Jaywalking, Littering, and Other Laws You Break Every Day Without Realizing It in South Carolina

In South Carolina, jaywalking and littering are indeed illegal under state traffic and environmental codes, though rarely enforced daily unless tied to accidents or public safety issues. Many “everyday” violations stem from local ordinances in areas like Charleston, where pedestrian habits and minor nuisances carry light fines rather than jail time.

Jaywalking Rules

Pedestrians must yield to vehicles outside marked/unmarked crosswalks per SC Code §56-5-3130 and §56-5-3150, making improper crossing a misdemeanor with ~$25 fines or up to 10 days jail.
Sidewalks are preferred; absent them, walk against traffic on shoulders—violations contribute to comparative fault in accidents, barring recovery if over 50% at fault.

Littering Penalties

SC Code §16-11-700 criminalizes discarding litter (even small items like cigarette butts) from vehicles or into public spaces: first offense fines $25–$100 for <15 lbs, escalating to $500+ for larger amounts or repeat violations.[ from prior context]
Local counties enforce via signage; Charleston-area roads see frequent citations during cleanups.

Other Common Infractions

• Open containers: Illegal to transport alcohol openly in vehicles (SC §61-6-4020), fine ~$100–$400.​
• Distracted walking: No statewide ban, but cities like Charleston prohibit phone use in crosswalks.
• Feeding wildlife: Fines up to $500 in state parks for disrupting habitats.

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