Charleston, SC Mobility & Curb Rules: TNC Pickup Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Zone-creating authority
- Traffic and Transportation Department
- No-pickup zone authority
- Charleston Police Department
- Use rule
- First come, first served; pull in from rear
- Maps
- Published online, updated periodically
- Disability accommodation
- Riders may request modified location via driver
- Latest amendment
- Ord. No. 2025-064, § 3, 4-22-25
Summary
Charleston's Traffic and Transportation Department designates official pick-up and drop-off zones for rideshare and passenger vehicles under City Code Sec. 31-212, while the police department marks separate no-pickup zones near bars for pedestrian safety. Drivers must use the zones first-come, first-served and pull in from the rear.
The traffic and transportation department is hereby authorized and empowered to establish pick-up and drop-off zones in such place or places upon the streets of the city as may be deemed necessary for the use and convenience of the general public. The Charleston police department is authorized and empowered to establish no pick-up zones in such place or places upon the streets of the city as may be deemed necessary for the safety of pedestrians, and shall make recommendations to the traffic and transportation department regarding the establishment of pick-up and drop-off zones.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 114 | Zoning: Supplement 25).
Full Breakdown
Sec. " The findings specifically note that after bars and social establishments close, patrons flood the rights-of-way looking for rides, prompting the city to organize zone availability during that period. Sec. 31-212(a) authorizes the Traffic and Transportation Department to establish pick-up and drop-off zones wherever needed for public convenience, while the Charleston Police Department is authorized to establish no-pickup zones for pedestrian safety and to recommend zone locations to Traffic and Transportation. Sec. 31-212(b) requires the department to size each zone for the expected vehicle volume and to publish current zone maps online.
Sec. 31-212(c) sets the operating rules: rideshare and passenger vehicles use zones "on a first come first served basis," must pull in from the rear and advance as vehicles ahead depart, and must idle near the curb to keep a clear entry and exit path; only passenger vehicles and rideshare-service vehicles may occupy a zone. Sec. 31-212(d) makes it unlawful to park, stop or stand in a mapped no-pickup zone, though riders with disabilities may arrange a modified pick-up or drop-off location by contacting their driver directly.
Division 9 was retitled from "Taxi Cab Stands" to "Pick-Up and Drop-Off Zones" by Ordinance No. 2024-066 in April 2024, and the operating rules were most recently amended by Ordinance No. 2025-064 in April 2025.
Violations & Fines
Occupying a pick-up and drop-off zone with an unauthorized vehicle, or parking, stopping or standing in a marked no-pickup zone, is unlawful under Sec. 31-212(c) and (d). Because Chapter 31 sets no distinct penalty for this division, the Code's general penalty in Sec. 1-16 applies: a fine up to $500.00, up to 30 days in jail, or both, enforced by the Charleston Police Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an Uber or Lyft driver stop anywhere downtown to pick up a rider?
Why did Charleston create these rideshare zones?
Where can I find Charleston's current rideshare zone locations?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charleston
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