Riding as a passenger on a motorcycle provides a little more flexibility than being the driver. That is, unless you wish to consume alcohol.
As the Fall Myrtle Beach Bike Rally begins this weekend, there will be lots of pubs and activities geared to motorcyclists, with many of them offering the opportunity to purchase alcohol.
South Carolina law forbids open containers of beer or wine in any motor vehicle, including motorcycles, while operating on a public roadway or highway rights of way.
You can transport alcohol, including liquor, on your motorcycle. However, if the seal has been broken or opened, it must be stored in a trunk, cargo area, or luggage area apart from the driver and passenger quarters.
Given the limited space aboard a motorcycle, this can be problematic.
Violating the law can result in up to 30 days in prison.
In addition to state laws, various counties and localities along the Grand Strand have alcohol-related ordinances.
Many of the Myrtle Beach Bike Rally’s events and activities take place at Murrells Inlet, Georgetown County.
Georgetown County’s ordinance prohibits anybody from drinking alcoholic beverages in or on their vehicles on county streets, roads, and sidewalks. However, if an alcoholic beverage special use permission was obtained for the event, drinking alcohol in non-glass containers is allowed.
Horry County also prohibits drinking alcoholic beverages in public and keeping open containers in vehicles. It is also illegal to have alcoholic beverages on public beaches or in public access locations. This holds true for Myrtle Beach as well.
