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A Guide to South Carolina Open Container Law

Photo: energepic.com

South Carolina’s open container law makes it illegal to have an open container of beer or wine in a motor vehicle on all public roads, highways, and highway rights of way (the land alongside a highway), except in the trunk or luggage compartment. Violating this law can result in a fine of up to $100 or imprisonment of up to 30 days.

All of the information in this article is outlined under Title 61 in the South Carolina Code of Law. We’ve simply presented it in an easy to digest format.

When and Where Open Containers are Prohibited

If you’re planning on enjoying some cold beer or wine in South Carolina, make sure you’re not doing it in a motor vehicle on a public road. The law also prohibits drinking beer or wine or possessing an open container of beer or wine between midnight on Saturday and sunrise on Monday at a place licensed to sell beer or wine. So, you might want to hold off on drinking during that road trip with the buddies if you want to avoid getting into trouble.

Penalties for Violating the Law

Getting caught violating South Carolina’s open container law is no joke. It’s considered a misdemeanor offense and can result in a fine of up to $100 or imprisonment of up to 30 days.

Exceptions to the Law

Thankfully, there are a few exceptions to South Carolina’s open container law.

If you’re parked in a legal parking place during events like sporting events, where law enforcement officers are present to perform traffic control duties, then you’re good to go.

Rules for Beer Tastings

If you’re a retailer of beer for off-premises consumption and you want to conduct beer tastings in South Carolina, there are a few regulations you’ll need to follow.

For example, you can hold no more than 24 beer tastings at one location in a calendar quarter, and you can’t conduct the tastings yourself if you’re a wholesaler or manufacturer.

You also can’t serve more than one sample of each product, and the samples can’t be more than two ounces each.

FAQ About SC Open Container Law

  • Is it illegal to have an open container of alcohol in a parked car in South Carolina? Yes, it’s still illegal to have an open container of alcohol in a parked car on public highways or highway rights of way in South Carolina.
  • Can I transport open containers of alcohol in a limousine or party bus in South Carolina? Nope, it’s illegal to transport open containers of alcohol in a limousine or party bus in South Carolina.
  • Can I have an open container of alcohol in the bed of a pickup truck in South Carolina? No, you still can’t have an open container of alcohol in the bed of a pickup truck in South Carolina.

Conclusion

South Carolina’s open container law might seem strict, but it’s in place to keep everyone safe on the roads. If you want to avoid getting into trouble with the law, make sure to follow the regulations, and if you plan on drinking, do so responsibly. Have a designated driver or use a ride-sharing service, and remember to keep all your alcohol in the trunk or luggage compartment. Cheers!