South Carolina Basic Speed Law

No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing. Transportation may increase or decrease the above speed limits on the State highway system including the extension of such system into an urban district.3 '56-5-1520(e) & 56-5-1530 II.

Except as noted in III, based on engineering and traffic investigations, local governments within their respective jurisdictions may increase or decease the above speed limits.4 56-5-1520(e) & 56-5-1540(a) III. Based on engineering and traffic investigations, a local government may establish a maximum speed limit of <30 MPH in an urban district.2 However, this authority does not apply to highways within the State highway system. 56-5-1520(d) IV. Based upon an investigation, the State Department of Transportation may establish a safe maximum speed limit for any bridge or elevated structure. 56-5-1570(d) V. The governing boards of State institutions may establish speed limits on the streets, drives and alleys under their jurisdiction. '56-21-10(1)

Historical Note: In 1997, the South Carolina Legislature made a requested to the State Department of Transportation that the agency increase the speed limit on Interstate Highway 85 in Spartanburg County "between mile point 68.8 and mile point 77.4" to 65 MPH. Concurrent Resolution, H.B. 4073 adopted in 1997