South Carolina § 56-5-3630 - Manner in which motorcycles must be operated.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 56-5-3630 — Manner in which motorcycles must be operated., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 56-5-3630. Manner in which motorcycles must be operated.
(A) A person operating a motorcycle shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached thereto and the operator shall not carry any other person nor shall any other person ride on a motorcycle unless the motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person, in which event a passenger may ride upon the permanent and regular seat if designed for two persons, or upon another seat firmly attached to the motorcycle at the rear or side of the operator.
(B) A person shall ride upon a motorcycle only while sitting astride the seat, facing forward, with one leg on each side of the motorcycle.
(C) No person shall operate a motorcycle while carrying any package, bundle or other article which prevents him from keeping both hands on the handlebars.
(D) No operator shall carry any person, nor shall any person ride, in a position that will interfere with the operation or control of the motorcycle or the view of the operator.
(E) No person shall ride upon a motorcycle as a passenger unless, when sitting astride the seat, the person can reach the footrests with both feet. Provided, the provisions of this section shall not apply to persons riding in a motorcycle sidecar.
(F) No person riding upon a motorcycle shall attach himself or the motorcycle to any other vehicle on the roadway.
HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 46-498; 1952 Code SECTION 46-498; 1949 (46) 466; 1978 Act No. 451 SECTION 6; 2016 Act No. 267 (S.689), SECTION 2, eff June 7, 2016.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 56-5-3630
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 56-5-3630 cover?
Section 56-5-3630 ("Manner in which motorcycles must be operated.") 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 § 56-5-3630?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 56-5-3630" (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 § 56-5-3630 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.