State Trucking Laws
South Carolina
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (Title 49, Parts 350-399) govern all vehicles engaged in interstate traffic.
There are some situations where a tractor-trailer or other commercial motor vehicle is involved in only intrastate travel. For example, an appliance store in Charleston may own a truck that only makes in-state deliveries.
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety has adopted Title 49, Parts 382-384 and 390-399 of the federal regulations.
The following provisions are an overview of South Carolina laws that affect trucks operating only in South Carolina:
South Carolina adopted the remainder of the federal laws that apply to all over-the-road trucks without further exception.
Driver Qualification
South Carolina has adopted Part 391 of the Federal Regulations with one modification to the age requirement: 18 years intrastate, 21 years interstate. In federal law, the minimum age is 21.
Hours of Service
South Carolina has adopted Part 395 of the Federal Regulations with one notable difference. Intrastate drivers for motor carriers can't drive more than 12 hours (instead of 10) following 8 consecutive hours off duty.
Crash reports are available from:
Department of Public Safety
Financial Responsibility
P.O. Box 1498
Columbia, SC 29216
(803) 737-4000