South Carolina § 47-9-420 - Prohibition of the interference or interaction with farm animals being transported by a motor vehicle.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 47-9-420 — Prohibition of the interference or interaction with farm animals being transported by a motor vehicle., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 47-9-420. Prohibition of the interference or interaction with farm animals being transported by a motor vehicle.
(A) No person may interfere with a motor vehicle transporting farm animals. For purposes of this subsection, "interfere" shall be defined as intentional, knowing, or reckless acts that disrupt or otherwise impede the transportation of farm animals without prior consent of the driver of the motor vehicle.
(B) No person may harass a farm animal while being transported by a motor vehicle without the prior consent of the driver of the motor vehicle. For purposes of this subsection, "harass" shall be defined as intentional, knowing, or reckless acts having the effect of causing apparent emotional distress or fear.
(C) Prior consent of the driver of a motor vehicle transporting farm animals may not be inferred by a person seeking to interfere or interact with a farm animal being transported solely because the driver has not specifically prohibited the person from doing so.
(D) Consent to interfering or interacting with a farm animal is invalid if it is obtained from the driver of the motor vehicle transporting the farm animal using duress or under false pretenses.
(E) The prohibitions of this section do not apply to:
(1) a law enforcement officer if the person is acting within the scope of his duties;
(2) a firefighter, paramedic, or other emergency personnel if the person is acting within the scope of his duties; or
(3) any other person permitted by law, if the person is acting within the scope of his duties.
(F) Any person convicted under the provisions of this section is subject to a penalty of one hundred dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding thirty days, or both, in the discretion of the court. In case such offender repeats the same or commits a like offense, upon conviction is subject to a penalty of two hundred dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or both, in the discretion of the court.
HISTORY: 2024 Act No. 148 (H.4871), SECTION 1, eff May 13, 2024.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 47-9-420
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 47-9-420 cover?
Section 47-9-420 ("Prohibition of the interference or interaction with farm animals being transported by a motor vehicle.") 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 § 47-9-420?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 47-9-420" (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 § 47-9-420 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.