New law will allow qualifying utility terrain vehicles to operate on certain public roads, but owners must meet registration, insurance and safety requirements first.
COLUMBIA, SC — South Carolina residents who own utility terrain vehicles, commonly known as side-by-sides or UTVs, will soon be able to drive them legally on certain public roads under a new state law that takes effect November 18, 2026.
The new law creates a pathway for UTV owners to register their vehicles for limited street use, bringing South Carolina in line with a growing number of states that have adopted regulations governing off-road vehicles on public roadways.
According to state requirements, a qualifying UTV must be a four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle designed to transport people, cargo, or both. To be eligible under the law, the vehicle must have a top speed exceeding 55 mph, an engine of at least 450cc, a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,000 pounds or less, and a width of no more than 80″. It also must be equipped with a steering wheel and non-straddle seating.
Before taking a UTV onto public roads, owners will be required to obtain liability insurance and register and title the vehicle through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. The vehicle must display an official license plate on the rear and drivers must carry both proof of insurance and the registration certificate while operating it.
The law also establishes equipment standards. Street-legal UTVs must have functioning headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals and Type 2 seat belts at every seating position.
Drivers must be at least 17 years old and possess a valid Class D driver’s license. In addition, drivers and passengers younger than 21 will be required to wear either a helmet with a face shield or a helmet paired with protective goggles while traveling on public roads. Passengers must be at least 8 years old.
The law does not provide unrestricted road access.
UTVs may only be operated on secondary roads and streets where the posted speed limit is 55 mph or less. Interstate highways remain off limits. The legislation also limits operation to within 10 miles of the address listed on the vehicle’s registration certificate, or within 10 miles of a gated community entrance if the registered address is located inside that community.
Officials emphasize that once a UTV is operating on a public road, the driver is subject to the same traffic laws that apply to other motorists, including laws governing impaired driving, speeding, seat belt use and hands-free device restrictions.
For owners considering street registration, the months leading up to November 18, 2026, provide an opportunity to ensure their vehicles meet the law’s equipment requirements and prepare for the registration and insurance process before the law takes effect.
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