South Carolina House Bill H4770

South Carolina 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/26
• Refer: 1/13/26

Caption

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY REPEALING SECTION 56-7-35 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF UNIFORM TRAFFIC TICKETS FOR SPEEDING OR DISREGARDING TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES, INCIDENTS TO AND CONTEMPORANEOUS WITH TRAFFIC STOPS, THE USE OF PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE, AND EXCEPTIONS FOR TOLL COLLECTION VIOLATIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-710, RELATING TO POWERS OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT PROHIBITS A LOCAL AUTHORITY FROM ISSUING A UNIFORM TRAFFIC TICKET BASED UPON PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-70, RELATING TO CERTAIN VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS SUSPENDED DURING STATES OF EMERGENCIES, AND DECLARATIONS OF EMERGENCY TRIGGERING FEDERAL RELIEF, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT ALLOWS THE ISSUANCE OF TRAFFIC CITATIONS BASED UPON PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE.

Impact

The implications of H4770 are significant for the enforcement of traffic laws within local jurisdictions across South Carolina. By eliminating restrictions that previously prevented local governments from issuing traffic citations using photographic evidence, it is likely that municipalities will adopt more robust traffic enforcement measures. This could lead to an increase in the issuance of citations based on automated systems such as speed cameras or traffic signal cameras, enhancing traffic safety and potentially reducing accidents. However, this relaxation of restrictions may also lead to concerns about privacy and overreach in enforcement.

Summary

House Bill 4770 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by repealing Section 56-7-35, which pertains to the issuance of uniform traffic tickets for offenses such as speeding or disregarding traffic control devices. This bill seeks to bolster local authorities' power by removing prohibitions on issuing citations based on photographic evidence. By amending relevant statutes regarding local traffic regulations, the bill effectively allows local authorities to better manage traffic enforcement in their jurisdictions, especially in contexts where photographic evidence is involved in violations.

Contention

Debate surrounding H4770 may center on the potential for abuse of traffic enforcement powers and issues regarding due process. Critics of the bill may argue that allowing local authorities to issue tickets based solely on photographic evidence could lead to unjust practices or increased fines where drivers may not have been adequately notified of violations. Proponents, however, may argue that such measures are necessary for ensuring public safety on roadways and that properly regulated use of photographic evidence in citations will lead to a more efficient traffic enforcement system.