Driving Rules and Regulations in Greenville, South Carolina

South Carolina can be a wonderful destination for people adventuring across the States. Whether you live here or driving through this beautiful state, it’s good to know the driving rules and regulations. Understanding the driving rules of the state is mandatory to avoid being involved in a car accident.

If you do find yourself involved in an accident, you should seek advice from a South Carolina auto accident attorney.

Changes in traffic happen regularly. South Carolina drivers must keep the following rules in mind to maintain a safe driving environment. Most of these rules and regulations apply nationwide, but it is always good to read them as a reminder.

  1. All passengers, as well as the driver, are required to wear a seat belt. Children under the age of 6 must be restrained with a child passenger belt.
  2. Headlights must be turned on, between a half-hour after nightfall and a half-hour before dawn. Furthermore, lights must be on every time the driver uses the windshield wipers due to rain or snow.
  3. When two drivers proceed towards two highway’s intersections simultaneously, the driver of the car on the left must yield access to the vehicle on the right.
  4. When an emergency vehicle passes with sirens and lights turned on, drivers are obliged by law to move on the right side of the road and stop letting the vehicle pass. Likewise, when an emergency vehicle is stopped on the side of the road with flashlights on, drivers must move over to the far lane when passing it.
  5. Green signals allow cars to enter the freeway from on-ramps one at a time. In the case of a two-lane on-ramp, the signals may be two, one for each lane.
  6. Speed limits range between roads. In South Carolina, the city’s speed limit on a typical street will be 30 miles per hour maximum, while on an unpaved country road, it will be 40 miles per hour maximum. Depending on the road you are driving, you can expect the following speed ranges:
    • Within city limits: 20-30 mph
    • Undivided rural road: 45-55 mph
    • Divided rural road: 55-65 mph
    • Freeway within city limits: 55-70 mph
    • Freeway outside city limits: 70 mph
  1. You can make a right on a red light from the right lane if there is no sign forbidding it.
  2. You are allowed to make a U-turn at an intersection if there is no sign forbidding it.
  3. When overtaking another automobile driving in the same direction, you should use the left lane to do so.
  4. When a school bus stops with flashing signals, drivers are obliged to stop until the bus picks up the students and starts moving again. Drivers must not overtake a school bus while its signals are flashing. When coming from the opposite direction on the road with four or more lanes, drivers are not required to stop. However, they should slow down and be cautious.
  5. When in neighborhoods, where there are always more pedestrians walking to their destinations, drivers must be alert because youngsters do not always look both ways before crossing the road. You never know when a kid or a dog will jump in front of you unexpectedly. You must drive at a speed where you have time to react if anything unexpected happens.
  6. Many kids ride their bicycles to school, and they are not always aware of the road rules. During traffic, bicycle riders are not always visible. Always pay extra attention for bicycles because in the event of a collision they stand a serious chance to get severely injured.
  7. When drivers back out from a parking lot, they must be extra careful of people, especially children, passing behind their vehicle.
  8. Different speed limits apply when driving in school zones. In case you are not aware of the posted speed limit in the school zone, follow the standard rule that is 25 mph, and be safe.
  9. Double parking is forbidden in school zones. Each school has its traffic policy for pick-up and drop-off times. Ask for the school’s traffic plan and follow it.
  10. No speaking on the phone is allowed when driving in a school zone. Drivers should stay focused on driving safely on the street with so many young pedestrians. Children are sometimes reckless, especially when walking with their friends.
  11. Drivers should be alert when teen drivers are behind the wheel. They should be patient and keep an extra distance just in case of an unexpected event.

We all want to keep our roads as safe as possible. However, car collisions happen often due to negligence or inexperience of the person behind the wheel. Sometimes other factors, such as poorly maintained roads can cause an accident.  Unfortunately, the results of an accident can often be catastrophic for the people involved. If you live in Greenville, SC, a specialized Greenville car accident lawyer can discuss your legal options. Stay safe!

If you or someone you love has been injured in an auto accident, and need advice on how to handle your case, our experienced car accident attorneys at Brumback and Langley can help you protect your rights and recover compensation for your injuries and damages. Call us today for a free consultation meeting.