South Carolina Motorcycle Laws - Accident Lawyers at Law Tigers

South Carolina motorcycle laws are intended to help motorcyclists enjoy safe riding in a beautiful state. South Carolina's warm weather, gorgeous landscape, and famous Myrtle Beach make the state a popular destination for motorcycle enthusiasts. Before you ride in South Carolina, be sure to familiarize yourself with the state's motorcycle laws. In the event you're in a motorcycle accident, contact South Carolina motorcycle accident lawyers at Law Tigers. Law Tigers also maintains a recommended list of reputable motorcycle shops in South Carolina.

• Rider Safety Equipment
• Bike Specifications
• Off-Road Riding
• Rules of the Road
• Insurance Requlations

Rider Safety Equipment

South Carolina motorcycle laws require all riders under the age of 21 wear helmets. Riders over the age of 21 are not required to wear a helmet, and there are no restrictions on the use of helmet speakers under South Carolina motorcycle laws. Riders under the age of 21 must wear appropriate eye protection unless their bikes are equipped with windscreens. It is important to remember and follow these regulations when riding in South Carolina.

Note: In conflict with state law the city of Myrtle Beach has passed a helmet ordianance requiring helmet use within city limits and place restrictions on motorcycle exhaust systems.  The ordinances are available at www.cityofmytlebeach.com

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Bike Specifications

Motorcycles must meet certain equipment requirements to comply with South Carolina motorcycle laws. State rules regulating motorcycle specifications include:

• A passenger seat and footrests are required when carrying a passenger
• At least one side view mirror is required
• Turn signals are not required
• Modulated headlights are allowed
• Radar detectors are allowed
• Handlebars have no height restriction
• A muffler is not required and there is no established accoustical criteria

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Off-Road Riding

South Carolina law places no restrictions on off-road motorcycle riding. There is no minimum operator age, no helmet or eye protection required. The only restriction on off-road riding would be individual restrictions for a particular piece of land.  For example, in the state parks and national parks/forest riding would be restricted to designated trails.   Law Tigers recommends riding only on designated trails, practice the principals of "Tread Lightly" http://www.treadlightly.org, always wear protective gear including a helmet and never ride alone.

Rules of the Road

South Carolina's rider education classes can be waived if the applicant passes a skill test administered by the Motor Vehicle Department www.scdmvonline.com.

South Carolina motorcycle laws prohibit riders from practicing lane splitting.   However, all motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such a manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane.  This shall not apply to motorcycles operated two abreast in a single lane (SC ST SEC 56-5-3640). If you have additional questions about the rules of the road in South Carolina, contact our South Carolina Motorcycle Injury Lawyers today.

Insurance Regulations

South Carolina requires motorcyclists to carry liability insurance. The minimum coverage required must provide for:

• Bodily injury coverage should be at least $25,000 per person injured, and $50,000 for all persons injured in an accident
• Property damage coverage should be at least $25,000

Cox and Fisher strongly recommend that all riders carry underinsured coverage and medical payments coverage on their motorcycles and cars.  This insurance will cover you in the event the other driver doesn't have enough coverage to fully compensate you for your medical bills, lost wages, injuries and property damage. 
 
Many riders customize their bikes with paint, chrome and other accessories.  It is necessary for you to buy endorsements on your property damage coverage to cover your investment of custom work in your motorcycle.

This information is only a brief summary of South Carolina motorcycle laws. Consult one of our motorcycle accident lawyers to learn about the laws in more detail.
 
Call us today for a free insurance review and further explanation of these issues.
If you have an accident in South Carolina, a Law Tigers motorcycle accident lawyer can help you collect the payment you deserve.

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Contact Our South Carolina Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

If you would like additional information about the motorcycle laws in South Carolina, or if you have been involved in a South Carolina motorcycle accident, contact the lawyers at Law Tigers today. We provide aggressive legal representation for accident victims and can help you obtain compensation for your injuries and motorcycle property damage.