Traffic Rules and Regulations
Understanding and following traffic rules is essential for safe driving and passing your South
Carolina Driver License test. This section covers the most important traffic laws and regulations
you need to know.
Right-of-Way Rules
Right-of-way rules determine who goes first in different traffic situations. Knowing these rules
helps prevent crashes and ensures smooth traffic flow.
At Intersections
- Controlled Intersections: Follow traffic signals, signs, or directions from
traffic officers.
- Four-Way Stops: The first vehicle to arrive has the right-of-way. If two
vehicles arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the right goes first.
- Uncontrolled Intersections: Yield to vehicles already in the intersection and
to vehicles on your right.
- T-Intersections: Vehicles on the through road have the right-of-way over
vehicles on the road that ends.
Special Right-of-Way Situations
- Emergency Vehicles: Always yield to emergency vehicles with flashing lights
and/or sirens.
- School Buses: Stop for school buses with flashing red lights and extended stop
arms. On a two-way road, all traffic in both directions must stop.
- Pedestrians: Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, at intersections, and
when directed by signals or crossing guards.
- Funeral Processions: Do not cut through a funeral procession. If you encounter
one at an intersection, yield even if you have a green light.
Speed Limits and Safe Speeds
Speed limits are maximum speeds allowed under ideal conditions. You must adjust your speed based on
road, weather, and traffic conditions.
Standard Speed Limits in South Carolina
- Interstate Highways: 70 mph in rural areas, 60 mph in urban areas (unless
otherwise posted)
- Other Highways: 55 mph (unless otherwise posted)
- Residential Areas: 30 mph (unless otherwise posted)
- School Zones: Usually 15-25 mph when children are present
- Work Zones: Reduced speeds as posted, with increased penalties for violations
Adjusting Speed for Conditions
You must drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for existing conditions, regardless of
posted speed limits. Reduce speed when:
- Approaching and crossing intersections
- Going around curves
- Approaching the top of a hill
- Traveling on narrow or winding roads
- Encountering bad weather or poor visibility
- Driving in heavy traffic
Lane Usage and Changing Lanes
Basic Lane Rules
- Drive on the Right: Always drive on the right half of the roadway except when
passing, avoiding obstacles, or on one-way streets.
- Multiple Lanes: On roads with two or more lanes in the same direction, slower
traffic should use the right lane, while the left lane is for passing.
- Passing: Pass on the left. Return to the right lane when you can see the passed
vehicle in your rearview mirror.
- Center Turn Lanes: Use these lanes only for left turns, not for passing or
driving extended distances.
Changing Lanes Safely
- Signal your intention to change lanes well in advance.
- Check your mirrors for traffic behind and beside you.
- Check your blind spot by looking over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move.
- Change lanes smoothly when it's safe, maintaining your speed.
- Cancel your turn signal after completing the lane change.
Turning Procedures
Right Turns
- Signal at least 100 feet before the turn.
- Position your vehicle in the far-right lane.
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Make the turn into the right lane of the road you're entering.
Right Turn on Red: In South Carolina, you may turn right on a red light after coming
to a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and other traffic, unless prohibited by a "No Turn on
Red" sign.
Left Turns
- Signal at least 100 feet before the turn.
- Position your vehicle in the far-left lane or in a designated left-turn lane.
- Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
- Make the turn into the left lane of the road you're entering.
Left Turn on Red: In South Carolina, you may turn left on a red light only when
turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, and only after coming to a complete stop
and yielding to pedestrians and other traffic.
U-Turns
U-turns are permitted in South Carolina where they can be made safely and are not prohibited by
signs. Never make a U-turn:
- On a curve or hill where you cannot be seen by approaching traffic
- At intersections controlled by traffic signals or where prohibited by signs
- Where U-turns are specifically prohibited
- Across a double solid yellow line
Parking Regulations
Proper parking helps maintain traffic flow and ensures safety. Always park in designated areas and
follow these guidelines:
Where Parking is Prohibited
- In front of driveways, alleys, or private roads
- Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
- Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection
- Within 30 feet of a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal
- Within 50 feet of a railroad crossing
- On sidewalks or in bicycle lanes
- On bridges or in tunnels
- In handicapped spaces without proper authorization
Parallel Parking
- Signal and position your vehicle parallel to the vehicle in front of the empty space, about 2-3
feet away.
- Check for traffic, then begin backing slowly.
- Turn your steering wheel sharply toward the curb when your rear wheels are even with the back of
the car in front.
- Straighten your wheels as your car comes into the space.
- Center your car in the space, about 12 inches from the curb.
School Zones and Construction Zones
School Zones
- Reduce speed to the posted school zone limit when signs indicate a school zone is active.
- Watch for children, especially near schools, playgrounds, and residential areas.
- Stop for school buses with flashing red lights and extended stop arms.
- Obey school crossing guards.
Work Zones
- Slow down to the posted work zone speed limit.
- Watch for workers, equipment, and changes in traffic patterns.
- Maintain extra following distance.
- Expect the unexpected, such as workers or equipment moving into traffic lanes.
- Be aware that fines for traffic violations are typically doubled in work zones.
Study Tips for Traffic Rules
- Review the specific rules that apply to different situations, such as intersections, passing,
and turning.
- Practice identifying right-of-way scenarios with diagrams or while riding as a passenger.
- Memorize standard speed limits for different road types.
- Take our Traffic Rules Practice Test to test your knowledge.
