Is it OK to drive just 10 mph over the speed limit in SC to keep up with traffic? What to know
Driving on South Carolina highways can be hectic to say the least.
No matter your speed, it feels like there’s always another driver on the road ready to pass you.
With that in mind, what if a good portion of the traffic is moving faster than you are? Can you then legally travel above the posted speed limit if it’s to match traffic — even if that means driving 10 mph over the speed limit?
Here’s what South Carolina law says.
Driving 10 mph over SC speed limit
Police officers on patrol do have some discretion when it comes to issuing speeding tickets. However, South Carolina has a general speed law that prohibits speeding, even for 10 mph over the limit.
According to Section 56-5-1520 of the SC Code of Law, “no person shall drive at a greater speed than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard for the actual and potential hazards then existing. Speed must be so controlled to avoid colliding with person or vehicle.”
Under the state law, driving above the posted speed limit but not in excess of 10 mph carries a fine of between $15 and $25.
Dangers of driving over speed limit
Does speeding to pass other drivers even help that much? According to advice from AAA, speeding doesn’t save as much time as one might think, plus you risk getting pulled over.
“Contrary to common perception, speeding does not save time on the road. The average amount saved on a 5-mile trip, driving 65 mph on a 45-mph posted road, is only 1.9 minutes,” AAA states.
Speeding can also get you and other drivers killed.
“Speeding, red-light running, and cutting other drivers off can kill you, your passengers, and others sharing the road,” Jake Nelson, AAA’s director of traffic safety advocacy, said in a press release. “Driving aggressively isn’t worth the risk. When you get behind the wheel, be patient, be kind, and obey traffic laws so everyone gets home safely.”
SC speed limits
Here’s a list of basic speed limits in the state.
Maximum speed limits
- 70 mph — Interstates where posted
- 60 mph — Multi-lane divided, primary highways where posted
- 55 mph — In other locations
- 40 mph — On unpaved roads
- 55 mph — Maximum for manufactured homes (10 below max posted speed)
- 30 mph — In urban districts
A driver must reduce speed when:
- Approaching and crossing an intersection
- Going around a curve
- Approaching a hillcrest
- Traveling on a narrow road or bridge
- Or by reason of weather or highway conditions
SC speeding penalties
- Up to 10 mph: $15-$25
- 11-15 mph: $25-$50
- 16-25 mph: $50-$75
- Above 25 mph: $75-$200 or imprisoned for no more than 30 days.
