New Law in South Carolina? You Could Be Breaking It Without Even Knowing

South Carolinians may be unknowingly breaking laws every single day without realizing it. From outdated ordinances still on the books to oddly specific city rules, you might be surprised at what’s technically illegal in the Palmetto State.

Here are some real South Carolina laws that could catch you off guard:

1. It’s Illegal to Park in Your Own Driveway in Some Cities

In some South Carolina cities, parking in your own driveway incorrectly could land you a fine! For example, Charleston enforces strict rules about blocking sidewalks, even if your car is slightly over the edge of your driveway. Parking against the flow of traffic on a public street? Also illegal.

2. You Must Walk Your Dog With a Leash—Or Risk a Fine

Many South Carolina counties, including Greenville and Charleston, enforce leash laws that require dogs to be on a leash unless in a designated area. Some cities have fines as high as $500 for violating this rule.

3. Fortune-Telling is Illegal in Some Towns

In Chester, South Carolina, it is technically illegal to tell fortunes or "pretend to foretell the future." This outdated law still exists, even though fortune-telling businesses operate in other areas of the state.

4. No Working on Sundays—Sort Of

South Carolina has "blue laws" restricting certain sales and activities on Sundays. While many have been relaxed, some places still have weird restrictions—like banning the sale of cars or certain household items on Sunday mornings.

5. It’s Illegal to Keep a Horse in Your Bathtub

Yes, you read that right. South Carolina has a law stating that you cannot keep a horse in a bathtub. While the origins are unclear, similar laws exist in other states due to incidents where floods caused animals to float away in tubs.

6. No Swearing Near a Church or School

In South Carolina, using obscene language within hearing distance of a church or school is a misdemeanor that could lead to a fine or even jail time. While this law isn’t commonly enforced, it’s still on the books.

7. Pinball is Off-Limits for Minors

Until 2016, it was illegal for anyone under 18 to play pinball in South Carolina! This strange law was originally meant to prevent kids from gambling, but it was finally overturned after being in place for decades.

Are You Breaking the Law Without Knowing?

While some of these laws might seem outdated or rarely enforced, they’re still technically on the books. The next time you’re parking your car, walking your dog, or letting your horse lounge in the bathtub, you might want to double-check South Carolina’s legal codes.

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