50-25-1210. Noise control requirements.

A motorboat operating upon waters on Lake Wateree shall comply with the following noise control requirements:
(1) Motorboats with inboard-outboard propulsion machinery shall exhaust through the propeller.
(2) Inboard motorboats with "V"-drives-jets or propeller propulsion machinery with exhaust through the transom must be water-cooled with a steady stream of water or exhaust underwater while under way or exhaust through an automotive sealed, baffle-type muffler for each exhaust stack, with exhaust openings not to exceed two inches in diameter. Boats with original propulsion machinery made before 1970 are exempt from the requirements of this item.
(3) Motorboats and their propulsion machinery which exhaust over the transom shall exhaust through an automotive sealed, baffle-type muffler for each exhaust stack, with exhaust openings not to exceed two inches in diameter. Glass pack mufflers, resonators, and above-water open exhausts are prohibited for the motorboats. Baffle inserts are prohibited on all inboard boats.
(4) Motorboats with outboard propulsion machinery shall exhaust underwater at all times unless designed or modified to exhaust above water and comply with the provisions of item (3).
HISTORY: 1995 Act No. 121, Section 1.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 25 - Boating And Surfing At Particular Localities › Section 50-25-1220. Exemption for regatta, boat race, marine parade, tournament, or exhibition.

The motorboats competing in a regatta, boat race, marine parade, tournament, or exhibition approved as provided in Section 50-21-1210 are exempted from the provisions of this article. Exceptions also may be granted during designated hours for pretrial runs and for trial runs for speed records immediately following the event.
HISTORY: 1995 Act No. 121, Section 1.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 25 - Boating And Surfing At Particular Localities › Section 50-25-1230. Violations.

The operator of a motorboat who violates any of the provisions of this article is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined for a:
(1) first offense not less than fifty nor more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days;
(2) second offense not less than one hundred nor more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days;
(3) third or subsequent offense not less than two hundred nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.
HISTORY: 1995 Act No. 121, Section 1.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 25 - Boating And Surfing At Particular Localities › Section 50-25-1310. Restrictions on the use of watercraft.

On Lakes William C. Bowen and H. Taylor Blalock in Spartanburg County:
(1) There is established a no wake zone within three hundred feet of all bridges and public docks. No wake zones must be clearly marked with signs. The signs must be designed and installed by the department.
(2) No boat, watercraft, or any other type of vessel may be operated, anchored, moored, docked, or otherwise may enter within five hundred feet of any pump station, water intake of a dam, or hydroelectric generator outfall, or spillway. These restricted areas must be clearly marked with signs. Signs must be designed and installed by the Spartanburg Water System. Boats, watercraft, and other vessels operated for law enforcement, emergency medical services, or dam maintenance and repair are exempted from this requirement.
(3) No boat, watercraft, or any other type of vessel may operate or anchor within one hundred fifty feet of public fishing piers.
(4) No sailing craft with a mast height in excess of thirty feet is permitted to operate.
(5) No wading, bathing, or swimming is permitted within two hundred feet of any public landing, bridge, or restricted area. These restricted areas must be clearly marked with signs. The signs must be designed and installed by the Spartanburg Water System.
(6) The lake wardens, at their discretion, may limit entrance of boats, watercraft, or any other type of vessel onto the lakes via the public landings when conditions such as overcrowding or adverse weather create an unsafe boating environment.
HISTORY: 1990 Act No. 613, Section 1; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1271; 2014 Act No. 139 (S.558), Section 1, eff March 13, 2014.
Effect of Amendment
2014 Act No. 139, Section 1, rewrote subsections (2), (3), (5), and (6).