Except as hereinafter provided in this article the head lamps, the auxiliary driving lamps or the auxiliary passing lamps, or combinations thereof, on motor vehicles other than motorcycles or motor-driven cycles shall be so arranged that the driver may select at will between distributions of light projected to different elevations and may be so arranged that such selection can be made automatically, subject to the following limitations:
(1) There shall be an uppermost distribution of light or composite beam, so aimed and of such intensity as to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least three hundred and fifty feet ahead for all conditions of loading;
(2) There shall be a lowermost distribution of light or composite beam so aimed and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least one hundred feet ahead, and on a straight level road under any condition of loading none of the high-intensity portion of the beam shall be directed so as to strike the eyes of an approaching driver; and
(3) Every motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, registered in this State after January 1, 1949 which has multiple-beam road-lighting equipment shall be equipped with a beam indicator, which shall be lighted whenever the uppermost distribution of light from the head lamps is in use and shall not otherwise be lighted. Such indicator shall be so designed and located that when lighted it will be readily visible without glare to the driver of the vehicle so equipped.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-547; 1952 Code Section 46-547; 1949 (46) 466; 1955 (49) 89.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways
Section 56-5-20. Applicability of chapter to vehicles operated upon highways; exceptions.
Section 56-5-30. Chapter applicable and uniform throughout State; local regulations.
Section 56-5-50. Applicability of chapter to operation of mopeds.
Section 56-5-60. Requirements for envelope containing certain notices.
Section 56-5-90. Driving limitations for intrastate motor carrier driver.
Section 56-5-120 to 56-5-140. Reserved.
Section 56-5-160. Bicycle defined.
Section 56-5-170. Authorized emergency vehicles defined.
Section 56-5-180. Bus defined.
Section 56-5-190. School bus defined.
Section 56-5-195. School bus safety standards.
Section 56-5-196. Designation of daycare center as origin or destination for school transportation.
Section 56-5-200. Truck defined.
Section 56-5-210. Truck tractor defined.
Section 56-5-220. Farm tractor defined.
Section 56-5-225. Farm truck defined.
Section 56-5-230. Road tractor defined.
Section 56-5-240. Trailer defined.
Section 56-5-250. Semitrailer defined.
Section 56-5-260. Pole trailer defined.
Section 56-5-270. Railroad defined.
Section 56-5-280. Railroad train defined.
Section 56-5-290. Streetcar defined.
Section 56-5-300. Pneumatic tire defined.
Section 56-5-310. Solid tire defined.
Section 56-5-320. Metal tire defined.
Section 56-5-330. Safety glass defined.
Section 56-5-340. Explosive defined.
Section 56-5-350. Flammable liquid defined.
Section 56-5-360. Gross weight defined.
Section 56-5-361. Passenger car defined.
Section 56-5-362. Truck-camper defined.
Section 56-5-380. Local authority defined.
Section 56-5-390. Pedestrian defined.
Section 56-5-400. Driver defined.
Section 56-5-420. Police officer defined.
Section 56-5-430. Street defined; highway defined.
Section 56-5-440. Through highway defined.
Section 56-5-450. Private road defined; driveway defined.
Section 56-5-460. Roadway defined.
Section 56-5-470. Laned roadway defined.
Section 56-5-480. Sidewalk defined.
Section 56-5-490. Intersection defined.
Section 56-5-500. Crosswalk defined.
Section 56-5-510. Safety zone defined.
Section 56-5-520. Business district defined.
Section 56-5-530. Residence district defined.
Section 56-5-540. Official traffic-control devices defined.
Section 56-5-550. Traffic-control signal defined.
Section 56-5-560. Railroad sign or signal defined.
Section 56-5-570. Traffic defined.
Section 56-5-580. Right-of-way defined.
Section 56-5-590. Stop defined.
Section 56-5-600. Stop, stopping, or standing defined.
Section 56-5-610. Park defined.
Section 56-5-611. Alley defined.
Section 56-5-612. Arterial street defined.
Section 56-5-613. Controlled-access highway defined.
Section 56-5-614. Divided highway defined.
Section 56-5-615. Freeway defined.
Section 56-5-616. Interstate system defined.
Section 56-5-710. Powers of local authorities.
Section 56-5-715. Liability for municipal parking or traffic violations.
Section 56-5-720. Notice of local regulations required.
Section 56-5-730. Required obedience to traffic laws.
Section 56-5-740. Obedience to authorized persons directing traffic.
Section 56-5-750. Failure to stop motor vehicle when signaled by law-enforcement vehicle.
Section 56-5-760. Operation of authorized emergency vehicles.
Section 56-5-800. Persons working on highways; exceptions.
Section 56-5-810. Rights of owner who permits traffic on his property.
Section 56-5-820. Violations of low speed vehicle laws; penalty.
Section 56-5-920. Adoption of uniform system of traffic-control devices.
Section 56-5-930. Placing and maintaining traffic-control devices on state highways.
Section 56-5-940. Local traffic-control devices.
Section 56-5-950. Obedience to and required traffic-control devices.
Section 56-5-970. Traffic-control signal legend.
Section 56-5-990. Pedestrian "walk" and "wait" signals.
Section 56-5-1000. Flashing signals.
Section 56-5-1010. Railroad signs at grade crossings.
Section 56-5-1015. Lane use control signals.
Section 56-5-1020. Unauthorized signs, signals, or devices prohibited; exception; removal.
Section 56-5-1220. Duties of driver involved in accident resulting in damage to attended vehicles.
Section 56-5-1230. Duty to give information and render aid.
Section 56-5-1240. Duties of driver involved in accident involving unattended vehicle.
Section 56-5-1250. Duties of driver striking fixtures upon or adjacent to highway.
Section 56-5-1260. Immediate report of accidents resulting in personal injury or death.
Section 56-5-1275. Requests for accident investigation reports; dissemination of reports.
Section 56-5-1280. When driver unable to report, other occupant or owner shall report.
Section 56-5-1290. Evidentiary use of reports.
Section 56-5-1300. Accident report forms.
Section 56-5-1320. Coroners shall report traffic deaths.
Section 56-5-1330. Garages or repair shops shall report accidents or bullet damages.
Section 56-5-1350. Tabulation and analysis of reports; publication of statistical information.
Section 56-5-1360. Municipality may require accident reports; use.
Section 56-5-1520. General rules as to maximum speed limits; lower speeds may be required.
Section 56-5-1535. Endangerment of a highway worker; penalties; definitions.
Section 56-5-1538. Emergency scene management; definitions
Section 56-5-1550 to 56-5-1555. Reserved.
Section 56-5-1560. Minimum speed limits.
Section 56-5-1570. Special speed limitations for certain vehicles and places.
Section 56-5-1580. Contents of complaint and summons or notice to appear charging speeding.
Section 56-5-1590. Unlawful to race or assist in racing on public roads.
Section 56-5-1600. Unlawful to acquiesce in or permit use of car in race.
Section 56-5-1610. "Acquiescence" defined.
Section 56-5-1810. Drive on the right side of roadways; exceptions.
Section 56-5-1830. Passing vehicles proceeding in opposite directions.
Section 56-5-1840. Overtaking and passing vehicles proceeding in same direction.
Section 56-5-1850. When passing on the right is permitted.
Section 56-5-1860. Limitations on overtaking on the left.
Section 56-5-1880. Further limitations on driving to left of center of roadway.
Section 56-5-1885. Overtaking and passing another vehicle in the farthest left-hand lane.
Section 56-5-1890. No-passing zones.
Section 56-5-1895. Passing prohibited in highway work zones; penalties.
Section 56-5-1900. Driving on roadways laned for traffic.
Section 56-5-1910. One-way roadways and rotary traffic islands.
Section 56-5-1920. Driving on divided highways.
Section 56-5-1930. Following too closely.
Section 56-5-1960. Following fire apparatus prohibited.
Section 56-5-1970. Restricted access.
Section 56-5-1980. Restrictions on use of controlled-access roadway.
Section 56-5-2110. Starting of a vehicle.
Section 56-5-2120. Required position and method of turning.
Section 56-5-2140. Limitations on turning around.
Section 56-5-2150. Turning movements and required signals.
Section 56-5-2170. Method of giving hand and arm signals.
Section 56-5-2180. Signals given by hand and arm or signal lamps.
Section 56-5-2310. Vehicles approaching or entering intersection.
Section 56-5-2320. Vehicle turning left.
Section 56-5-2330. Stop signs and yield signs.
Section 56-5-2350. Vehicle entering roadway.
Section 56-5-2360. Operation of vehicles on approach of authorized emergency vehicles.
Section 56-5-2370. Highway construction and maintenance.
Section 56-5-2510. Stopping, standing, or parking outside of business or residential district.
Section 56-5-2520. Officers authorized to remove vehicles.
Section 56-5-2530. Stopping, standing, or parking prohibited in specified places; exceptions.
Section 56-5-2540. Stopping, standing, or parking may be prohibited on state highways.
Section 56-5-2550. Left curb and angle parking may be permitted.
Section 56-5-2560. Parking at right-hand curb not more than 18 inches from curb.
Section 56-5-2570. Parking of unattended motor vehicle.
Section 56-5-2585. Disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients exempt from parking meter fees.
Section 56-5-2600. Parking violations; grace period.
Section 56-5-2710. Obedience to signal indicating approach of train or other on-track equipment.
Section 56-5-2715. Stop required at designated railroad grade crossings.
Section 56-5-2720. Vehicles required to stop at railroad grade crossings; exceptions.
Section 56-5-2725. Moving heavy equipment at railroad grade crossings.
Section 56-5-2730. Through highways; stop signs at entrances and at intersections.
Section 56-5-2740. Place where drivers shall stop for stop signs.
Section 56-5-2745. Emerging from alley, driveway, or building.
Section 56-5-2760. Stops at drawbridges.
Section 56-5-2773. Violation of Section 56-5-2770; digital images admissible in evidence.
Section 56-5-2775. Violation of Section 56-5-2735 as misdemeanor; penalty.
Section 56-5-2780. Penalties for unlawfully passing a stopped school bus.
Section 56-5-2934. Compulsory process to obtain witnesses and documents; breath testing software.
Section 56-5-2935. Right to jury trial.
Section 56-5-2941. Ignition interlock device.
Section 56-5-2946. Submission to testing for alcohol or drugs.
Section 56-5-2948. Field sobriety tests.
Section 56-5-2949. Policies, procedures and regulations on the SLED internet website.
Section 56-5-2950. Implied consent to testing for alcohol or drugs; procedures; inference of DUI.
Section 56-5-2952. Filing fee to request contested case hearing.
Section 56-5-2953. Incident site and breath test site video recording.
Section 56-5-2954. Breath testing sites; records of problems with devices.
Section 56-5-2955. Admissibility of evidence obtained under Section 56-5-2950.
Section 56-5-2990. Suspension of convicted person's driver's license; period of suspension.
Section 56-5-3110. Pedestrian obedience to traffic-control devices and traffic regulations.
Section 56-5-3120. Local regulations.
Section 56-5-3130. Pedestrians' right-of-way in crosswalks.
Section 56-5-3140. Pedestrian shall use right half of crosswalk.
Section 56-5-3150. Crossing at other than crosswalks.
Section 56-5-3160. Pedestrians on highways.
Section 56-5-3170. Pedestrians prohibited on freeways.
Section 56-5-3180. Pedestrians soliciting rides or business.
Section 56-5-3190. Only blind or incapacitated person may raise certain canes.
Section 56-5-3200. Vehicle shall stop for pedestrian guided by dog or raising cane.
Section 56-5-3210. Penalties for violating Sections 56-5-2720, 56-5-3190, or 56-5-3200.
Section 56-5-3230. Drivers to exercise due care.
Section 56-5-3240. Driving through safety zone prohibited.
Section 56-5-3250. Pedestrians' right-of-way on sidewalks.
Section 56-5-3260. Pedestrians yield to authorized emergency vehicles.
Section 56-5-3270. Pedestrians under influence of alcohol or drugs.
Section 56-5-3280. Bridge and railroad signals.
Section 56-5-3310. Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices.
Section 56-5-3410. Applicability of article to bicycles.
Section 56-5-3420. Rights and duties of bicyclists generally.
Section 56-5-3425. Bicycle lanes.
Section 56-5-3430. Riding on roadways and bicycle paths.
Section 56-5-3435. Driver to maintain safe operating distance between motor vehicle and bicycle.
Section 56-5-3440. Manner of riding bicycles; number of persons which may be carried.
Section 56-5-3445. Harassing or throwing object at person riding bicycle; penalty.
Section 56-5-3450. Clinging to vehicles prohibited.
Section 56-5-3460. Carrying articles.
Section 56-5-3470. Lamps and reflectors on bicycle.
Section 56-5-3480. Signaling turns; penalty.
Section 56-5-3490. Brake on bicycle; penalty.
Section 56-5-3500. Violations of article; penalties.
Section 56-5-3515. Authorized police patrol bicycles; operating as emergency vehicles.
Section 56-5-3520. Applicability of provisions to bicycles with helper motors.
Section 56-5-3610. Rights and duties of operator of motorcycle generally.
Section 56-5-3630. Manner in which motorcycles must be operated.
Section 56-5-3650. Footrests; rear view mirror.
Section 56-5-3680. Wind screens.
Section 56-5-3700. Penalty for violation of Sections 56-5-3660 to 56-5-3690.
Section 56-5-3710 to 56-5-3760. Repealed.
Section 56-5-3810. Limitations on backing.
Section 56-5-3822. Opening vehicle doors.
Section 56-5-3826. Riding in moving house trailers prohibited.
Section 56-5-3830. Driving through defiles or canyons or on mountain highways.
Section 56-5-3835. Driving upon sidewalk.
Section 56-5-3840. Coasting prohibited.
Section 56-5-3850. Crossing fire hose prohibited.
Section 56-5-3870. Motor vehicle speed detection jamming devices.
Section 56-5-3880. Closure of state highways for running events.
Section 56-5-3885. Unlawful to display obscene bumper sticker.
Section 56-5-3900. Transportation of minors in open vehicles.
Section 56-5-4010. Size and weight limits not to be exceeded; powers of local authorities.
Section 56-5-4030. Width of vehicles.
Section 56-5-4035. Permit for transporting culvert pipe; penalties.
Section 56-5-4040. Width of motor buses and trolley coaches; local ordinances.
Section 56-5-4050. Side projecting loads on passenger vehicles.
Section 56-5-4055. Oversized vehicle on interstate highway.
Section 56-5-4060. Height of vehicles; exception; routing permits; underpasses.
Section 56-5-4070. Length of vehicles; limitations on vehicle combinations.
Section 56-5-4080. Length of loads; hydraulic boom and bucket.
Section 56-5-4090. Length of load on certain pole trailers or pole carriers; structural material.
Section 56-5-4095. Transportation of modular or sectional housing units.
Section 56-5-4110. Loads and covers must be firmly attached.
Section 56-5-4120. Connections to trailers and towed vehicles; display of white flag.
Section 56-5-4130. Wheel and axle loads; high and low pressure tires.
Section 56-5-4140. Gross weight of vehicles, combinations of vehicles, and loads; exceptions.
Section 56-5-4160. Weighing vehicles and loads; unloading excess weight; penalties.
Section 56-5-4192. Authorization; movement of mobile homes on Saturday.
Section 56-5-4230. Liability for damages to highway or highway structure.
Section 56-5-4240. Commercial motor vehicle and its driver.
Section 56-5-4420. Special rules for implements of husbandry, farm tractors, and road machinery.
Section 56-5-4430. Additional parts and accessories not prohibited.
Section 56-5-4435. Safety equipment required for motor vehicles used in vending food.
Section 56-5-4440. Image display devices.
Section 56-5-4445. Unlawful to elevate or lower motor vehicle; exception for "pickup trucks".
Section 56-5-4450. Times when vehicles must be equipped with lights.
Section 56-5-4460. Time when motorcycle lights must be turned on.
Section 56-5-4470. Lighted lamps not required for vehicles not operated at night.
Section 56-5-4480. Visibility distance and mounted height of lamps.
Section 56-5-4490. Head lamps required on motor vehicles and motorcycles.
Section 56-5-4500. Height of head lamps from ground.
Section 56-5-4510. Tail lamps required.
Section 56-5-4520. Height of tail lamps.
Section 56-5-4530. Illumination of rear registration plate.
Section 56-5-4540. Motor vehicles must be equipped with rear reflectors.
Section 56-5-4550. Characteristics and mounting of rear reflectors.
Section 56-5-4560. Stop lamps required on motor vehicles.
Section 56-5-4570. Application of succeeding sections; lighting of lamp equipment.
Section 56-5-4600. Mounting of reflectors, clearance lamps, and side-marker lamps.
Section 56-5-4610. Visibility of reflectors, clearance lamps, and marker lamps.
Section 56-5-4620. Lighting lamps on vehicles operated in combination.
Section 56-5-4630. Lamp or flag on projecting load.
Section 56-5-4640. Lights on parked vehicles.
Section 56-5-4650. Lamps on other vehicles and equipment.
Section 56-5-4660. Spot lamps.
Section 56-5-4680. Auxiliary passing lamps.
Section 56-5-4690. Auxiliary driving lamps.
Section 56-5-4710. Use of mounted oscillating, rotating, or flashing red light by wreckers.
Section 56-5-4730. Signal lamps and signal devices.
Section 56-5-4740. Warning lamps.
Section 56-5-4750. Side cowl, running board, and back-up lamps.
Section 56-5-4760. Identification lamps for large commercial vehicles.
Section 56-5-4770. Multiple-beam road-lighting equipment.
Section 56-5-4780. Use of multiple-beam road-lighting equipment.
Section 56-5-4790. Single-beam road-lighting equipment.
Section 56-5-4800. Road-lighting equipment on motor-driven cycles.
Section 56-5-4810. Alternate road-lighting equipment at low speeds.
Section 56-5-4820. Number of driving lamps required or permitted.
Section 56-5-4850. Brake equipment.
Section 56-5-4860. Performance ability of brakes; tests for deceleration and stopping distances.
Section 56-5-4870. Maintenance and adjustment of brakes.
Section 56-5-4880. Inspection of brakes; effect of disapproval.
Section 56-5-4890. Hydraulic brake fluid; distribution and servicing; minimum standards; labelling.
Section 56-5-4910. Bumpers; "private passenger automobile" defined.
Section 56-5-4950. Horns and warning devices.
Section 56-5-4960. Use of horn.
Section 56-5-4970. Sirens, whistle, or bell on authorized emergency vehicles.
Section 56-5-4980. Theft alarm signal.
Section 56-5-5000. Windows unobstructed; windshield wipers.
Section 56-5-5010. Safety glass in motor vehicles.
Section 56-5-5015. Sunscreen devices.
Section 56-5-5030. Devices to emit smoke screen, noisome gases, or odors prohibited.
Section 56-5-5050. Toilets or other devices hazardous to health.
Section 56-5-5060. Certain vehicles must carry flares and other warning devices.
Section 56-5-5080. Alternative warning device; portable reflector units.
Section 56-5-5090. Display of warning devices when vehicle disabled.
Section 56-5-5110. Display of flags when vehicle disabled in daytime.
Section 56-5-5120. Alternative warning devices.
Section 56-5-5130. Requirements as to flares, fusees, and other warning devices.
Section 56-5-5140. Vehicles transporting explosives.
Section 56-5-5150. Use of safety devices when towing vehicles.
Section 56-5-5310. Condition of vehicle and vehicle equipment.
Section 56-5-5640. Sale of unclaimed vehicles; disposition of proceeds.
Section 56-5-5650. Claims of and awards to persons damaged by sale of vehicle.
Section 56-5-5710. Disposition of a motor vehicle by a salvage pool operator.
Section 56-5-5810. Definitions.
Section 56-5-5820. Abandoned and derelict vehicles as hazard to health and welfare.
Section 56-5-5840. Abandoned and derelict vehicles subject to removal and disposal.
Section 56-5-5850. Tagging and removal of unattended vehicles; disposition.
Section 56-5-5870. Contract for collection of vehicles and related services; collecting areas.
Section 56-5-5890. Property may not be willfully damaged.
Section 56-5-5900. Lienholders and owners of stolen vehicles not subject to penalties and charges.
Section 56-5-5910. Unlawful to tamper with, remove or destroy colored tags.
Section 56-5-5920. Article not applicable to certain vehicles.
Section 56-5-5950. Penalties for abandoning vehicle.
Section 56-5-6110. Parties to a crime.
Section 56-5-6120. Offenses by persons owning or controlling vehicles.
Section 56-5-6130. Parents and guardians shall not permit children and wards to violate chapter.
Section 56-5-6150. Trial jurisdiction of municipal courts.
Section 56-5-6160. Evidence of conviction inadmissible in civil action.
Section 56-5-6170. Enforcement.
Section 56-5-6190. General penalty for violations of chapter.
Section 56-5-6200. Disposition of fines and forfeitures.
Section 56-5-6210. Officers shall receive no part of fines or forfeitures.
Section 56-5-6250. Determination of prior convictions; sentence.
Section 56-5-6310. Application of chapter to private roads upon owner's consent.
Section 56-5-6320. Termination of consent.
Section 56-5-6330. Termination shall not affect roads otherwise covered by Act.
Section 56-5-6340. Establishment of speed limits and traffic control signs.
Section 56-5-6350. Application of article to certain private roads.
Section 56-5-6420. Transportation of children in the front seat of a motor vehicle.
Section 56-5-6440. Persons and vehicles excepted from article.
Section 56-5-6445. Applicability of chapter.
Section 56-5-6450. Penalty for violation of article; waiver of fine.
Section 56-5-6460. Violation of article does not constitute negligence.
Section 56-5-6470. Enforcement after June 30, 1984.
Section 56-5-6510. Definitions.
Section 56-5-6520. Mandatory use of seat belt.
Section 56-5-6525. Limits on use of checkpoints or roadblocks to enforce this article.
Section 56-5-6530. Exceptions.