South Carolina drivers often forget to follow the rules of the road, such as not driving too slowly or not texting while driving.
To stay safe when driving in South Carolina, motorists should obey all traffic laws. Despite this, many drivers consistently ignore important rules of the road. These drivers put other motorists and passengers in danger.
Here are seven of the most commonly ignored South Carolina traffic laws. Keep reading to discover what they are and how to be a more aware driver.
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1. South Carolina Slower Traffic Keep Right Law: The “Move Over” Rule
South Carolina requires slower drivers to keep to the right unless they are passing or preparing to make a left turn. If you are moving slower than the pace of traffic, you must use the right lane or stay close to the right curb.
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 or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
2. South Carolina Flow of Traffic Law: The “Minimum Speed” Rule
In South Carolina, there is no statewide minimum speed. If you are driving on a road with a posted minimum speed, you must travel at least that fast. Otherwise, you must move quickly enough not to block or impede traffic, unless you need to drive slower for safety or to obey the law.
No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.
Whenever the Department of Transportation or local authorities within their respective jurisdictions determine that slow speeds on any part of a highway consistently impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, the Department of Transportation or local authority may determine and declare a minimum speed limit below which no person shall drive a vehicle except when necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.
3. South Carolina Driving in Left Lane Law: The “Passing on the Left” Rule
South Carolina’s traffic code requires passing other vehicles on the left. You cannot move back to the right until you have overtaken the other car entirely.
When a pass requires you to enter the opposite traffic lanes, you must wait until the opposite direction is safe. You also cannot come within 200 feet of any oncoming vehicles before you complete the pass.
The law additionally prohibits passing the center line if you cannot see ahead due to a hill, curve, or bridge or if you would come within 100 feet of any intersection. When you are being passed, you must stay to the right and cannot speed up until totally overtaken.
The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle 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
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.
No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle 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.
No vehicle shall be driven on the left side of the roadway under the following conditions:
- 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.
- When approaching within one hundred feet of or traversing any intersection.
- When the view is obstructed upon approaching within one hundred feet of any bridge, viaduct or tunnel.
4. South Carolina Rear-End Collision Law: The “Following Too Closely” Rule
South Carolina makes it illegal to follow another driver more closely than is “reasonable and prudent.” What is considered illegal tailgating under this rule will depend on traffic and weather conditions.
The driver 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.
5. South Carolina Mobile Phone Driving Law: The “Hands-Free Driving” Rule
When driving on South Carolina’s roads, you cannot read or type a text message or email. Cell phone messages are illegal while driving unless you use your phone in hands-free mode, while entirely stopped, or to contact emergency services.
It is unlawful for a person to use a wireless electronic communication device to compose, send, or read a text-based communication while operating a motor vehicle on the public streets and highways of this State.
This does not apply to a person who is lawfully parked or stopped; using a hands-free wireless electronic communication device; or summoning emergency assistance.
6. South Carolina Four-Way Intersection Law: The “4-Way Stop” Rule
When driving in South Carolina, if you reach an intersection simultaneously with another vehicle, the driver to the right has the right of way. The driver to the left must yield and let the other car go first.
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.
7. South Carolina Left Turn Intersection Law: The “Right of Way” Rule
Before you make a left turn, South Carolina’s code requires that you let any oncoming traffic pass that would pose a hazard. Then, once it is safe, you can proceed with your turn.
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.
Complying with South Carolina’s rules of the road will make you a safer, more courteous driver. It can also help you avoid getting any traffic tickets. So, next time you’re out on the road, keep these seven traffic laws in mind.