Can you drink or carry alcohol while on back of a motorcycle? What SC law says
Riding as a passenger on a motorcycle offers a little more freedom than the driver. That is, unless you want to drink alcohol.
As the Fall Myrtle Beach Bike Rally begins this weekend, there are plenty of bars and events that will be catering to motorcyclists – many of them providing opportunities to purchase alcohol.
South Carolina law prohibits open containers of beer or wine in any motor vehicle, which includes a motorcycle, while it is on a public highway or highway rights of way.
You can transport alcohol, including liquor, on a motorcycle. Still, if the seal has been broken or opened, it must be secured in a trunk, cargo area or luggage area that is separate from the driver and passenger areas.
Considering that there isn’t usually a lot of room on a motorcycle, that can prove difficult.
Violating the law carries up to 30 days in jail.
In addition to state law, other counties and cities along the Grand Strand also have ordinances related to alcohol use.
Many of the events and activities associated with the Myrtle Beach Bike Rally occur in the Murrells Inlet area, located in Georgetown County.
Georgetown County’s ordinance prohibits any person within the county from drinking any alcoholic beverages in or on their vehicles on the streets, roads or sidewalks in the county. However, if an alcoholic beverage special use permit was acquired for the event, then drinking alcohol in non-glass containers is permitted.
Horry County also bans drinking alcoholic beverages in public and having open containers in vehicles. It is also against the law to have any alcoholic beverages on public beaches or in public access areas. This is the same for the city of Myrtle Beach.
This story was originally published September 24, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
