Motorcycle Laws & Licensing for South Carolina, United States

Becoming accustomed to riding a motorcycle while complying with South Carolina’s road laws can be a difficult learning curve to overcome. For beginners, figuring out how to sit in the driver’s seat and operate the controls is challenging enough. But there are additional hurdles along the way when trying to earn the credentials to ride a motorcycle. Even for experienced riders, it can be difficult to remember all of the regulations explaining what is legal and illegal for motorcyclists to attempt on the road. But hopefully, this article will summarize all the important points you need to know about South Carolina’s motorcycle laws and licensing process. 

Motorcyclists traveling through South Carolina must purchase motorcycle insurance recognized in this state to be legally allowed to operate a two-wheeler. Even the most skilled riders can make mistakes that result in an accident. An accident can cause severe damage to health and property which can result in hefty fines that could put a dent in your wallet. Getting South Carolina liability insurance coverage will help alleviate the financial burden that can amass if a collision was severe. If you are found liable for an accident, you must provide compensation to any affected parties. You must be able to produce your proof of ownership if you are asked to show your South Carolina motorcycle insurance at traffic stops, accident scenes, and vehicle inspections.

The purpose of your South Carolina motorcycle insurance is to offer compensation to other drivers involved in an accident. As the compensation primarily deals with severe injuries and loss of property, the insurance has to be able to pay for the following:

• $25,000 for bodily injury to a person per accident

• $50,000 for bodily injuries to multiple people per accident

• $25,000 for property damages sustained per accident

If you want extra protection for your health and property, you will need to acquire other forms of insurance coverage. Depending on specific circumstances that occur within an accident, you might need access to additional financial protection:

• Uninsured coverage

• Underinsured coverage

• Collision coverage

• Comprehensive coverage

• Medical payments coverage

It is mandatory for motorcyclists and passengers alike below 21 years old to wear a motorcycle helmet while operating their vehicles.

Because the majority of motorcyclists in South Carolina choose to have protective gear on at all times in recent years, the statistics have shown a reduction in motorcycle fatalities in South Carolina:

• In 2017, there were 145 motorcycle fatalities on South Carolina’s roads and highways

• In 2018, there were 142 motorcycle fatalities on South Carolina’s roads and highways

• In 2019, there were 140 motorcycle fatalities on South Carolina’s roads and highways

What are considered proper motorcycle helmets in South Carolina are full-face, three-quarter, and half helmets, the following listed from most to least head protection. Any one of them must be checked to see if they were built by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Safety.

Listed in this table below are the features that your motorcycle helmet is required to have if you wish to operate a motorcycle in South Carolina:

You can begin applying for a South Carolina motorcycle beginner’s permit if you have reached at least 15 years old or older.

You will have to pay a fee of $2.50 to be given a South Carolina motorcycle beginner’s permit which is valid for one year.

To be given the permit, you must complete the following tasks and fulfill all of the listed criteria:

• Present valid identification documents

• Have a consent form filled out by a parent or legal guardian if you are a minor

• Provide proof of South Carolina residency

• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship

• Provide your Social Security Number

• Pass the knowledge exam

• Pass the vision exam

• Pay the required fees

When you are operating with a South Carolina motorcycle learner’s permit, you will have to comply with the following restrictions as you practice:

• You can practice unaccompanied from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

• Other times you must be supervised by a 21-year-old or older with a valid motorcycle license with at least one year of driving experience

You are eligible to receive a South Carolina motorcycle license if you have reached at least 15 years old or older.

You will have to pay a fee of $12.50 to be printed a South Carolina motorcycle license that is valid for four years or less. Alternatively, you can pay a fee of $25 to be issued a South Carolina motorcycle license that is valid for eight years or less.

Listed below are the requirements you will need to fulfill to obtain a South Carolina motorcycle endorsement:

*If you have no driving experience or have never previously owned a driver’s license, you will need to acquire a South Carolina motorcycle beginner’s permit first before you can be issued an official South Carolina motorcycle license.

*If you already have a valid driver’s license for a different class of vehicle, you can proceed with the South Carolina motorcycle license test without having to first get a South Carolina motorcycle beginner’s permit.

*If you show a certificate confirming you completed an SCDMV-approved motorcycle safety course within 30 days, you have the option of waiving the road skills portion of the South Carolina motorcycle license test. 

Knowledge Portion:

• Complete 30 multiple-choice questions

• Questions will be based on content from South Carolina Motorcycle & Moped Operator’s Manual

• Will be tested on your understanding of road rules and safe riding practices

• Requires a passing grade of 80% or higher

Riding Skills Portion:

• Will be conducted in a controlled, off-street area

• Your motorcycle will be subjected to a pre-ride inspection to ensure it meets safety standards

• Demonstrate a basic understanding of motorcycle operation

• You will be tested on your ability to stay within the speed limit, adjust speed and position, maintain visibility, operate under stress, accelerate, brake, turn, stop, and swerve

• The examiner will grade you based on how well you ride at safe speeds, stay within the lanes, and demonstrate riding maneuvers

In South Carolina, there is no minimum age limit for motorcycle passengers.

For it to be legal to carry a passenger, your motorcycle must be equipped with a passenger seat, handholds, and footrests.

Since it is unsafe for the passenger to be seated in front of the driver’s seat, the designated passenger seat can only be placed on the sides or towards the rear of your motorcycle. There must be space between the driver and passenger seats to allow the passenger to extend their legs fully on both sides. This will also prevent the passenger from interfering with the operator’s ability to control the motorcycle. The designated passenger seat can only be positioned at the following places on your motorcycle:

• At the back of a large driver’s seat

• Towards the rear as a separate saddle

• Fixed to the side as a sidecar

Because there is no age restriction, you will have to consider other criteria when deciding who can safely ride with you. Characteristics to look for in a motorcycle passenger include the following:

• Your passenger must be able to reach the footrests

• Your passenger must wear an approved motorcycle helmet

• Your passenger cannot be carrying any packages

• Your passenger must be able to understand and follow your directions

Lane splitting is not legally permitted in South Carolina. The dangers of squeezing between larger vehicles, riding in their blind spots, and increasing the risk of collision outweigh the benefit of bypassing heavy traffic to get someplace faster. Motorcyclists are forbidden from doing any of the following in South Carolina:

• Riding on top of the dividing lines between lanes

• Riding in between adjacent rows of stopped vehicles 

• Overtaking a larger vehicle ahead in the same lane 

As motorcycles have greater maneuverability and can squeeze in spaces four-wheeled motor vehicles cannot, riders are permitted certain rights regarding how they can act when on the road. Motorcyclists are allowed to try the following in South Carolina:

• You are allowed to make full use of the space within your current lane 

• You can only share a lane with another motorcycle if:

  • Both parties stay apart no more than two abreast

  • Both parties consent beforehand

In the interest of keeping your motorcycle in the best shape possible, you should make it a point to conduct equipment and safety inspections whenever possible. If it has been a month since the last inspection or you are about to head out on a trip, these are the best opportunities to look over the primary components. If the machinery has become worn down or requires repair, it is best to do it when you are still in your garage or close to a local mechanic.

• Horn

• Wheels

• Tires

• Handlebars 

•  Brake System 

• Controls

• Headlight(s) 

•  Taillight 

•  Brake Light 

• Reflector

• License Plate Light

• Exhaust System

•  Muffler 

•  Rearview Mirror 

• Windshield

• South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - Forms and Manuals
• South Carolina Motorcycle Laws
• South Carolina Department of Insurance - Automobile Insurance
• South Carolina Department of Public Safety - The Facts about Motorcycle Safety
• South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - Motorcycle
• South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - Beginner’s Permit
• South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - Motorcycle Road Test
• South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - Fees