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Exploring South Carolina on a motorcycle is a liberating and thrilling experience, and nothing beats the feeling of taking to the open road on two wheels. However, before you take your motorcycle out for a spin on South Carolina roadways, it pays to know the rules.
The Melonakos Law Firm’s legal team has an in-depth understanding of South Carolina’s motorcycle rules and regulations and how they apply in unfortunate situations like motorcycle crashes. By sharing our insight and unique legal perspective, we hope to give South Carolina motorcycle riders the information they need to protect themselves legally, physically, and financially.
The first thing you’ll need to ride your motorcycle legally in South Carolina is a valid Class M motorcycle license. You cannot operate a motorcycle with a standard driver’s license. Individuals without a driver’s license but with driving experience must first earn a motorcycle beginner’s permit before obtaining a Class M motorcycle endorsement.
Applying for a motorcycle beginner’s permit means passing a vision and motorcycle knowledge test. If you are 18 or older and already hold a valid driver’s license, you must provide your local South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicle (SCDMV) office with proof of residency and proof of insurance. You must also pass the motorcycle knowledge and skills tests on the same day if you want to skip earning a beginner’s permit first.
If you already have a valid driver’s license and want to skip the testing, the SCDMV also accepts Motorcycle Safety Foundation skills test certificates, provided you’ve been tested by an SCDMV-approved and contracted motorcycle safety course and testing program. You can find a list of approved programs on the SCDMV website, arranged by region.
South Carolina has a modified helmet law, meaning only those under 21 are legally required to wear a DOT-approved motorcycle helmet and eye protection. Violating the South Carolina helmet law can result in a misdemeanor offense that includes fines of up to $100 and 30 days imprisonment.
Although adults over 21 are not legally required to wear a helmet, it is still strongly recommended. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates motorcycle helmets are 37 percent effective in preventing rider deaths. Wearing a DOT-approved helmet can also reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI) by at least 69 percent.
Lane-splitting is a term that describes when a motorcycle operator travels between rows of slowed or stopped traffic, typically on a multi-lane roadway or highway on which the vehicles are traveling in the same direction. South Carolina prohibits lane-splitting, meaning a rider cannot attempt to bypass slow-moving or stalled traffic by traveling between rows of vehicles.
Lane-splitting should not be confused with lane-sharing. South Carolina law stipulates that motorcycles are entitled to the full use of a lane but can also travel two abreast in the same lane.
It should go without saying, but don’t drive a motorcycle on the sidewalk. Sidewalks are for pedestrians. South Carolina prohibits motorcycles and other motorized vehicles from driving on sidewalks. The only exception to the rule is when a rider attempts to enter an authorized permanent or temporary driveway.
Properly equip your motorcycle for your safety and to ensure your ride is street-legal. South Carolina requires motorcycles to have footrests and a rear-view mirror. Motorcycles must also have at least one white light on the front of the vehicle and red rear lights or reflectors on the back. These lights must be visible up to 500 feet.
Motorcyclists must always keep their headlights activated while the vehicle is in use. Motorcycles are much smaller than passenger vehicles and can sometimes be hard for other drivers to see clearly. Driving with your lights on increases your visibility and helps reduce accidents.
Like all other motor vehicles on South Carolina roads, motorcyclists must display a license plate. Mount horizontal plates to the rear of the bike. If you must use a vertical plate, it should be mounted at least one foot above the ground, securely fastened, and visible.
South Carolina law also prohibits attaching obscene or offensive stickers or decals to any motorcycle or other motorized vehicle. Violating the obscene bumper sticker law is a misdemeanor offense and can result in fines.
Motorcycles are treated like any other motor vehicle on South Carolina roadways. That means motorcycle operators can find themselves on the wrong side of statute violations like any other motorist. Speeding, drunk driving, and failure to obey traffic signs and signals are all traffic violations that can result in fines as well as civil liability in the event of an accident. A motorcyclist who breaks a traffic law designed to keep other road users safe may be found at fault for an accident.
However, riders should know South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence system in civil accident cases. Under this system, even if you are partially to blame for causing an accident, you can still recover some compensation for your losses. Your compensation diminishes by the same percentage as your fault for causing the crash. However, if your level of fault exceeds that of other involved parties, you cannot recover any compensation for your injuries and financial losses.
At The Melonakos Law Firm, we exclusively handle personal injury cases. Our singular focus means we have the knowledge and resources to help you navigate even the most complicated motorcycle accident claim. If a careless driver has injured you, it’s time to discuss your situation with our South Carolina motorcycle accident attorneys.
Contact our office immediately and set up a free case review. We look forward to meeting you, hearing your story, and determining how we can help.
