South Carolina Driving & Vehicles Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for driving & vehicles in the state of South Carolina. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 8 different categories.
Driving Barefoot
LEGALSouth Carolina law does not prohibit driving barefoot. There are no statutes or regulations requiring drivers to wear footwear, and the Department of Motor Vehicles only recommends safe driving practices.
State Law
None
Practical Considerations
None
Penalties
N/A
Lane Splitting (Motorcycles)
ILLEGALSouth Carolina Code of Laws § 56-5-1520 prohibits motorcycles from lane splitting. Motorcycles must remain within a single lane and may not pass between lanes of traffic.
Lane Splitting Rules
No specific rules related to lane splitting.
Lane Filtering Rules
No specific rules related to lane splitting.
Penalties
Violations may result in fines and points on the license.
License Requirements
None
License Plate Covers
RESTRICTEDLicense plate covers are restricted in South Carolina. No significant legislative changes since 2023, but there is a continued emphasis on ensuring that plates are not obstructed.
Usage Rules
Clear covers may be legal; tinted/smoked covers illegal
Purchase & Sale
Legal to sell clear covers
Penalties
Traffic citation and fines for obscured plates.
Age Restriction
N/A
Radar Detectors
LEGALRadar detectors are legal for use and possession in private passenger vehicles in South Carolina. There are no state statutes banning radar detectors.
Passenger Vehicle Use
Legal to possess and use in private vehicles.
Commercial Vehicle Rules
Legal to sell and purchase.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Radar Jammers
ILLEGALBoth radar jammers (federally illegal) and laser jammers are illegal in South Carolina. There have been no recent legislative changes in South Carolina regarding this law.
State Law
Illegal — both radar and laser jammers
Federal Law
Illegal to sell or possess
Penalties
Federal fines for radar jammers; state penalties for laser jammers including fines and equipment confiscation.
Age Restriction
N/A
Right Turn on Red
LEGALRight turn on red is legal in South Carolina after coming to a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic, unless a sign prohibits it at a specific intersection. South Carolina law permits a right turn on a red light after a complete stop, unless a sign specifically prohibits it.
General Rule
Legal after complete stop
Exceptions & Restrictions
N/A
Penalties
Traffic violation if sign prohibits it at specific intersection.
Driver Requirements
N/A
Studded Snow Tires
LEGALStudded Snow Tires are legal in South Carolina. The use of studded tires is restricted to specific winter months in South Carolina.
Usage Rules
Legal during winter season only
Seasonal Restrictions
Legal
Penalties
Fines for use outside the permitted season.
Age Restriction
N/A
Window Tinting
RESTRICTEDSouth Carolina Code of Laws §56-5-1930 restricts window tinting to 35% VLT on front side windows and 20% on rear side and back windows. Reflective tinting is prohibited. Medical exemptions are available with documentation.
Tint Limits (VLT %)
Possession of vehicles with illegal tint is allowed but subject to citation if operated.
Medical Exemptions
Sale of non-compliant tint films is prohibited.
Penalties
Fines up to $100 and mandatory removal orders.
Age Restriction
None