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South Carolina Statewide Rule

South Carolina Bans Signs in Highway Rights-of-Way (57-25-10)

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across South Carolina (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
S.C. Code § 57-25-10
Charge
Misdemeanor
Maximum fine
$100
Maximum jail
30 days
Enforcing agency
SCDOT
Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

South Carolina Code Section 57-25-10 makes it unlawful to place any sign, including a campaign or political sign, within a state highway right-of-way where it is visible from the main-traveled way. The prohibition is a misdemeanor enforced by SCDOT.

It is unlawful for a person to display, place, or affix a sign, as defined in Section 57-25-120(3), within a right-of-way and visible from the main-traveled way of the highway... A person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.

Full Breakdown

Section 57-25-10 forbids displaying, placing, or affixing a sign within a right-of-way and visible from the main-traveled way of the highway. A political yard sign is a sign under the statute, so campaigns cannot stake signs along the shoulder, median, or utility strip of state-maintained roads. The South Carolina Department of Transportation removes offending signs and can charge removal costs to the owner. Signs on private property fronting the road are not covered by this section; local municipal ordinances govern those placements.

Violations & Penalties

A violation is a misdemeanor. On conviction a person must be fined not more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days, and SCDOT may remove the sign.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a campaign sign along a South Carolina highway?
No. Section 57-25-10 makes placing any sign within a state highway right-of-way visible from the road unlawful, and SCDOT removes them.
What is the penalty for an illegal sign in the right-of-way?
It is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to one hundred dollars or up to thirty days in jail, plus removal by SCDOT.
Do these rules cover signs on private yards?
No. Section 57-25-10 applies to the highway right-of-way. Signs on adjacent private property are governed by local municipal or county ordinances.

Sources

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