South Carolina § 56-5-1930 - Following too closely.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 56-5-1930 — Following too closely., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 56-5-1930. Following too closely.
(A) The operator of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.
(B) The operator of any truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle when traveling upon a roadway outside of a business or residence district and which is following another truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle shall, whenever conditions permit, leave sufficient space so that an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy such space without danger, except that this shall not prevent a truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle from overtaking and passing any vehicle or combination of vehicles.
(C) Motor vehicles being operated upon any roadway outside of a business or residence district in a caravan or motorcade whether or not towing other vehicles shall be so operated as to allow sufficient space between each such vehicle or combination of vehicles so as to enable any other vehicle to enter and occupy such space without danger. This provision shall not apply to funeral processions.
(D) This section does not apply to the operator of any nonleading commercial motor vehicle subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and traveling in a series of commercial vehicles using cooperative adaptive cruise control or any other automated driving technology.
HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 46-393; 1952 Code SECTION 46-393; 1949 (46) 466; 1977 Act No. 143 SECTION 9; 2017 Act No. 66 (H.3289), SECTION 1, eff May 19, 2017.
Effect of Amendment
2017 Act No. 66, SECTION 1, in (A) and (B), substituted "The operator" for "The driver"; in (C), substituted "being operated" for "being driven"; added (D), relating to the applicability of the section; and made nonsubstantive changes.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 56-5-1930
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 56-5-1930 cover?
Section 56-5-1930 ("Following too closely.") 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 § 56-5-1930?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 56-5-1930" (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 § 56-5-1930 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.