A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 56-2-140 SO AS TO DEFINE CERTAIN TERMS, AND FOR THE REGISTRATION AND OPERATION OF UTILITY TERRAIN VEHICLES ON THE HIGHWAYS OF THIS STATE.
This bill creates a new legal framework in South Carolina for the registration and operation of utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) on public roads. It adds a new section to the motor vehicle code defining a UTV, excluding golf carts and vehicles designed for disabled persons, and establishing a permit decal and registration process through the Department of Motor Vehicles. To register, an owner must show proof of ownership and liability insurance and pay a $5 fee.
The bill allows permitted UTVs to be operated only during daylight hours and only within specified geographic and roadway limits, generally on secondary highways or streets with posted speed limits of 55 mph or less. It also allows limited crossing of higher-speed roads at intersections, operation on certain islands not accessible by automobile bridges, and special nighttime operation on barrier islands in certain counties if local governments adopt an ordinance and the UTV has working headlights and rear lights. Operators must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver’s license, and they must carry the registration certificate, proof of insurance, and license while operating the vehicle. Permits must be renewed every five years or when the holder changes address.
The bill also gives local governments some flexibility. Political subdivisions may reduce the operating area in some designated areas, create separated UTV paths on road shoulders if certain safety conditions are met, and in limited barrier-island circumstances authorize nighttime operation by ordinance. However, local governments may not otherwise relax the bill’s core restrictions. Public safety agencies are exempt when UTVs are used in the performance of official duties. The act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
The bill would amend Title 56 of the South Carolina Code by adding Section 56-2-140, creating statewide rules for UTV registration, insurance, operator qualifications, permit renewal, and lawful roadway use. It would authorize DMV-issued UTV permits and establish a new category of road-legal operation for these vehicles under narrow conditions, while preserving state-level limits on speed, distance, time of day, and roadway type. It also creates a limited role for local governments to designate UTV paths or authorize nighttime use on barrier islands in specified counties, but only within the bill’s framework.
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no documented debate or vote history to indicate support or opposition. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears designed as a regulated access bill rather than a broad expansion of roadway use, suggesting an attempt to balance recreational or local transportation interests with safety concerns. The inclusion of insurance, licensing, age limits, and roadway restrictions indicates a cautious approach.
The main likely points of contention are roadway safety, local control, and the scope of where UTVs may operate. Supporters would likely favor the bill for expanding mobility and recreational access, especially in gated communities, island areas, and local jurisdictions seeking dedicated UTV paths. Opponents may object to allowing off-road vehicles on public highways at all, even with restrictions, and may be concerned about interactions with regular traffic, enforcement, and whether local governments should have authority to loosen or tailor the rules. The barrier-island nighttime provision and the ability to create shoulder paths may also draw scrutiny from safety advocates and transportation officials.