Local Laws

• State Laws
• Fireworks
• Driving on the Beach
• Littering
• Sea Oats
• Cruising
• Animal Laws
  • Horry County
  • Myrtle Beach
  • North Myrtle Beach
  • Surfside Beach
  • Georgetown County
• Swimming
• Boating/Surfing
  • Horry County
  • Myrtle Beach
  • North Myrtle Beach
  • Surfside Beach

STATE LAWS

• Seat belts must be worn at all times in a moving vehicle.
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal.
• Penalties include a fine of more than $200 and loss of driving license both in South Carolina and the driver’s home state.
• It is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 to buy, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages.
• Open containers of beer, wine, or liquor are prohibited in vehicles or any public place including streets, sidewalks, and beach areas.
• Vehicle headlights must be on if operating windshield wipers due to rain or poor road conditions.
• Motorcyclists are required to use headlights at all times.
• All children ages 17 and younger in a moving vehicle must be restrained at all times by means appropriate for the child’s age and seating location, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
• Right turns may be made on a red light throughout the state, except where a sign denotes “No Right on Red.”
• Remember, stop before turning and give way to traffic already in the intersection.

FIREWORKS

Possessing or discharging fireworks is illegal within the city limits of municipalities along the Grand Strand. All establishments that sell fireworks within Horry County are required to post in a conspicuous location rules and regulations regarding fireworks.

DRIVING ON THE BEACH

It is unlawful for any person to drive or operate any motor vehicle on the beach or within public marsh areas.

LITTERING

Littering is illegal. Offenders may be required by law to assist officials in cleaning up the litter. All glass containers are prohibited on the beach.

SEA OATS

It is illegal to cut, break, or otherwise destroy sea oat plants, beach grass, or sand fencing.

CRUISING

Cruising is regulated by the Myrtle Beach Police Department between 3rd Ave. S. and 21st Ave. N. on Ocean Boulevard from 2 a.m.-6 a.m. March 1-Oct. 1.

ANIMAL LAWS

Horry County

Any animal on the beach must be on a hand-held leash not to exceed six feet in length and under the control of the person having custody of the animal. Animals are not allowed on the beach from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 1-Sept. 1. It is unlawful to ride a horse or other animal on the public beach or within public marsh areas within the county limits March 1-Oct. 31.

Myrtle Beach

Dogs in public must be on a leash at all times. No animals are allowed on the beach or Ocean Boulevard from 21st Ave. N. to 13th Ave. S. May 15-Sept. 15. Horses and riders are allowed on the beach within the city of Myrtle Beach from the third Saturday in November until the end of February, in groups of six or fewer. No “staging” is allowed within the city limits (access to the beach is through Myrtle Beach State Park), and riders must clean up droppings west of the high tide line.

North Myrtle Beach

Dogs in public must be on a leash at all times. No dogs are allowed on the beach from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. May 15-Sept. 15.

Surfside Beach

Dogs are not allowed on the beach at any time May 15-Sept. 15. Riding horses on the beach is prohibited.

Georgetown County

Horses are not allowed on the beach March 15-Sept. 15. Riding horses on Pawleys Island or Huntington Beach State Park is prohibited year round. Dogs are allowed on public beaches if accompanied by the owner or keeper and under the physical control by means of a leash or similar restraining device, or under the control of a responsible person to whom the dog is obedient on command. On Pawleys Island beach, dogs must be on a leash May-Oct. At Huntington Beach State Park, dogs must be on a leash at all times. In areas designated for the protection of endangered species, dogs and cats must be on a leash at all times.

SWIMMING

Swimming is not permitted beyond 50 yards from the beach or over shoulder depth, unless otherwise stated by the lifeguard. Jumping or diving from piers is prohibited. Swimming within 50 yards of a pier is prohibited. Only canvas rafts may be used in the ocean. Rafts must be equipped with safety ropes. Swimwear is subject to city ordinances in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Surfside Beach. It is illegal for anyone to wear a thong bathing suit.

BOATING/SURFING

Horry County

It is illegal to use any equipment in a manner that would endanger bathers, swimmers, surfers, or others in the water. Sailboats, motorboats, and Jet skis (or other personal watercraft) must remain at least 400 feet from the shoreline and 500 feet from any fishing pier, with the exception of entering or exiting the ocean. Sailboats, motorboats, and Jet skis may not be launched or retrieved within 50 yards of a lifeguard stand, unless otherwise designated.