South Carolina laws by category

South Carolina permits consumer fireworks statewide, with no state ban on aerials, but retail sale and use of small bottle rockets are not legal (S.C. Code 40-56-220(C)) and fireworks may not be sold to anyone under 16 (40-56-220(D)). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

South Carolina has been a permitless-carry state (also called constitutional carry) since March 7, 2024 under H.3594, so eligible persons 18 and older may carry concealed without a permit. An optional CWP from South Carolina's SLED is available for reciprocity, and the minimum age is 18.

South Carolina is not a control state: spirits are sold only at licensed retail liquor stores, where a single owner is capped at 3 licenses, while beer and wine are sold at grocery and convenience stores. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Radar detectors are legal in private passenger vehicles in South Carolina — the state traffic code (S.C. Code Title 56, Chapter 5) has no ban on them. Federal law bans using or having one in a commercial motor vehicle (49 CFR 392.71). Jamming devices are banned in every motor vehicle (S.C. Code 56-5-3870).

In South Carolina, open burning is banned except listed types (DES Reg. 61-62.2); a homeowner may burn leaves, tree branches and yard trimmings from a private residence on that same property, but household trash is not on the list. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

In South Carolina, you need a freshwater fishing license from age 16. Licenses are issued by the SC Dept. of Natural Resources (SCDNR).

Statewide sales and use tax is 6%. Counties may add voter-approved local sales taxes (Local Option, Capital Projects, School District, Transportation, and others, generally 1% each), so combined rates run about 6% to 9% by county.

Cannabis is illegal in South Carolina for both recreational and medical use. The only permitted products are low-THC CBD oil for qualifying epilepsy patients (Julian's Law) and hemp under 0.3% THC. A medical bill remains stalled.

In South Carolina, all WMA users must wear a hat, coat or vest of solid visible international orange during any deer season. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

South Carolina has no authorized retail or online sports betting; it is prohibited. Legislative efforts stalled in 2026 with a veto threat.

South Carolina requires anyone born after July 1, 2007 to pass an approved boater education course before operating a boat, PWC, or specialty propcraft powered by 10 hp or more.

South Carolina has no statute banning switchblades/automatic knives or limiting blade length; adult ownership and carry are unrestricted statewide (K-12 schools cap blades at 2 inches).