The Beach Vehicle Operation Restriction Act aims to prohibit the operation of vehicles on South Carolina beaches, with specific exceptions for authorized governmental employees. Under the new Section 16-17-780, individuals who violate this prohibition will face misdemeanor charges, with escalating fines and imprisonment for repeat offenses. The penalties include a minimum fine of $100 or up to 30 days in jail for a first offense, increasing to a minimum fine of $500 or up to 90 days for a third or subsequent offense.

Additionally, the bill introduces Section 48-39-370, which allows authorized governmental employees to operate certain types of vehicles on the beaches for work-related duties, but restricts this to specific vehicles during peak beach hours from May 1 to October 1. First responders are exempt from these restrictions during emergencies. Local governments that fail to comply may lose funding for beach projects, and employees violating the rules may face the same penalties as outlined in Section 16-17-780. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 16-17-780, 48-39-370
Latest Version: 16-17-780, 48-39-370
12/06/2024: 16-17-780, 48-39-370