South Carolina Code of Laws
Chapter 3 - Motor Vehicle Registration And Licensing
Section 56-3-2325. Fine and forfeiture for misuse of dealer plates.

South Carolina Code of Laws

Title 56 - Motor Vehicles

Chapter 3 - Motor Vehicle Registration And Licensing

Section 56-3-10. Short title.

Section 56-3-20. Definitions.

Section 56-3-110. Vehicles required to be registered and licensed.

Section 56-3-115. Deaf or hard of hearing notation added to a motor vehicle registration.

Section 56-3-120. Exemptions from registration and licensing requirement.

Section 56-3-130. Exemption of certain boat, farm, and other utility trailers.

Section 56-3-140. Exemption of certain professional racing cars.

Section 56-3-150. Exemption of certain foreign vehicles of nonresident owners; verification process; penalties.

Section 56-3-160. Foreign vehicles of resident owners.

Section 56-3-170. Reciprocity with respect to the operation of vehicles licensed out of state.

Section 56-3-180. Special permits to operate vehicles otherwise required to be registered and licensed; restrictions.

Section 56-3-190. Department may register and license vehicles.

Section 56-3-195. Counties to process vehicle registration and licensing renewals; access to records; department to fund startup costs.

Section 56-3-200. Certificate of title or application as prerequisite to registration.

Section 56-3-210. Time period for procuring registration and license; temporary license plates; transfer of license plates.

Section 56-3-215. Temporary permits authorized for out-of-state registered farm trucks harvesting and transporting seasonal crops in State.

Section 56-3-230. Application for registration and license.

Section 56-3-240. Contents of application.

Section 56-3-250. Statement certifying payment of county and municipal taxes and address to accompany application; exceptions.

Section 56-3-253. Establishment of biennial registration periods.

Section 56-3-255. Requirement of evidence of payment of federal use tax.

Section 56-3-350. Grounds for refusing to register and license or transfer registration of vehicle.

Section 56-3-355. Suspension or revocation of commercial vehicle registration card and license plate; reinstatement; fees.

Section 56-3-360. Suspension of registration of vehicle reported stolen or converted.

Section 56-3-376. Establishment of system of registration of motor vehicles on monthly basis; assignment of annual registration periods.

Section 56-3-377. Vehicles to be assigned biennial registration period; expiration twenty-four months from issuance.

Section 56-3-378. Establishment of system of registration of motor vehicles on monthly basis; issuance of registration and license plate for period of five years.

Section 56-3-385. Extension of deadline where last day for obtaining license plate or renewal sticker falls on Saturday, Sunday, or holiday.

Section 56-3-390. Penalties for fraudulent applications and misrepresentation of facts.

Section 56-3-400. Reciprocity in registration and licensing of automobile utility trailers; "automobile utility trailer" defined.

Section 56-3-410. Reciprocity in registration and licensing of automobile utility trailers; procedures; extension of registration.

Section 56-3-430. Cities between 55,000 and 70,000 shall not require local licenses or charge inspection or registration fees.

Section 56-3-440. Cities of 70,000 or more may require local license.

Section 56-3-510. Forms.

Section 56-3-520. Retention of forms.

Section 56-3-530. Fees.

Section 56-3-540. Use of records; opt-out from surveys, marketing, and solicitations.

Section 56-3-545. Sale of Social Security number or driver's license photograph or signature prohibited.

Section 56-3-610. Biennial payment of registration and license fees required.

Section 56-3-620. Fees for handicapped persons or persons of certain ages for private passenger motor vehicle and property-carrying vehicles weighing six thousand pounds or less.

Section 56-3-625. Expenditure of revenue derived from fee increases.

Section 56-3-627. Infrastructure maintenance fee.

Section 56-3-630. Vehicles classified as passenger motor vehicles.

Section 56-3-640. Fees for common carrier passenger vehicles; vehicles so classified; determining vehicle weight.

Section 56-3-645. Road use fees for vehicles powered by electricity, hydrogen, and fuels other than motor fuel.

Section 56-3-650. Optional fees for bus companies operating in interstate and intrastate commerce; computation; retention of records; display of license plates.

Section 56-3-660. Fees for self-propelled property carrying vehicles; determination of vehicle gross weight; registration of vehicle for payment of one-half of State's portion of license fee.

Section 56-3-661. Certification requirements; insurance requirements.

Section 56-3-662. Identifier fees; administration and enforcement funding.

Section 56-3-663. Reciprocal agreements.

Section 56-3-665. Proof of payment of federal use tax.

Section 56-3-670. Fees for farm truck licenses; violations; penalties.

Section 56-3-700. Fee for trailers, semitrailers, and pole trailers; exemptions.

Section 56-3-710. Fees for house trailers.

Section 56-3-720. Fees for camper or travel trailers; distinctive tag.

Section 56-3-730. Owner shall select load capacity classification; changes.

Section 56-3-740. Fees for trackless trolley buses.

Section 56-3-750. Fees for special mobile equipment vehicles.

Section 56-3-760. Fees for motorcycles, motorcycle three-wheel vehicles, and motor-driven cycles.

Section 56-3-770. Fees for vehicles equipped with solid tires.

Section 56-3-780. Permanent license plates and fees for vehicles of State, political subdivisions, or Civil Air Patrol; transferability.

Section 56-3-785. Issuance of permanent license plates to certain owners of trailers and semi-trailers; fees; design.

Section 56-3-790. Fees for certain motor vehicles used in rescue work.

Section 56-3-830. Postage charge.

Section 56-3-840. Delinquent registration and license penalties.

Section 56-3-860. Accepting uncertified checks for license fees.

Section 56-3-870. Procedure if uncertified check is returned unpaid.

Section 56-3-890. Refunds when application is refused or rejected; refund of fees collected in error.

Section 56-3-900. Procedures for refund when vehicle is not used or is destroyed.

Section 56-3-905. Motor vehicle registration refund.

Section 56-3-910. Placement of fees and penalties in state highway account of South Carolina Transportation Infrastructure Bank; exceptions; reports.

Section 56-3-920. Fees additional to public service fees.

Section 56-3-1010. Definitions.

Section 56-3-1020. Corporation or other entity may register vehicles as fleet on annual basis; special license plates and registration cards; application and fee.

Section 56-3-1030. Fleet registration card to be carried and made available to law enforcement officers; license plate to be displayed.

Section 56-3-1040. Fees for private passenger motor vehicles and property-carrying vehicles; vehicle added to fleet during registration year.

Section 56-3-1050. Renewal of fleet registration; deletion of vehicle from fleet.

Section 56-3-1110 to 56-3-1130. Repealed.

Section 56-3-1150. Repealed.

Section 56-3-1210. License plates furnished by Department.

Section 56-3-1220. Municipalities and counties shall not issue license plates.

Section 56-3-1230. Specifications of license plates; periodic issuance of new plates; treatment with reflective material; issuance of revalidation stickers.

Section 56-3-1240. Display of license plates; motorcycles equipped with vertically mounted brackets; missing plates.

Section 56-3-1250. Registration cards; contents, possession, and display.

Section 56-3-1260. Procedures upon transfer of ownership of vehicle; notice to department and disposition of plates.

Section 56-3-1265. Display of special license plates for particular groups.

Section 56-3-1270. Procedures upon transfer of ownership of vehicle; application for transfer and issuance of new card; fee.

Section 56-3-1280. Transfer of registered and licensed vehicle to licensed dealer.

Section 56-3-1290. Transfer of plates to another vehicle of same owner.

Section 56-3-1300. Change in name or address of owner; notice to department.

Section 56-3-1310. Procedures for replacement of lost or damaged registration cards or license plates.

Section 56-3-1320. Fees for replacement plates and cards.

Section 56-3-1330. Suspension, cancellation, or revocation of cards, and plates.

Section 56-3-1335. Suspension of vehicle's registration for failure to pay toll; reinstatement fee.

Section 56-3-1340. Suspension of driver's license does not automatically suspend registration or license plates.

Section 56-3-1350. Return of suspended, cancelled, or revoked cards, and plates.

Section 56-3-1360. Use of license plate on vehicle other than vehicle for which plate was issued.

Section 56-3-1370. Defacement of license plates; seizure of misused, altered, or defaced plates.

Section 56-3-1380. Return of registration card and license plates for wrecked or dismantled vehicle.

Section 56-3-1410. Fraudulent alteration or forgery of documents; use of altered or forged documents.

Section 56-3-1450. Year of manufacture license plates.

Section 56-3-1510. Special license plates authorized for amateur radio operators; fee.

Section 56-3-1520. Applications.

Section 56-3-1530. Design of plates; duration.

Section 56-3-1540. Transfer to another vehicle of same owner; display on unauthorized car; return on loss of radio license.

Section 56-3-1550. Penalties.

Section 56-3-1560. Article is cumulative.

Section 56-3-1610. Issuance of special license plates to emergency medical technicians; fee.

Section 56-3-1620. Applications.

Section 56-3-1630. Size and design of plates; period of validity.

Section 56-3-1640. Transfer of plates; use on unauthorized vehicle; return of plates on revocation of technician's license.

Section 56-3-1650. Unlawful acts; penalties.

Section 56-3-1660. Effect of article on rest of chapter.

Section 56-3-1710. Department shall design and supply special license plate for publicly owned motor vehicles; unlawful to operate motor vehicle without plate.

Section 56-3-1750 to 56-3-1780. Repealed.

Section 56-3-1810 to 56-3-1840. Repealed.

Section 56-3-1850 to 56-3-1880. Repealed.

Section 56-3-1910. License plates for handicapped persons; certification forms; duplication or forgery.

Section 56-3-1920. Identification placards for hearing impaired licensed drivers; fees.

Section 56-3-1950. Definitions.

Section 56-3-1960. Temporary and permanent parking placards; illegal duplication or forgery.

Section 56-3-1965. Free parking in metered or timed parking places for handicapped persons.

Section 56-3-1970. Unlawful acts; penalties; summary court jurisdiction.

Section 56-3-1971. Uniform parking violations tickets; who may issue; form and contents.

Section 56-3-1973. Printing of uniform parking violations tickets; distribution; cost; forwarding of audit copies.

Section 56-3-1974. Penalty for unaccounted or unforwarded tickets; jurisdiction over tickets.

Section 56-3-1975. Identification of handicapped parking spaces; access aisles.

Section 56-3-2010. Special and personalized license plates; International Symbol of Access decals.

Section 56-3-2020. Amount and disposition of fee.

Section 56-3-2030. Special personalized plates may not be issued to certain applicants.

Section 56-3-2060 to 56-3-2090. Repealed.

Section 56-3-2110. Carriers transporting house trailers may purchase special license plates.

Section 56-3-2120. Fees.

Section 56-3-2130. Display, transferability, and use.

Section 56-3-2140. Reciprocal recognition of plates from other states.

Section 56-3-2150. Issuance of special plates; fees.

Section 56-3-2160. Design and size of plates; biennial validation.

Section 56-3-2170. Transfer and return of plates.

Section 56-3-2180. Other registration and licensing provisions unaffected; penalties for violations.

Section 56-3-2210. Department of Motor Vehicles may classify certain motor vehicles as antique.

Section 56-3-2220. Issuance of special license plates for antique motor vehicles authorized; duration; fee.

Section 56-3-2230. Department of Motor Vehicles may classify certain motorcycles as antique.

Section 56-3-2250. Sample and souvenir license plates; application for personalized special organizational souvenir license plate; penalties.

Section 56-3-2320. Dealer and wholesaler license plates; restrictions on use.

Section 56-3-2325. Fine and forfeiture for misuse of dealer plates.

Section 56-3-2330. Manufacturer license plates.

Section 56-3-2332. Issuance of standard license plate to manufacturer for vehicles used in employee benefit program or for testing and promotional purposes; registration fee.

Section 56-3-2335. Research and development license plates.

Section 56-3-2340. Licensed motor vehicle dealers to issue first time registrations and license plates from dealership; certification of third-party providers; fees.

Section 56-3-2345. Antique dealer license plates.

Section 56-3-2350. Application for special registration for business of facilitating movement of vehicles from manufacturer to dealer or distributor, or movement for further construction of cabs or bodies, or for foreclosure or repossession of such m...

Section 56-3-2360. Notice of change of address; cancellation of registration and license plates.

Section 56-3-2370. Transfer of transporter license plates.

Section 56-3-2380. Denial of application; suspension or revocation of registration; refusal to renew registration.

Section 56-3-2420. Powers of State Highway Patrol.

Section 56-3-2430. Authority to administer oaths and acknowledge signatures.

Section 56-3-2440. Department of Motor Vehicles shall keep certain records.

Section 56-3-2450. Certified copies of Department of Motor Vehicle records; use as evidence.

Section 56-3-2460. Affidavit as to registration records of Department of Motor Vehicles as evidence of ownership.

Section 56-3-2470. Publication of registration and license lists; obtaining copies of lists.

Section 56-3-2480. Destruction of obsolete records.

Section 56-3-2490. Unlawful to conceal motor vehicle whose serial number has been altered or removed.

Section 56-3-2510. Department of Motor Vehicles may assign new identifying numbers; special plate or number affixed to vehicle.

Section 56-3-2520. Penalties.

Section 56-3-2540. "Conserve South Carolina" license plates.

Section 56-3-2545. Collection and disbursement of fees.

Section 56-3-2550. Applicability of special license plates provisions.

Section 56-3-2600. Powers and duties of Department of Motor Vehicles; fees; application; issuance by dealers.

Section 56-3-2610. Records of dealer.

Section 56-3-2620. Dealer issuing temporary registration certificate.

Section 56-3-2630. Restrictions on dealer issuing temporary plates and cards; misstatement of fact; false information.

Section 56-3-2640. Information to be placed on temporary license plate.

Section 56-3-2650. Transfer, loan, or assignment of temporary license plate.

Section 56-3-2660. Duration of temporary license plate and registration certificate.

Section 56-3-2675. Motor vehicle manufacturers authorized to obtain and issue temporary license plates.

Section 56-3-2680. Penalties.

Section 56-3-2690. Applicability of other laws.

Section 56-3-2710. Temporary plates and registration certificates authorized for certain motor vehicles.

Section 56-3-2720. Fee; application.

Section 56-3-2730. Design of temporary plates and registration certificates.

Section 56-3-2740. Temporary plates and registration certificates not to be transferred; term; renewal.

Section 56-3-2760. Violations; penalties.

Section 56-3-2810. Issuance of special plates; cost; application.

Section 56-3-2820. Plate specifications.

Section 56-3-2830. Transfer and return of plates.

Section 56-3-2840. Other registration and licensing provisions unaffected; penalties for violations.

Section 56-3-2900. Department of Motor Vehicles authorized to provide temporary license plates and registration cards for trailers and semi-trailers; fees; issuance by manufacturer.

Section 56-3-2910. Records to be kept by manufacturer.

Section 56-3-2920. Issuance and delivery of registration cards by manufacturer.

Section 56-3-2930. False information prohibited.

Section 56-3-2940. Information to appear on temporary license plate.

Section 56-3-2950. Transfers prohibited.

Section 56-3-2960. Duration.

Section 56-3-2970. Violations; penalties; forfeit of license plates and registration cards; suspension of privilege to obtain.

Section 56-3-2980. Applicability of other licensing provisions.

Section 56-3-3310 to 56-3-3340. Repealed.

Section 56-3-3410. National Wild Turkey Federation special license plates authorized.

Section 56-3-3420. Prepaid applications required.

Section 56-3-3500. "Penn Center" license plates; fee; special fund for Penn Center, Inc.

Section 56-3-3600. South Carolina Nurses license plates; fee; special fund for South Carolina Nurses Foundation.

Section 56-3-3710. Issuance of license plates with college or university emblems; fee; distribution of fee revenues; minimum number of licenses required.

Section 56-3-3720. Transfer of special license plates; prohibition against display of license plate on unauthorized vehicle.

Section 56-3-3725. Reference to or symbol of college or university on license plate.

Section 56-3-3730. Applicability of article to other provisions of chapter; violations and penalties.

Section 56-3-3800. Repealed.

Section 56-3-3910. Issuance of special license plate; fee; size of plate; reserved number.

Section 56-3-3920. Transfer of plate; unauthorized use.

Section 56-3-3930. Applicability of article to other provisions of chapter.

Section 56-3-3950. "Keep It Beautiful" license plates; special fund for road enhancement.

Section 56-3-3960. Transfer of special license plate to another vehicle; unauthorized use.

Section 56-3-3970. Cumulative effect of article.

Section 56-3-4100. South Carolina Elks Association Special License Plates.

Section 56-3-4200. Authority to issue special license plates; collector plates; fees; minimum number of orders.

Section 56-3-4310 to 56-3-4340. Repealed.

Section 56-3-4410. "Share the Road" license plates; fees; special fund for bicycling safety and education programs.

Section 56-3-4510. "South Carolina Protects Endangered Species" and "South Carolina Wildlife" commemorative plates; disposition of fees collected.

Section 56-3-4600. Authority to issue special license plates; fees; minimum number required.

Section 56-3-4800. Sons of Confederate Veterans license plates; distribution of fees; prepaid applications.

Section 56-3-4910. Authorization to issue plates; disposition of fees.

Section 56-3-4920. Display of plate limited to authorized vehicle; transfer to different vehicle.

Section 56-3-4930. Cumulative effect of article; penalties for violation.

Section 56-3-5010. Authorization to issue special license plates; fees.

Section 56-3-5200. "South Carolina: First in Golf" license plates.

Section 56-3-5300. Charter limousines to acquire special Class C license plates; biennial fee.

Section 56-3-5350. Repealed.

Section 56-3-5400. Fraternal Order of Police special license plates.

Section 56-3-5910 to 56-3-5950. Repealed.

Section 56-3-6000. Repealed.

Section 56-3-6500. United States Naval Academy special license plates.

Section 56-3-7000. County Veterans Affairs Officers special license plates.

Section 56-3-7010. Size, design, and contents of license plates; revalidation.

Section 56-3-7050. United States Air Force Academy special license plates.

Section 56-3-7200. Arts Awareness special license plates; deposition of fees.

Section 56-3-7300. Saltwater Fishing special license plates.

Section 56-3-7310. Repealed.

Section 56-3-7320. Emergency Medical Service special license plates.

Section 56-3-7330. Boy Scouts of America and Eagle Scout special license plates.

Section 56-3-7340. Native American special license plates.

Section 56-3-7350. South Carolina Peach Council special license plates.

Section 56-3-7360. Repealed.

Section 56-3-7370. Cancer Research Centers of the Carolinas special license plates.

Section 56-3-7610. Authority to issue commemorative Square Dance license plates.

Section 56-3-7650. Forest product haulers decals.

Section 56-3-7700. Special Olympics license plates.

Section 56-3-7750. Fraternity and sorority license plates.

Section 56-3-7780. Repealed.

Section 56-3-7800. South Carolina Aquarium special license plates.

Section 56-3-7860. Shriners license plates.

Section 56-3-7890. Our Farms-Our Future special license plates; distribution of fees.

Section 56-3-7910. H. L. Hunley submarine license plates.

Section 56-3-7940. "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" special license plates.

Section 56-3-7950. Hunting Island State Park special license plate authorized.

Section 56-3-8000. Special motor vehicle license plates for nonprofit organizations.

Section 56-3-8100. Special license plates production and distribution guidelines.

Section 56-3-8110. Motorcycle special license plates.

Section 56-3-8200. Rotary International special license plates.

Section 56-3-8300. Repealed.

Section 56-3-8400. Lions Club special license plates.

Section 56-3-8600. Authority to issue Ducks unlimited special license plates; fee; number of plates.

Section 56-3-8700. Short title.

Section 56-3-8710. NASCAR special license plates authorized.

Section 56-3-8800. Repealed.

Section 56-3-8910. "Choose Life" special license plates authorized.

Section 56-3-9000. Sertoma International special license plates authorized.

Section 56-3-9100. South Carolina Technology Alliance license plates.

Section 56-3-9200. In God We Trust license plates.

Section 56-3-9300. United We Stand license plates.

Section 56-3-9400. "Morris Island Lighthouse" license plates; fees; special fund for restoration and preservation of the Morris Island Lighthouse.

Section 56-3-9500. God Bless America special license plates.

Section 56-3-9600. "No More Homeless Pets" license plates; special fund to support local animal spaying and neutering programs; reporting requirements of Agriculture Department; requirements of entities seeking grant reimbursements.

Section 56-3-9710. "Heritage Classic Foundation" license plates; fees; special fund for Heritage Classic Foundation.

Section 56-3-9800. Breast cancer awareness special license plates authorized.

Section 56-3-9910. Repealed.

Section 56-3-10010. "Parrot Head" special license plate authorized.

Section 56-3-10110. Repealed.

Section 56-3-10210. Repealed.

Section 56-3-10310. Repealed.

Section 56-3-10410. Repealed.

Section 56-3-10510. "I Believe" special license plates.

Section 56-3-10610. Repealed.

Section 56-3-10710. Repealed.

Section 56-3-10810. South Carolina Tennis Patrons Foundation special license plates; fees.

Section 56-3-10910. Tree My Dog special license plates; fees.

Section 56-3-11010. Repealed.

Section 56-3-11110. Repealed.

Section 56-3-11210. Repealed.

Section 56-3-11310. Second Amendment special license plates.

Section 56-3-11410. Historic special license plates.

Section 56-3-11420. Size and design of Historic special license plate; expiration.

Section 56-3-11430. Transfer of Historic special license plate.

Section 56-3-11440. Exemptions; penalties.

Section 56-3-11450. Fees.

Section 56-3-11460. Guidelines.

Section 56-3-11510. Repealed.

Section 56-3-11610. Repealed.

Section 56-3-11710. Repealed.

Section 56-3-11810. State Flag special license plates.

Section 56-3-11910. South Carolina Highway Patrol-Retired special license plates.

Section 56-3-12010. "I Support Libraries" special license plates.

Section 56-3-12110. South Carolina Educator special license plates.

Section 56-3-12210. Beach Music special license plates.

Section 56-3-12310. Citadel Alumni Association "Big Red" special license plates.

Section 56-3-12410. Largemouth Bass special license plates.

Section 56-3-12510. High School special license plates.

Section 56-3-12610. South Carolina Wildlife Federation special license plates.

Section 56-3-12710. Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune special license plates.

Section 56-3-12810. Gadsden Flag special license plates.

Section 56-3-12910. Repealed.

Section 56-3-13010. 2010-11 Baseball National Champions special license plates.

Section 56-3-13110. Repealed.

Section 56-3-13210. Repealed.

Section 56-3-13310. "Motorcycle Awareness Alliance" special motor vehicle license plates.

Section 56-3-13410. S.C. Riverkeepers special license plates.

Section 56-3-13510. Short title.

Section 56-3-13520. "Autism Awareness" special motor vehicle license plates.

Section 56-3-13610. "South Carolina Stands with Israel" special license plates.

Section 56-3-13710. American Red Cross special motor vehicle license plates.

Section 56-3-13810. Chase Away Childhood Cancer special license plates; fees.

Section 56-3-13910. Special personalized motor vehicle license plates; fee; design.

Section 56-3-14010. Clemson University 2016 and 2018 Football National Champions special license plates.

Section 56-3-14110. 2016 Baseball National Champions special license plates.

Section 56-3-14210. University of South Carolina 2017 and 2022 Women's Basketball National Champions special license plates.

Section 56-3-14310 to 56-3-14340. Repealed.

Section 56-3-14410. Repealed.

Section 56-3-14510. Virginia Tech special license plates.

Section 56-3-14610. Powering the Palmetto State special license plates.

Section 56-3-14710. Drivers For a Cure special license plates.

Section 56-3-14810. Two Hundred Fifty Year Anniversary Revolutionary War special commemorative special license plates.

Section 56-3-14910. Special license plates reflective of valorous awards.

Section 56-3-14920. Special license plates reflective of distinguished service awards.

Section 56-3-14930. Special license plates reflective of exemplary service awards.

Section 56-3-14940. Special license plates reflective of a service-connected disability.

Section 56-3-14950. Special license plates reflective of campaign medals.

Section 56-3-14960. Special license plates reflective of meritorious service.

Section 56-3-14970. Special license plates reflective of military service.

Section 56-3-14980. Special license plates showing support for military-related private organizations.

Section 56-3-14990. Surviving spouse may apply for license plate or transfer of license plate.

Section 56-3-15000. License plates issued under previous award criteria not subject to revised documentation requirements.

Section 56-3-15010. Requirement for additional military special license plates added to this article.