South Carolina Laws
127 articles · page 2 of 3
S
South Carolina Jury Duty Laws: Pay, Exemptions and Employer Rules
South Carolina excuses jurors 65 and older on request, sets juror pay by county, and lets workers sue if fired or demoted for jury service. How to respond.
South Carolina Knife Laws (2026): Carry, Schools, Penalty
South Carolina has no general knife-carry restriction, but a 2-inch school-property felony and a 5-year violent-crime sentencing add-on both still apply.
South Carolina Landlord-Tenant Laws (2026): Deposits, Notice, and Tenant Rights
South Carolina has no security deposit cap and requires return within 30 days. Learn entry notice rules, limited repair-and-deduct rights, and more.
South Carolina Landlord-Tenant Recording Laws: Rights for Renters and Landlords (2026)
South Carolina landlord-tenant recording laws allow tenants to record conversations with landlords under one-party consent. Learn the rules for surveillance, hidden cameras, and rental disputes.
South Carolina Laws on Recording in Public: Your Rights Explained (2026)
South Carolina allows recording in public spaces under the First Amendment with no permit required. Learn the rules for filming in public, photography rights, and when restrictions apply.
South Carolina Laws on Recording Police: Your Rights and Limits (2026)
You can legally record police officers in South Carolina in public spaces. Learn your First Amendment rights, body camera laws, and what to do if police tell you to stop recording.
South Carolina Lemon Law (2026): How to Qualify & Get a Refund
South Carolina lemon law covers new vehicles with 3 repair attempts or 30 days out of service in 12 months/12,000 miles. Learn remedies, the usage deduction formula, and how to file.
South Carolina License Plate Reader Laws (2026)
South Carolina has no plate reader statute. SLED database ruling on appeal, FOIA and toll data, 2026 bills that did not pass, and what we searched.
South Carolina Manslaughter Laws: Sentences and DUI Deaths (2026)
South Carolina manslaughter law: voluntary manslaughter (2 to 30 years), involuntary manslaughter (up to 5), reckless vehicular homicide and felony DUI deaths.
South Carolina Marriage & Divorce Records: How to Get a Copy (2026)
South Carolina holds marriage records for 1950-2023 and divorce reports for 1962-2023. Learn who can order, the $12 fee, and where the decree actually lives.
South Carolina Marriage License Requirements 2026: 24-Hour Wait
How to get a South Carolina marriage license in 2026: the 24-hour wait, county fees with the $20 domestic violence fee, the $50 tax credit, age rules and officiants.
South Carolina Medical Recording Laws: Patient Rights, HIPAA, and Consent (2026)
Learn South Carolina medical recording laws. Patients can record doctor visits under one-party consent (§ 17-30-30). Covers HIPAA, telehealth, facility policies, and evidence use.
South Carolina Medical Records Retention Laws (2026 Guide)
South Carolina medical records retention laws: how long hospitals and doctors keep your records, HIPAA rules, and patient rights.
South Carolina Minimum Wage 2026: $7.25 Federal, No State Rate
South Carolina has no state minimum wage law, so the federal $7.25 applies to FLSA-covered employers. See tipped pay, local limits and how to file.
South Carolina Motorcycle Accident Laws (2026): Deadlines
South Carolina motorcycle accident law: the 3-year deadline to sue, the 51% fault bar, the under-21 helmet law, the helmet defense rule, and lane splitting.
South Carolina Name Change Laws: Family Court, SLED Checks, and the DSS Package
South Carolina name changes go through Family Court and require SLED and DSS background screenings. Here is the current process, fee, and exemptions.
South Carolina Noise Laws (2026): Quiet Hours, Ordinances, Fines
South Carolina leaves quiet hours to cities and counties. See the state disorderly conduct, muffler, horn, shooting range and state park noise rules and fines.
South Carolina Non-Compete Laws (2026): Are Non-Competes Enforceable?
South Carolina enforces non-competes only if reasonable in time and territory, and courts will not rewrite an overbroad one. Poole, Stonhard and the H.4767 bill.
South Carolina Nursing Home Camera Laws: Three Pending Bills
South Carolina has no nursing home camera statute. Three different bills, H.4646, H.4524, and H.3634, are pending with different mechanisms. Current law and one-party consent.
South Carolina Open Container Law (2026): Two Statutes Explained
South Carolina bans open beer/wine and opened liquor in vehicles under two statutes, Section 61-4-110 and Section 61-6-4020(A). Rules, exemptions, penalty.
South Carolina Pepper Spray and Stun Gun Laws (2026)
South Carolina bans pepper spray by default, exempting self-defense under a 50cc cap. A stun gun has no possession statute; concealed carry has none either.
South Carolina Phone Call Recording Laws: Consent Rules for Calls (2026)
South Carolina allows recording phone calls with one-party consent under S.C. Code 17-30-30. Learn the rules for personal calls, business calls, interstate calls, and VoIP recordings.
South Carolina Police Body Camera Laws: Mandate & FOIA Exemption
South Carolina was first to mandate statewide bodycams in 2015, but S.C. Code 23-1-240 exempts footage from FOIA. See the Walter Scott case that drove the law.
South Carolina Police Reports: FR-10 vs. TR-310 and How to Get a Copy
South Carolina's collision report is Form TR-310, not FR-10. Here is how to request it for $10, get an incident report, and the state's body camera law.
South Carolina Pornography Laws (2026): Legal Status & Penalties
South Carolina allows adult porn privately. AV law lets minors sue over access. Last state to pass a revenge porn law; CSAM penalties up to 20 years.
South Carolina Power of Attorney Laws: Durable, Medical, and Financial POA (2026)
South Carolina adopted the UPOAA effective Jan 1, 2017 (S.C. Code 62-8-101 to 62-8-403). Financial POAs are durable by default; execution requires 2 witnesses + notary acknowledgment; agents must record the POA with the register of deeds before acting during the principal's incapacity. Health care POA is separate under 62-5-501 et seq.
South Carolina Prenuptial Agreement Laws: Hardee Test and 20-3-630
South Carolina has no premarital agreement act. Prenups are judged under Hardee v. Hardee and the S.C. Code 20-3-630(A)(4) presumption. See what affects enforcement.
South Carolina Probate and Intestate Succession: What Happens Without a Will (2026)
South Carolina probate runs through county Probate Courts under a UPC-based code. Learn intestate succession, the $45,000 small estate threshold, and taxes.
South Carolina Property Records: How to Find Out Who Owns a Property (2026)
South Carolina splits recording between Register of Deeds and Clerk of Court by county. Learn how to search South Carolina property records and find an owner.
South Carolina Punitive Damages Laws: Cap Tiers and Proof (2026)
South Carolina requires clear and convincing proof of wilful, wanton or reckless conduct; 15-32-530 generally caps awards at the greater of 3x or $500,000, as adjusted.
South Carolina Quitclaim Deed: Witnesses, Recording and Deed Fees
How a South Carolina quitclaim deed is witnessed, acknowledged and recorded, plus the $1.85 per $500 deed recording fee, its exemptions and the affidavit.
South Carolina Reckless Driving Laws: Fines, Points and Suspension
South Carolina reckless driving (S.C. Code 56-5-2920): a $25 to $200 fine or up to 30 days in jail, 6 points, and a 3-month suspension for a second offense.
South Carolina Recording Laws (2026): One-Party Consent Rules
South Carolina is a one-party consent state under § 17-30-30(C). Illegal recording is a felony; civil victims can sue for at least $25,000. Updated 2026.
South Carolina Restraining Order Laws (2026): How to Get a Protective Order
How to get an Order of Protection in South Carolina: who qualifies, dating relationships not covered, temporary vs. final order length, free filing, and violation penalties.
South Carolina Ring Doorbell Laws: What You Need to Know in 2026
Learn South Carolina Ring doorbell laws, including one-party consent rules, video surveillance limits, HOA regulations, and penalties for illegal recording.
South Carolina Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, How to Sue
South Carolinians who lost money or property to an unfair or deceptive trade practice can sue under SCUTPA, 3x if willful. Where to report, elder protections.
South Carolina School Recording Laws: Student, Parent, and Teacher Rights (2026)
In South Carolina, one-party consent lets students and parents record school conversations. Learn student, parent, and teacher rights and how FERPA applies.
South Carolina Security Camera Laws: Home, Business, and HOA Rules (2026)
South Carolina security camera laws allow surveillance on your own property with restrictions on private areas and audio. Learn the rules for home cameras, business CCTV, neighbor disputes, and HOAs.
South Carolina Self-Defense Laws: Stand Your Ground & Castle Doctrine (2026)
South Carolina stand-your-ground and castle doctrine explained. S.C. Code 16-11-440(C) removes duty to retreat; 16-11-440(A) creates presumption of reasonable fear for home, residence, and vehicle intrusions. Criminal and civil immunity under 16-11-450.
South Carolina Severance Pay Laws (2026): Is Severance Required?
South Carolina does not require severance and has no state WARN act. Learn how the Payment of Wages Act, unemployment rules and severance releases work in SC.
South Carolina Sexting Laws: Legal Consequences and Penalties
Learn about South Carolina sexting laws, including felony sexual exploitation charges, the Family Court safety valve for minors, the 2025 revenge porn law, and AI deepfake provisions.
South Carolina Slip and Fall Laws: Proving Premises Liability
South Carolina slip and fall laws explained: open-and-obvious bars claims, modified-51 negligence, 3-year SOL, no ice/snow rule, and government claim deadlines.
South Carolina Small Claims Court: $7,500 Limit, Fees, How to File
South Carolina small claims cases up to $7,500 go to magistrates court. Learn the $80 filing cost, 2027 fee changes, service, appeals and collecting a judgment.
South Carolina Small Estate Affidavit: $45,000 Limit, Wait and Form
South Carolina's small estate affidavit covers estates up to $45,000 after a 30-day wait. It needs a probate judge's approval and Form SCCA 420ES.
South Carolina Smart Glasses Recording Laws 2026
South Carolina is a one-party consent state. You can record conversations you participate in with smart glasses under S.C. Code § 17-30-30(C). Learn the rules, penalties, and limits.
South Carolina Social Security Disability: Rates & Waits
Social Security disability in South Carolina: no cash SSI supplement for those living independently, automatic Medicaid on approval, and hearing wait times.
South Carolina Squatters Rights and Adverse Possession Laws (2026)
South Carolina requires 10 years of adverse possession to claim property under S.C. Code Ann. §§ 15-67-210 to 15-67-260. Learn the elements, removal process, and 2026 updates.
South Carolina Statute of Limitations: Filing Deadlines by Case Type
South Carolina statute of limitations for civil and criminal cases. Filing deadlines for personal injury, contracts, medical malpractice, and more.
South Carolina Surveillance Camera Laws (2026 Guide)
South Carolina surveillance camera laws: home security, workplace cameras, neighbor disputes, audio recording rules.
South Carolina Theft Laws: Petit vs Grand Larceny and Shoplifting
In South Carolina, larceny over $2,000 is a felony. See petit and grand larceny penalties, shoplifting tiers, repeat-offense rules and store civil claims.
South Carolina Trade Secret Laws: UTSA, Remedies & Deadlines
South Carolina Trade Secrets Act (S.C. Code §§ 39-8-20 to 39-8-130): combination/aggregation rule, remedies, 3-year deadline, and federal DTSA overlay.
South Carolina Unclaimed Property: How to Search & Claim Your Money (2026)
South Carolina's Palmetto Payback may already be mailing you a check. Learn how to search for free and claim unclaimed money through the State Treasurer.
South Carolina Unemployment 2026: $350 Max, Eligibility, How to File
South Carolina unemployment pays $42 to $350 a week for up to 20 weeks. See who is eligible, the waiting week, work search rules, how to file and how to appeal.
South Carolina Video Recording Laws: Where You Can and Cannot Record (2026)
South Carolina video recording laws permit filming in public spaces but restrict recording in private areas. Learn the rules for video surveillance, voyeurism penalties, and consent requirements.
South Carolina Voyeurism Laws: Hidden Cameras, Peeping, and Penalties (2026)
South Carolina voyeurism laws under S.C. Code 16-17-470 prohibit peeping and hidden camera recording. Learn the penalties, the 2025 intimate images law, and how to protect yourself.
South Carolina Warrant Search: How to Check If You Have a Warrant (2026)
South Carolina's warrant search is county-by-county, and SLED's $25 CATCH tool isn't a warrant check. See how to check if you have a warrant in South Carolina.
South Carolina Whistleblower Laws: Protections and How to Report
South Carolina whistleblower laws protect public employees who report fraud and wrongdoing. Learn your rights, filing deadlines, and available remedies.
South Carolina Will and Trust Laws: Two Witnesses, Self-Proving (2026)
A South Carolina will needs a writing, a signature and two witnesses; no notary unless self-proved. Trusts made since 2006 are revocable unless stated.
South Carolina Window Tint Laws (2026): Legal VLT Limits
South Carolina window tint law: 27% VLT minimum on front windows for all vehicles. SUVs may use any darkness on rear windows. Red, yellow, amber tint banned.
South Carolina Windshield Mounting Laws (2026 Guide)
South Carolina windshield mounting laws: restrictions, penalties, and exemptions. Complete guide.