General Speed Limits

• Speed limits are determined and set by individual states. The factors that each state considers when setting speed limits are whether a highway is in a rural or urban setting; whether the vehicle is a car or truck; and in certain states, according to daylight hours.
  
  In South Carolina, the speed limit on rural and urban interstates for both cars and trucks is 70 mph.
  
  On limited access roads the limit for both cars and trucks is 55 mph.
  
  Fines for violating speed limits vary by county.
  
  

Work Zones

• Nearly every U.S. state has traffic laws that apply specifically to road construction work zones. Violating traffic laws within work zones often comes with increased penalties and fines. In South Carolina, speeding in a work zone will land an offender a $75 to $200 fine or 30 days in jail. In some cases, both the fine and jail time may apply. In South Carolina, workers do not have to be present to break this law, as long as work zone signs are posted.
  
  

Seat Belt Laws

• Seat belt laws are split into two classifications: primary laws or secondary laws. In states where this is a primary law, you can be cited simply for not wearing your seat belt, whereas in places where it is a secondary law, you can only be charged for not wearing a seat belt after having been pulled over for some other offense. Seat belt laws vary from one state to another, depending on the age of the passenger and/or where they are sitting inside the car. The seat belt laws in South Carolina are primary laws. If you have a passenger 6 years of age or younger who is not wearing a seat belt, you are subject to a maximum ticket of $25 for your first offense.
  
  

DUI Laws

• South Carolina has one of the strictest DUI laws in the country. As of the date of publication, first-time DUI offenders can face fines up to $1,000 and/or up to 90 days in jail. Second-time DUI offenders face up to three years of jail time. Third-time DUI offenders face up to five years of jail time, and fourth-time DUI offenders face a mandatory seven-year jail sentence.
  
  

Auto Insurance Laws

• In South Carolina, all vehicles must have liability insurance. This includes bodily injury coverage of $25,000 per person, $50,000 for car accidents, and $25,000 for personal property. If you are ticketed or arrested for not carrying proof of insurance, you can face permanent license suspension. Proof of auto insurance is required to obtain a South Carolina driver's license.