Is it illegal in SC to drive with your brights, hazard lights on in a storm? What the law says

It’s hurricane season and with sudden, heavy showers it can be a dangerous time on South Carolina roads. When pouring rain limits visibility, some drivers turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers of their presence. Others use high-beam headlights to try to see the road better.

If you have to venture out during a storm or you get caught by a surprise shower on the road, here’s what you should know about driving in the rain in the Palmetto State.

Unlike some states, South Carolina doesn’t prohibit driving with hazard lights on in heavy rain. However, some experts don’t recommend using hazards in storms because they can confuse other motorists.

“It’s not prohibited, and it’s not in the law that you can or can’t use [hazard lights] when it’s raining,” said South Carolina Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Lena Butler.

Because turn signals aren’t visible when hazard lights are on, drivers can’t anticipate if you’ll change lanes or turn, Butler said. Additionally, in low visibility when it’s hard to see lanes and the road’s shoulder, turning your hazards on might also make other drivers think you’ve pulled over.

“Hazard lights are usually used to indicate that a car is stopped, broken down or needs assistance, such as after an accident,” said Butler. “Using these lights just because of a storm, it can confuse traffic.”

Similarly, South Carolina doesn’t have any rules addressing the use of high-intensity headlights in a storm, though some experts don’t recommend it. According to AAA, high-beam headlights actually make visibility worse in rain and fog because the light reflects off of the water and back into your eyes.

Drivers do have to use their regular headlights in heavy rain. The South Carolina Code of Laws requires drivers to turn on headlights when using windshield wipers because of rain, sleet or snow and when inclement weather severely reduces visibility.

Not using headlights in these conditions is a misdemeanor and, if found guilty, drivers can be fined $25. However, the law doesn’t apply in lighter weather, when rain, sleet and snow are only misting and drivers use wipers only intermittently.

When driving in inclement weather, Butler recommends leaving early to have extra time to navigate potential road hazards, increasing your following distance behind other cars and driving below the speed limit.

“Drivers should consider that the speed limit was created for optimal conditions, not rain or inclement weather. If you’re driving in the rain, stay below the posted speed limit, so you have time to react in any unexpected situation,” Butler said.

While its not always possible to move off the road, sometimes pulling over is the safest option in heavy rain.

“If you feel uncomfortable due to poor visibility or difficulty controlling your vehicle, it’s best to pull over safely and wait for the weather to improve,” Butler said.