ABOUT
On August 15, 2021, South Carolina enacted Section 56-5-1885, the 'move right' law, also known as the 'slowpoke' law, which requires drivers to restrict their use of the far left-hand lane on controlled access highways, including interstates, to passing only, unless there are no other vehicles behind them or they must exit on a left-side ramp.
The law aims to fix that and solve a number of other common highway headaches, including reducing road rage.
There are several exemptions for the new law such as “when traffic conditions and congestion make it impractical to drive in the right lane.”
For a full list of exemptions and to view the bill, visit the SC General Assembly Bill 3011 HERE
CONCEQUENCES
A person who is adjudicated to be in violation of the provisions of this section must be fined not more than twenty-five dollars, no part of which may be suspended. A custodial arrest for a violation of this section must not be made, except upon a warrant issued for a failure to appear in court when summoned or for a failure to pay an imposed fine. A violation of this section does not constitute a criminal offense.
A person charged with a violation of this section may ADMIT or DENY the violation, enter a plea of nolo contendere, or be tried before either a judge or a jury. If the trier of fact is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the person violated the provisions of this section, then the penalty is a civil fine pursuant to item (1) of this subsection. If the trier of fact determines that the State has failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the person violated the provisions of this section, then no penalty shall be assessed.
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A law enforcement officer must not search, and may not request consent to search, a vehicle, or the driver or occupant of the vehicle, solely because of a violation of this section.
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A person found to be in violation of this section may bring an appeal to the court of common pleas.
Traffic Sign Guidance
Showcasing various traffic signs and instructions for drivers to follow.
