Bicycle DUI Laws in South Carolina
Last reviewed by BikeSize EditorialThis guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws change - verify current rules with your state DOT or a licensed attorney before relying on this for any legal matter. Read full disclaimer.
The rule
In South Carolina, the DUI statute does not apply to bicyclists — it covers motor-vehicle operators only. South Carolina's DUI statute (SC Code § 56-5-2930) applies only to a person operating a 'motor vehicle' under the influence. Because a bicycle is not a motor vehicle in South Carolina, the DUI statute does not reach bicycle riders. An impaired cyclist who creates a hazard may instead be cited under public-disorderly-conduct or reckless-operation statutes. See SC Code § 56-5-2930 (Driving under the influence - motor vehicle).
Statute
What this means in practice
A DUI charge isn't on the table for cyclists in South Carolina, but that's not a license to ride drunk — public-intoxication, reckless-conduct, and disorderly-conduct charges can still apply, and cycling impaired dramatically raises crash risk.
Ride sharp, ride legal
Run a 60-second pre-ride safety check
DUI, impairment, and distraction laws all assume you are riding a bike that is actually safe to ride. The M-check takes a minute and catches the things that get you hurt.
See the M-check guide