North Charleston, South Carolina – The North Charleston Police Department reminded the public Tuesday that wearing masks in public is banned under South Carolina law.
The reminder comes as the agency reports that ski masks and ‘Pooh Sheisty’ style masks are becoming increasingly popular as a fashion trend.
The legislation, South Carolina State Statute 16-7-110, prohibits anybody over the age of 16 from wearing a mask that conceals their identify in public places, unless certain exceptions apply.
The act allows exceptions to the mask prohibition, including wearing masks as part of holiday costumes, for physical safety in specific trades, during theatrical plays or masquerade balls, and during civil defense exercises or emergencies.
The law also states that the prohibition does not apply during an active pandemic or epidemic, or during a validly declared state of emergency; however, South Carolina has not been in a state of emergency due to COVID-19 since June 7, 2021.
Simply put, the North Charleston Police Department stated that there is no longer a pandemic, no state of emergency, and no cause to wear a mask in public unless it falls under the aforementioned exemptions.
“As the Lowcountry sees cooler weather in the fall and winter, it’s understandable that individuals would wear masks to stay warm. Although frigid temperatures are often experienced at night, officers will use caution when approaching individuals wearing masks in these rare cases,” the organization stated.
The North Charleston Police Department highlighted that police may approach persons wearing masks if they appear suspicious or fit the description of a suspect.
In such instances, cops may properly detain someone while conducting an investigation. The government warns that wearing a mask does not ensure anonymity and urges those over the age of 16 to avoid wearing masks in public to avoid legal ramifications.
A violation of the legislation is classified as a Class C misdemeanor and can result in a $500 fine or jail time.
