Bill > H3133

This bill amends Section 56-5-4530 of South Carolina's vehicle laws regarding registration plate illumination, clarifying existing requirements for rear license plate lighting and restricting law enforcement's ability to stop vehicles with inoperable tail or license plate lamps. Specifically, the law maintains the existing requirement that vehicles must have either a tail lamp or a separate lamp that illuminates the rear license plate with a white light, making it legible from at least 50 feet behind the vehicle, and that these lamps must be wired to turn on whenever the vehicle's headlamps are on. The key new provision prevents law enforcement officers from stopping a driver solely because of an inoperable tail lamp or separate license plate lamp, unless the vehicle is also in violation of another motor vehicle law. This change appears designed to reduce unnecessary traffic stops and potential harassment, focusing police attention on more substantive vehicle safety and legal violations. The bill will take effect immediately upon the Governor's approval.

Education

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3133&session=126&summary=B