South Carolina § 17-29-20 - Installation of pen register or trap and trace device prohibited.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 17-29-20 — Installation of pen register or trap and trace device prohibited., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 17-29-20. Installation of pen register or trap and trace device prohibited.
(A) Except as provided in this section, no person may install or use a pen register or a trap and trace device without first obtaining a court order under Section 17-29-40.
(B) The prohibition of subsection (A) does not apply with respect to the use of a pen register or a trap and trace device by a provider of electronic or wire communication service:
(1) relating to the operation, maintenance, and testing of a wire or electronic communication service or to the protection of the rights or property of the provider, or to the protection of users of that service from abuse of service or unlawful use of service; or
(2) to record the fact that a wire or electronic communication was initiated or completed in order to protect the provider, another provider furnishing service toward the completion of the wire communication, or a user of that service, from fraudulent, unlawful, or abusive use of service; or
(3) where the consent of the user of that service has been obtained.
(C) Any person violating the provisions of subsection (A) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction must be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment for a term of not more than one year, or both.
HISTORY: 1988 Act No. 529.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 17-29-20
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 17-29-20 cover?
Section 17-29-20 ("Installation of pen register or trap and trace device prohibited.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 17-29-20?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 17-29-20" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 17-29-20 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.