South Carolina driving guide

Planning a trip to South Carolina? With its stunning range of National Scenic Byways, from the Cherokee Foothills to the Savannah River, South Carolina is a dream to drive through. 

But before you hit the road, you might want to learn more about the statewide driving rules and regulations – to help you navigate the roads without hassle. Our helpful guide offers information on everything you should know, from driving conditions to toll roads and speed limits. 

Read on to learn about driving in South Carolina with Hertz.

Jump to a section:

• Quick rules of the road
• Speed limits
• Toll roads
• Driving ages
• Essential equipment
• Speed violations
• Driving with children
• Gas prices
• Electric car charging
• Driving between South Carolina and other states
• Driving conditions

Quick rules of the road

• In August 2021, South Carolina implemented the ‘move right law’. This requires drivers to use only the far-left lane when overtaking another vehicle on controlled-access highways.
•  The ‘move over law’ asks drivers to move slower and yield the right of way when approaching emergency vehicles.
•  Drivers must stop for school buses if traveling behind them on a two-lane road or highway, giving them the right of way.
• The ‘distracted driver law’ makes it illegal for a driver to use phones or similar electronic communication devices when driving in South Carolina.
• Drivers have a responsibility to clear and move their vehicle out of the road themselves when the car is damaged or disabled.
•  Any out-of-service traffic lights should be treated as a four-way stop.

Speed limits in South Carolina

Speed limits in South Carolina vary by road, zone and vehicle type. Driving over the speed limit can lead to penalization in the form of fines, license suspension, and even arrests.

The absolute speed limits in SC are:

Toll roads in South Carolina

There is only one toll road in the state of South Carolina. Operated by the South Carolina Department of Transportation, the toll has electronic tagging for auto-payment via the Palmetto Pass.

Southern Connector toll road

The Southern Connector toll road is part of Interstate 185, around the outskirts of Greenville in South Carolina. The toll road has a speed limit of 70mph and two toll booths, which means if you’re travelling the full stretch, you’ll need to pay at both the West and East Plaza.

There are opportunities to exit the toll road before then though – depending on where you need to go.

From: I-85 northbound

To: I-385

Cost for car: $1.90/booth with Pal-Pass or $2/booth with cash or credit card

Cost for truck (3-axle): $3.96/booth with Pal-Pass or $4.20/booth with cash or credit card. Each subsequent axle adds $1.40 to the toll price per booth for a total of $2.80 per additional axle.

How to pay: You can auto-pay by installing a Palmetto Pass (Pal-Pass) for a discounted rate. But cash and card are also accepted.

Driving ages and license requirements in South Carolina

• Even though provisional licenses and learner permits are available from the age of 16, the official minimum driving age in South Carolina is 17.
• To rent a car with Hertz in South Carolina, you must be a minimum of 21 years of age.

Find out more about renting a car with Hertz in our guide for renters under 25.

Essential equipment to carry in your car in South Carolina

It’s good to have the following items in your vehicle while traveling:

• Extra tires
• Booster cables
• Blankets/tarpaulin sheets
• Multipurpose utility tool/shovel
• Lighter/matches
• Car tool kit
• Snacks and packed food
• First aid kit
• Bottled water

Please check your rental agreement here for a list of prohibited items while traveling through South Carolina in a Hertz rental car. 

South Carolina speed violations, infractions, and penalties 

Driving over the speed limit is considered a misdemeanor in South Carolina. The fine depends on the excess speed over the absolute speed limit of the road. The fines are as follows:

• 1-10mph over the speed limit: $15 to $25 fine
• 11-14mph over the limit: $20 to $50 fine
• 16-24mph over the limit: $50 to $75 fine
• More than 25mph over the limit: $75 to $200 fine and/or up to 30 days in jail.

Severe citations and infractions, as well as convictions, will add demerit points to a driver’s record and cause a potential license suspension.

Driving with children in South Carolina

South Carolina’s rules state that all children must be in proper car seats while in a vehicle. These should match the child’s weight, height and age.

• Rear-facing car seats should be used until age two.
• Children who are aged two and up (or have outgrown the manufacturer’s height or weight limit for rear-facing seats) should be seated in a forward-facing car seat.
• Children aged four to eight should be put in a booster seat until they reach the body dimensions for a normal seat belt.
• At the age of 8+ or when 57 inches tall, children may be put in seatbelts like adults, assuming the restraint is properly working for the child.

Gas prices in South Carolina

The average gas price in South Carolina is $3.29 per gallon.

Based on manufacturers’ average fuel figures:

• For a small car like a Ford Focus, that’s about $0.08 per mile.
• For a family-sized minivan like a Chrysler Pacifica, it works out at $0.14 per mile.
• And for a large SUV like a GMC Yukon, it’s around $0.17 per mile.

Gas price figures last updated on October 27, 2022. 

Electric car charging in South Carolina

The Palmetto Clean Fuels Coalition has been pushing the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in South Carolina. Schemes such as Plug-in SC Incentive Program support the implementation of standardized EV charging station signage and ease of access.

With over 300 EV chargers across the state, an electric car can be a cost-effective and convenient option for driving in South Carolina. 

Driving between South Carolina

With Hertz, you can freely travel between South Carolina and other states with ease. Drop off or pick up your rental car at different locations in and around North Carolina and Georgia with the help of our flexible car rental plans.

Please keep in mind that if you are planning a trip across state lines, you must follow the state-specific driving rules.

Driving conditions in South Carolina

Summer in South Carolina is hot and muggy, while winters are relatively cold. Throughout the year, the weather can be wet and cloudy, with temperatures typically ranging from 33°F to 89°F – and rarely falling below 21°F or rising more than 96°F.

It’s good to have tires with decent tread quality in South Carolina, as roads can get slippery during periods of heavy rain.