summary
Introduced
01/14/2025
01/14/2025
In Committee
01/14/2025
01/14/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
126th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Adding Section 56-5-4905 So As To Provide It Is Unlawful To Operate Motor Vehicles Along A Highway Without Speedometers Maintained In Good Working Order, To Provide A Penalty For Violations Of This Provision, And To Provide Persons Charged With Operating Motor Vehicles Twenty Miles An Hour Or Less In Excess Of The Posted Speed Limits That Can Prove Their Vehicles' Speedometers Were Not In Good Working Order, Must Be Charged With Operating Motor Vehicles Without Speedometers That Are Maintained In Good Working Order.
AI Summary
This bill amends South Carolina law by adding a new section requiring all motor vehicles operated on highways to have a speedometer in good working order. The law establishes that drivers can be charged with an "Improper Equipment - Speedometer" offense if their vehicle's speedometer is not functioning properly, which carries a fine of up to $25. Importantly, the bill includes a provision that if a driver is caught driving 20 miles per hour or less over the posted speed limit and can prove their speedometer was not working correctly, they will be charged with the speedometer violation instead of a speeding offense. This means drivers have a potential defense against a speeding ticket if they can demonstrate their speedometer was malfunctioning at the time of the traffic stop. The new law will take effect immediately upon the Governor's approval.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Committee on Judiciary (on 01/14/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3152&session=126&summary=B |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/3152_20241205.htm |
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