On A Bicycle
S.C. Code 56-5-3430 — as near the right as practicable, no more than two abreast, a light at night
On a bicycle, the sections this page reads say, in short:
- The bicycle article applies whenever a bicycle is ridden on a highway or on a path set aside for bicycles.
- A bicyclist on a roadway rides as near the right side as practicable, and may, but need not, ride on the shoulder to do it.
- A bicyclist may use a lane other than the right hand lane where only one lane lets the rider continue on the intended route.
- Riders do not go more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roads set aside for bicycles.
- Where a bicycle lane is provided, bicyclists ride in it except to pass another rider or avoid an obstruction.
- Drivers may not block a bicycle lane to oncoming bicycles, and yield to a bicyclist in it before entering or crossing it.
- A driver keeps a safe operating distance from a bicycle at all times.
At night. A bicycle in use at night has a front lamp showing white light visible from at least five hundred feet, and a red rear reflector visible from fifty to three hundred feet in a car's upper beams. A red rear lamp visible from five hundred feet may be used in addition to the reflector.
A rider signals a right turn with the left arm raised or the right arm extended, a left turn with the left arm extended, and stopping with either arm extended downward, though not continuously when the hand is needed to control the bicycle. A bicycle may not carry more people than it is designed for.
Harassing, taunting or maliciously throwing something at a person riding a bicycle is a misdemeanor carrying a fine of at least $250 or up to thirty days, or both. Riders of bicycles with helper motors are subject to the same provisions as bicyclists. Who was at fault in a particular collision is a question for a licensed South Carolina attorney.
Sources for this section (9)
- S.C. Code 56-5-3430 — Riding on roadways and bicycle paths
- S.C. Code 56-5-3425 — Bicycle lanes
- S.C. Code 56-5-3435 — Driver to maintain safe operating distance between motor vehicle and bicycle
- S.C. Code 56-5-3470 — Lamps and reflectors on bicycle
- S.C. Code 56-5-3410 — Applicability of article to bicycles
- S.C. Code 56-5-3480 — Signaling turns; penalty
- S.C. Code 56-5-3440 — Manner of riding bicycles; number of persons which may be carried
- S.C. Code 56-5-3445 — Harassing or throwing object at person riding bicycle
- S.C. Code 56-5-3520 — Applicability of provisions to bicycles with helper motors
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed South Carolina attorney.