South CarolinaSouth Carolina law lets cyclists proceed through some red lights and stop signs
South Carolina law lets cyclists proceed through some red lights and stop signs after stopping or slowing as required and yielding to traffic and pedestrians.
What it does
At a controlled intersection, cyclists may proceed through a steady red light after stopping and yielding to oncoming traffic that poses an immediate hazard. Separate rules allow some right and left turns.
Cyclists may turn or continue through a stop sign without stopping if they slow down, stop when needed to avoid an immediate hazard, and yield to pedestrians and traffic with the right of way.
Argument forCyclists could keep moving through some intersections when the way is clear, while still stopping or yielding when needed for safety.
Argument againstDrivers and pedestrians may find cyclists’ movements less predictable when cyclists continue through stop signs without stopping, even when they slow down and yield.
More detail
A cyclist may proceed cautiously through an intersection on a steady red light after stopping and yielding to oncoming traffic that poses an immediate hazard. This applies to cyclists approaching an intersection controlled by a traffic-control device. A cyclist may turn right on red without stopping after slowing to a reasonable speed and yielding to oncoming traffic that poses an immediate hazard. A cyclist may turn left onto a one-way road on red after stopping and yielding to oncoming traffic that poses an immediate hazard. The law took effect on May 18, 2026, when the governor approved it.
A cyclist may cautiously turn or continue through a stop sign intersection without stopping if the cyclist slows down and yields as required. This applies to cyclists approaching a stop sign. A cyclist must stop before entering if stopping is needed to avoid an immediate hazard. The cyclist must yield to pedestrians lawfully in an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection. The law took effect on May 18, 2026, when the governor approved it.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 5Effective date 05/18/26Latest
- Jun 2Act No. 173
- May 18Signed By Governor Henry McMasterBecame Law
- May 14Ratified R 152
- May 7Read third time and enrolledTo Governor
- May 6Roll call Yeas-93 Nays-18
- Vote recorded Passage of Bill. Result: pass.Lower
- May 6Read second timeMinor
- May 5Committee report: Favorable Education and Public WorksMinor
- Apr 2Referred to Committee on Education and Public WorksMinor
- Apr 2Introduced and read first timeMinor
- Apr 2Read third time and sent to HousePassed 1st Chamber
- Apr 1Unanimous consent for third reading on next legislative day
- Vote recorded 2nd Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- Apr 1Roll call Ayes-42 Nays-2
- Apr 1Read second timeMinor
- Mar 26Committee Amendment AdoptedMajor
- Mar 24Committee report: Favorable with amendment TransportationMinor
- Jan 14Referred to Committee on TransportationMinor
- Jan 14Introduced and read first timeIntroduced
TransportationPublic Safety