📅 2026 Update: Recent Changes to South Carolina Laws

Since the original article was published, several important laws have changed in South Carolina. These updates include new regulations on firearms, education, and transportation. The earlier article continues further down the page for more context on state laws.

🏛️ Constitutional Carry Law

On March 7, 2024, South Carolina enacted the Constitutional Carry law. This law allows individuals to carry concealed weapons without a permit. This change impacts the state's gun laws and the rights of residents regarding firearm possession.

👶 Child Online Safety Act

The Child Online Safety Act took effect on May 21, 2024. This act aims to improve protections for children using the internet. It addresses online dangers and promotes safer online environments for young users.

🚖 Transportation Network Companies Regulation

Effective May 15, 2026, new regulations were introduced for transportation network companies. These laws help ensure safety standards for ride-sharing services operating within South Carolina. This change is significant as it affects many residents who rely on these services.

🔫 Discharging Firearms into Dwellings

A new law effective May 15, 2026, criminalizes discharging firearms into dwellings. This legislation aims to enhance safety in residential areas. It holds individuals accountable for reckless actions involving firearms.

📚 South Carolina STEM Opportunity Act

The South Carolina STEM Opportunity Act was established on May 15, 2026. This act promotes STEM education and opportunities across the state. It encourages partnerships between schools and local businesses to better prepare students for future careers.

📌 Key Points Summary

  • 🏛️ Constitutional Carry law permits concealed weapons without a permit.
  • 👶 Child Online Safety Act enhances protections for online children.
  • 🚖 New regulations for transportation network companies improve safety.
  • 🔫 Discharging firearms into dwellings is now a criminal offense.
  • 📚 STEM Opportunity Act promotes education in science and technology.

💡 Tips for Understanding South Carolina Laws

Review the details of your situation with your attorney to ensure you understand your rights and obligations.

📝 Know the New Laws

Stay informed about the recent changes in South Carolina laws, like the Constitutional Carry law and the Child Online Safety Act. Understanding these new laws helps residents make informed decisions.

📱 Online Safety for Children

If you are a parent, review the Child Online Safety Act to understand how it enhances your child's security online. This knowledge can help you take proactive measures to protect your child.

🚖 Using Ride-Sharing Services

Familiarize yourself with the regulations for transportation network companies. Knowing the rules can help you choose safe options when using ride-sharing services.

🔫 Firearm Regulations

If you own firearms, be aware of the new law against discharging firearms into dwellings. This regulation emphasizes the importance of responsible firearm use and safety.

💻 STEM Education Opportunities

Explore the opportunities created by the South Carolina STEM Opportunity Act. This act aims to improve education in science and technology, which can greatly benefit students.

🏆 Top Legal Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

In South Carolina, various legal services provide support for individuals seeking help with laws and regulations. The following services are ranked based on Trustpilot data checked in October 2026. Keep in mind that scores can change over time, and star ratings are just one measure of customer satisfaction.

🥇 1. Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer holds a Trustpilot score of 4.5. It has been known for its online legal document creation, legal advice, and business formation services. However, some users find the subscription model may not work for everyone.

🥈 2. LegalShield

LegalShield has a Trustpilot score of 4.4. It is known for providing legal subscription services and access to attorneys for legal advice. Some reviewers mention challenges in reaching their assigned attorneys directly.

🥉 3. LegalZoom

LegalZoom has a Trustpilot score of 4.6. It specializes in online legal services, document preparation, and business compliance. However, some users report delays in customer support response times, which may affect their experience.

🆓 Free Government Resources

Residents can access free resources through the South Carolina Legislature Online and the South Carolina Department of Revenue. These platforms provide access to the state's laws, acts, and tax information.

🔎 Key Factors to Compare Legal Services

  • ⭐ Trustpilot scores and reviews
  • 📄 Range of services offered
  • 💸 Pricing structures and potential hidden fees
  • 📞 Customer support availability and responsiveness
  • 🛠 Ease of use for online legal tools

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the Constitutional Carry law in South Carolina?

The Constitutional Carry law, enacted on March 7, 2024, allows individuals to carry concealed weapons without needing a permit. This law changes how residents can exercise their rights regarding firearm possession.

📅 When did the Child Online Safety Act take effect?

The Child Online Safety Act became effective on May 21, 2024. This act aims to enhance protections for children using the internet and addresses various online dangers.

🚖 What are the new regulations for transportation network companies?

Effective May 15, 2026, South Carolina introduced regulations for transportation network companies. These laws set safety standards for ride-sharing services and protect riders in the state.

🔫 What does the law about discharging firearms into dwellings entail?

The law effective May 15, 2026, criminalizes discharging firearms into dwellings. This legislation aims to improve community safety and hold individuals accountable for reckless firearm use.

📚 How does the South Carolina STEM Opportunity Act benefit students?

The South Carolina STEM Opportunity Act, effective May 15, 2026, promotes STEM education and opportunities. It encourages partnerships between schools and businesses to prepare students for future careers in science and technology.

📝 How can I stay updated on South Carolina laws?

To stay updated on South Carolina laws, residents can use resources like the South Carolina Legislature Online for the latest information on state laws and recent acts.

⚖️ Recent Cases in South Carolina

Recent court rulings in South Carolina reflect changes in laws affecting residents. These cases may involve the new regulations established in the state, which connect to various legal rights and responsibilities.

You can browse more rulings on the news page to see the latest judicial decisions in South Carolina.

End of October 2026 Update





Disclaimer:

 Due to the fact that individual state laws are constantly subject to change, individuals are encouraged to consult an attorney prior to engaging in any activity, action, or event in which the expressed legality may come into question. Furthermore, individuals interested in attaining information with regard to individual state legislature are also encouraged to perform independent research in order to substantiate the relevancy and current state(s) of specific legislation. 

The State Laws of South Carolina

South Carolina Abortion Laws

Within the state of South Carolina, Abortion is defined as the purposeful termination of a pregnancy through procedural means. Subsequent to the decision of Roe v. Wade, abortion became legal within the United States – however, South Carolina state legislation expresses a variety of stipulations with regard to a legal abortion process:

•    A legal abortion may occur in the event that the protection and preservation of the life of the mother carrying a fetus is compromised as a result of a pregnancy; abortions may take place within the first trimester of pregnancy with expressed maternal consent – only a licensed medical doctor will be permitted to both review and perform cases of abortion within the state of South Carolina

•    An illegal abortion is deemed as an abortion process that occurs in the event that the health and wellbeing of the mother is not in danger; furthermore, an illegal abortion is defined as a procedure that occurs outside of legal, accepted, and authorized medical procedural protocol

•    Individuals accused of performing illegal abortion procedures can be punished with a prison sentence ranging from 2to 5 years and a $5,000 fine; unlawful abortions classified as misdemeanors can be punishable by incarceration and fines ranging from $2,000 to $10,000

•    Partial birth abortion is only permissible in the event that a mother’s health is at immediate risk

South Carolina Common Law Marriage

Common Law Marriage is currently legal in the state of South Carolina

South Carolina Marijuana Laws

Within the state of South Carolina, the possession of Marijuana - or Cannabis products – as well as the acts of growing or distributing marijuana without the expressed permission of the South Carolina State Government is a punishable, criminal offense. The following penalties are associated with Marijuana within the state of South Carolina:

Possession/Under the Influence of Marijuana

Individuals charged with possession of Marijuana exceeding 1 ounce can be charged for Drug Trafficking/Sale

1.    Amount: less than 1 ounce (first offense)

•    Penalty: 30 days’ incarceration

•    Fines: $100 - $200

•    Classification: Misdemeanor

2.    Amount: less than 1 ounce (second offense)

•    Penalty: 1 years’ incarceration

•    Fines: $200 - $1,000

•    Classification: Misdemeanor

Cultivation of Marijuana

Supplementary Charges include Possession, Sale, and Sale to a minor with regard to Drug Paraphernalia; Marijuana charges may be subject to increase to the proximity to a school zone – sale to a minor may also incur additional fines and incarceration

3.    Amount: less than 100 plants

•    Penalty: 5 years’ incarceration

•    Fines: $5,000

•    Classification: Felony

4.    Amount: 100 to 1,000 plants

•    Penalty: minimum sentence of 25 years’ incarceration

•    Fines: $25,000

•    Classification: Felony

5.    Amount: 1,000 to 10,000 plants

•    Penalty: minimum sentence of 25 years’ incarceration

•    Fines: $50,000

•    Classification: Felony

6.    Amount: 10,000+ plants

•    Penalty: minimum sentence of 25 years’ incarceration

•    Fines: $200,000

•    Classification: Felony

Sale of Marijuana

Supplementary Charges include Possession, Sale, and Sale to a minor with regard to Drug Paraphernalia; Marijuana charges may be subject to increase to the proximity to a school zone – sale to a minor may also incur additional fines and incarceration

1.    Amount: less than 10 pounds

•    Penalty: 5 years’ incarceration

•    Fines: $5,000

•    Classification: Felony

2.    Amount: 10 – 100 pounds

•    Penalty: minimum sentence of 1 year incarceration

•    Fines:  $10,000

•    Classification: Felony

3.    Amount: 10 – 100 pounds

•    Penalty: minimum sentence of 25 years’ incarceration

•    Fines: $25,000

•    Classification: Felony

4.    Amount: 10 – 100 pounds

•    Penalty: minimum sentence of 25 years’ incarceration

•    Fines: $50,000

•    Classification: Felony

5.    Amount: 10 – 100 pounds

•    Penalty: minimum sentence of 25 years’ incarceration

•    Fines: $200,000

•    Classification: Felony

Medical Marijuana

Within the state of South Carolina, Medical Marijuana is considered to be illegal both for patient use and cultivation

South Carolina DWI and DUI Laws

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving while under the influence (DUI) charges exist in the event that an individual ingests illegal drugs, alcohol, or controlled-substances, which may impair their respective ability to safely operate a motor vehicle; the following DUI and DWI laws exist within the state of South Carolina:

•    Zero tolerance laws exist in the event that an individual below the legal age permissible to consume alcohol is suspected to be unlawfully operating a motor vehicle; within the state of South Carolina, the Zero Tolerance Blood Alcohol Content Level (BAC) cannot exceed .02%

•    The BAC limit for individuals operating motor vehicles may not reach .08%; this can constitute a DUI or DWI offense

•    In South Carolina, supplementary penalties may be incurred due to BAC levels exceeding .18%

•    Implied consent is a legal instrument that is employed within the realm of a DUI Arrest that entails a verbal or written contract resulting from the willing participation in a regulated activity, such as the operation of a motor vehicle; within South Carolina, law enforcement agents are permitted to act in accordance with implied consent laws

•    Upon a DUI or DWI conviction, and individuals is subject to undergo the loss of driving privileges for a period of no less than 180 days’ time;  penalties can range upwards of 1 year in addition to the installation of an ignition interlock device

•    Upon a fourth DUI or DWI conviction, an individual is subject to undergo the confiscation of their vehicle 

South Carolina Gun Laws

A handgun is a firearm whose smaller size is fashioned to be used upon operation by one hand, which typically fire single round ammunition; within the state of South Carolina, handgun laws are as follows:

•    The sale, ownership, or possession of handguns with regard to convicted felons, known members of criminal organizations, individuals deemed unfit to carry firearms by the State Court of South Carolina, individuals addicted to drugs or alcohol, or individuals who have been in long-term care in a mental health facility is illegal in the state of South Carolina;  individuals carrying illegal weapons on their person during the time of a crime, aggravated assault can be attributed to any coinciding criminal convictions imposed

•    A waiting period for the purchase of a firearm does not currently exist in the state of South Carolina

•    Current listing or report of forearms considered to be illegal in the state of South Carolina: machine guns, sawed-off shotguns and rifles, altered firearms, Teflon-coated bullets, and teargas

South Carolina Adoption Laws

In the state of South Carolina, an individual who has been deemed as a law-abiding citizen who is of sound mind and moral character is permitted to adopt a child:

•    Within the state of South Carolina, and individual must maintain residence for a period of no less than 3 months

•    Any individual may be adopted; children above the age(s) of 14 must express consent with regard to a potential adoption

•    Within the state of South Carolina, the State Department of Social and Family Services mandates all adoptions

•    In the event of financial insolubility, court-mandated relief may be granted

South Carolina Employment and Labor Laws

•    Within the state of South Carolina, there does not exist a standard of minimum wage

•    Within the state of South Carolina, an individual’s employ cannot be terminated in the event that they report a violation or hazard taking place with regard to their respective employment – or place of employment

South Carolina Divorce Laws

Within the state of South Carolina, a divorce is defined as the termination of a marriage, which can occur upon a decision set forth by one or both partners involved in the marriage:

•    A divorce must be filed subsequent to 90 days of residence with regard to a marriage taking place within South Carolina; in the event that an individual –or individuals – were married in South Carolina and had not lived there on a continuous basis, a time constraint for filing does may reach 1 years’ time of residence

•    ‘No Fault’ divorce does exist in the event of a 1-year separation

•    Additional grounds for divorce include cruelty, domestic violence, adultery, legal separation, and addiction

South Carolina Death Penalty Laws

Within the state of South Carolina, Capital Punishment – or the Death Penalty – is legal; however, additional stipulations exist with regard to this procedure:

•    In the event of mental instability authorized by a court, capital punishment is disallowed

•    9 months following the end of a pregnancy, capital punishment is disallowed

•    Traditionally, the minimum age permissible for a capital punishment sentence is 18; however, no mandated minimum age requirement exists

•    Within the state of South Carolina, homicide is considered to be the only crime punishable by death

•    The accepted means of capital punishment is lethal injection or electrocution; this is the choice of the defendant – however, a motion for electrocution may be overturned

South Carolina Gambling Laws

Within the state of South Carolina, Gambling is defined as the purposeful risking of any or all assets, property or monies with the intention of gain; a primary stipulation exists that expressed that the individual retains no control of peripheral outcome(s) with regard to any wagers set forth:

•    Horse racing wagering is legal only in state-mandated and officiated horse races

•    Any and all unsanctioned structures and facilities intended to house gambling activity is deemed as illegal in the state of South Carolina

•    Betting on games or elections in both public and private settings is illegal; the participation in any sort of gaming on a Sunday is illegal

South Carolina Child Laws

Within the state of South Carolina, the following stipulations with regard to child laws and child custody are recognized:

•    Joint custody is not permitted

•    The rights implied within grandparental visitation are recognized

•    The wishes of any or all children involves are not taken into consideration with regard to a custody decision