Is it legal in SC for drivers to pass bike riders on the road? Here’s what state law says
It’s never fun getting stuck driving behind a bicyclist.
Whether you’re just cruising downtown or are in a rush to make it home after work, having to slow down abruptly can be a pain. Sure, some places in South Carolina have separate lane for bicycles, but those are few and far between.
However, just because a bicyclist is traveling in a regular vehicle lane doesn’t mean you can ignore them.
But are you legally allowed to pass a bicycle rider on South Carolina roads? And what are other rules of road sharing between motorists and bicyclists in the state?
Here’s what to know.
Passing cyclists in SC
According to state law, motorists can pass bicyclists just as they can any other vehicle on the road. But drivers must only do so when it’s safe to move over into an adjacent lane.
SC laws for motorists
South Carolina has multiple laws that motorists must obey when sharing the road with bicyclists.
- Section 56-5-3420: “A person riding a bicycle upon a roadway must be granted all of the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle.”
- Section 56-5-3435: “A driver of a motor vehicle must at all times maintain a safe operating distance between the motor vehicle and a bicycle.”
- Section 56-5-3425: “Whenever a bicycle lane has been provided adjacent to a roadway, operators of … 1) motor vehicle may not block the bicycle lane to oncoming bicycle traffic and shall yield to a bicyclist in the bicycle lane before entering or crossing the lane; and 2) bicycles are required to ride in the bicycle lane except when necessary to pass another person riding a bicycle or to avoid an obstruction in the bicycle lane.”
- Section 56-5-3445: “It is unlawful to harass, taunt, or maliciously throw an object at or in the direction of any person riding a bicycle. A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two hundred fifty dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.”
SC laws and rules for bicyclists
Just like drivers, bicyclists can’t do whatever they want on the road either, according to the S.C. Department of Public Safety.
- Ride as a vehicle, meaning with traffic and obeying all traffic signs.
- Ride as far to the right of the road as practical.
- If a bicycle lane is present, stay in it unless your destination is in a different direction.
- If you are riding in a group, do not ride more than two side-by-side.
- If you are bicycling after dark, use lights and reflectors to make it easier for motorists to see you..
- Section 56-5-3460: “A bicyclist operating a bicycle may not carry any package, bundle, or article that prevents the rider from keeping at least one hand upon the handle bars.”
