Car speed limits in South Carolina (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Passenger cars may do 30 mph in an urban district and 55 mph on other highways. The limit is 60 mph on posted multilane divided primary highways and 70 mph on posted interstates and other freeways. Disobeying traffic control devices in a highway work zone while workers are present carries a fine of $500 to $1,000.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 30 mph in an urban district; a local authority may set a lower limit after an engineering and traffic investigation [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | 55 mph in other locations and on other sections of highway; 40 mph on unpaved roads [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway)Passenger car on public roads | 60 mph on multilane divided primary highways where official signs give notice of this limit [1] |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | 70 mph on the interstate highway system and other freeways where official signs give notice of this speed [1] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | Failing to obey traffic control devices in a marked highway work zone while highway workers are present is endangerment of a highway worker: a mandatory fine of $500-$1,000 and two penalty points, more if a worker is injured. The separate work-zone speeding offence was removed in 2017. [1] |
Notes
- The limits may be altered under sections 56-5-1530 and 56-5-1540.
Sources
- South Carolina Legislature: Code of Laws of South Carolina 1976, Title 56, Chapter 5, Article 13, Section 56-5-1520 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
South Carolina and neighbouring states
| State | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) | Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | 30 mph | 55 mph | 60 mph where posted | 70 mph where posted |
| Georgia | 30 mph | 55 mph (all other areas) | 65 mph (multi-lane divided) | 70 mph rural, 65 mph urban |
| North Carolina | 35 mph | 55 mph | 55 mph | 55 mph (up to 70 if posted) |
More rules in South Carolina
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour) · Growing at home: Prohibited
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 15 (conditional licence, daylight only) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (beginner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (no small bottle rockets) · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: No general rule; limits at schools · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: No state minimum wage · Current adult minimum wage (gross): Federal $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.