South Carolina Default Speed Limits

Right on red is allowed statewide after a complete stop, unless a sign prohibits the turn. You may also turn left on red from a one-way street into a one-way street after stopping. In both cases yield to pedestrians in an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic already using the intersection. S.C. Code 56-5-970(C)(3) covers both turns: except when a sign is in place prohibiting a turn, traffic facing ANY steady red signal may cautiously enter the intersection to turn right, or to turn left from a one-way street into a one-way street, after stopping as item (1) or (2) requires. Because the exception is written against item (2) as well as item (1), it reaches a steady RED ARROW, not just a steady circular red, which is unusual and worth flagging to a reader who learned the opposite rule in another state. The prohibition mechanism is a posted sign; South Carolina has no jurisdiction-wide ban of the New York City type. Item (5) adds a separate dead-red provision: the driver of a motorcycle or moped, or a bicycle rider, may proceed through a red light after a full and complete stop of 120 seconds, exercising due care and otherwise treating the signal as a stop sign.

Source: S.C. Code Ann. 56-5-970(C)(3): "vehicular traffic facing any steady red signal may cautiously enter the intersection to turn right or to turn left from a one-way street into a one-way street after stopping"; 120-second dead-red rule at 56-5-970(C)(5). South Carolina Driver's Manual, traffic signal section (RED Traffic Light). · Verified Aug 2026