5 SC traffic laws to know for the Myrtle Beach fall bike rally
Roads around the Grand Strand are about to get louder and more crowded as bikers from around the country gather for the annual Myrtle Beach fall bike rally. This year motorcycles will start rolling in on Friday, Sept. 26 through Sunday, Oct. 5.
For motorcyclists and car drivers alike, it’s important to follow state traffic laws to safely share the road. Here are five laws important laws to follow on South Carolina roads this rally season.
Lane Splitting
Unlike some states, South Carolina prohibits lane splitting. Except for police officers performing official duties, it’s illegal for motorcycles to drive between two lanes of traffic or weave between lanes to pass cars on the road.
Lane Sharing
Under state law, motorcycles are entitled to the full use of a lane in South Carolina, and cars and other vehicles can’t deprive bikers from using the full lane.
Two motorcycles operated abreast are allowed to share the same lane, but no more than two bikes can share the lane.
Motorcycles at red lights
South Carolina law has a unique provision where motorcycles, mopeds and bicycle riders can sometimes ride through red lights. Because some red lights use weight sensors instead of timers, smaller vehicles can sometimes get stuck at intersections.
To keep riders from getting stuck at a red light indefinitely, state law allows them to proceed through a steady red light after coming to a complete stop for two minutes. Even in these cases, bikers must exercise due care under the law and determine that it’s safe to proceed.
Helmets
Older bikers can ride without helmets, but South Carolina state law requires all motorcycle riders under the age of 21 to wear a Department of Public Safety-approved helmet and eye protection, like goggles or face shields.
Riders under 21 years of age must also wear helmets on trikes, but fully enclosed three-wheeled vehicles and Polaris’s three-wheeled Slingshots are exempt because they aren’t considered motorcycles.
Littering
Tossing trash from a motor vehicle harms South Carolina wildlife and pollutes neighborhoods and nature. It’s also against state law, which prohibits disposing of solid waste from a vehicle on waters, public land and private property without the owner’s permission.