Getting Familiar With South Carolina Traffic Laws

By Attorney James Whalen | Published on September 6, 2021

If you live or work in the local area, then you understand that traffic can be a pain from time to time. Even though it can be frustrating when you are trying to get from place to place quickly, it is still important to place safety first. That is why South Carolina traffic laws have been put in place. If you see those flashing lights behind you, this can ruin your day pretty quickly. Instead of rushing to pay the ticket, you should enlist the help of a traffic attorney. What are the most important traffic laws, and how can attorneys help you? Learn more below. 

Important South Carolina Traffic Laws to Note

The basic rules of the road in other states also apply to South Carolina. You need to obey all traffic lights, you need to watch the speed limit, and you need to come to a complete stop at every stop sign. At the same time, there are a few other rules that you need to keep in mind. These include:

• Alcohol: The legal limit regarding BAC in South Carolina is 0.08. Therefore, it is important for you to know your limits and think about them every time you get in a motor vehicle. Furthermore, drinking any alcohol inside a moving vehicle is prohibited. 
• Seatbelts: Seatbelts are mandatory in South Carolina. No matter where you are located, you need to wear your seatbelt. Seatbelts dramatically reduce the chances of someone suffering an injury if they are involved in a motor vehicle accident. Make sure you put on your seatbelt when you get in the car. 
• Windshield Wipers and Headlights: South Carolina gets a lot of rain, and even though you may get used to seeing the rain through your windshield, you still need to use your windshield wipers. If you turn on your windshield wipers, you need to turn on your headlights as well. Headlights make it easier for you to see what is happening in front of you, particularly during a summer storm.
• Turn Signals: Turn signals are also required in South Carolina. If you are making a turn, you need to use your turn signal. Furthermore, you need to make sure you turn on your turn signal before you get to the turn. This is important for letting other people know what you are doing on the road. 
• Cyclists Have Rights: All drivers need to make sure they share the road with someone riding a motorcycle. A cyclist has to obey all traffic laws just like drivers. 

Even though it can be difficult to remember all of these rules, practice makes perfect. Make sure you follow all traffic laws every day, and they will become second nature to you. That way, you can reduce your chances of getting a ticket.

How an Attorney Can Help You

People make mistakes from time to time, and it is important to reach out to an attorney if you get a traffic ticket for any reason. An attorney has an intimate understanding of South Carolina traffic laws and can make sure your rights are protected. He or she can take a look at the ticket and make sure all proper procedures were followed. Then, an attorney may be able to get your ticket dismissed for you. If not, a traffic lawyer might be able to negotiate your ticket down to a non-moving violation, which may prevent your insurance from going up. 

Contact Whalen Montalvo Law for a Greenville Traffic Attorney

There are a lot of unique laws in the local area, and you need to make sure you understand them. If you have been given a ticket, do not be in a rush to pay it. Instead, reach out to a Greenville SC traffic attorney who can help you. A traffic attorney from Whalen Montalvo Law can take a look at your case and let you know what your options are. Then, a traffic lawyer from our office may help you minimize any penalties by negotiating a reduced fine or getting the ticket dismissed entirely. Contact us today to speak with a traffic attorney from our team!