South Carolina Statewide Rule

South Carolina Firearms Local Preemption Statewide Standard

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across South Carolina (2026)

Key Facts

Authority: SC Code: Authority: SC Code Section 23-31-510
Applies to all: Applies to all 46 counties and municipalities
Covers firearms, ammunition,: Covers firearms, ammunition, and components
Discharge regulation remains: Discharge regulation remains a limited local power
Conflicting local rules: Conflicting local rules are void

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: South Carolina Legislature

Summary

South Carolina law preempts local governments from regulating firearms, ammunition, components, and related accessories beyond what state law expressly authorizes.

No governing body of any county, municipality, or other political subdivision in the State may enact or promulgate any regulation or ordinance that regulates or attempts to regulate: (1) the transfer, ownership, possession, carrying, or transportation of firearms, ammunition, components of firearms, or any combination of these things; or (2) a landowner discharging a firearm on the landowner's property to protect the landowner's family, employees, the general public, or the landowner's property from animals that the landowner reasonably believes pose a direct threat or danger to the landowner's property, people on the landowner's property, or the general public.

Source: South Carolina LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Section 23-31-510 of the South Carolina Code prohibits any county, municipality, or political subdivision from enacting or enforcing ordinances that regulate the transfer, ownership, possession, carrying, or transportation of firearms, ammunition, components, or firearm supplies. The General Assembly reserved this authority entirely to itself, ensuring uniform statewide rules. Limited exceptions exist for regulating discharge of firearms within municipal limits and for restricting carry in specific government buildings. Local ordinances inconsistent with state preemption are void and unenforceable.

Violations & Penalties

Local governments enacting conflicting ordinances face challenges voiding the rule; affected persons may sue to enjoin enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a South Carolina city ban handguns?

No. State law preempts local firearm regulation, so municipal handgun bans are unenforceable.

Can cities restrict where firearms are discharged?

Yes, local governments retain limited authority to regulate discharge within city limits for safety.

Does preemption cover ammunition?

Yes, ammunition, components, and firearm supplies are all covered under Section 23-31-510.

Sources

Source

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