Myrtle Beach Local Laws for Visitors

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Myrtle Beach, SC -
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State Laws

- Seat belts must be worn at all times in a moving vehicle.

- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal. Punishment includes a fine of more than $200 and loss of driving license privileges in South Carolina and your 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 is prohibited in vehicles and any public place including street, sidewalks and beach areas.

- Vehicle headlights must be on if you are operating your windshield wipers due to rain or poor road conditions.

- Motorcyclists are required to use headlights at all times.

- All children under the age of six years old must be restrained at all times in a moving vehicle by means appropriate for the child and seating location according to the National Highway Traffic Administration.

- Right turns can be made on a red light throughout the state, except where a sign says "No Right on Red." Remember, you must signal before turning and give way to traffic already in the intersection.

Animal Laws

North Myrtle Beach
- Dogs in public must be on a leash at all times.
- No dogs are allowed on the beach between 9am - 5pm from May 15 - Sept. 15

Myrtle Beach
- Dogs in public must be on a leash at all times.
- No animals are allowed on the beach or Ocean Boulevard between 21st Ave. N. to 13th Ave. S. of Myrtle Beach during any time.
- No dogs are allowed on the beach between 9am - 5pm from May 15 - Sept. 15.
- Myrtle Beach City Council grants permission for horses to be ridden on the beach on an annual basis.

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

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

Sea Oats
It is illegal to cut, break or otherwise destroy sea oat plants.

Fireworks
Discharging of fireworks is illegal within the city limits of municipalities along the Grand Strand.

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

Boating/Surfing

North Myrtle Beach
Motorized water craft may not be launched from the beach between 9am to 5pm., from May 15 to Sept. 15. Jet skis, catamarans, sailboats or other water craft may not operate within 1000 yards of the shoreline or within 50 yards of any swimmer. Surfing is not allowed between hours of 9am and 4pm from May 15 to Sept. 15, except in these designated areas: Cherry Grove Pier, 13th Ave. S., 28th Ave. S., 38th Ave. S. and 6th Ave.N.

Myrtle Beach
Boats may not be piloted inside the area 50 yards eastward from the high tide mark along the public beach. Jet skies may not be operated within 100 yards of the shore from March 16 through Sept. 15. Surfing is restricted to certain areas from March 16 through sept. 15. During that time period between the hours of 9am and 5pm, surfing activity is allowed only in these areas: 29th Ave. S. to the south city limits; 41st Ave. N to 47th Ave. N.; 82nd Ave. N. to the north end of the public boardwalk (but this particular area may be used only from Oct. 1 through March 15.)

Surfside Beach
Access to the beach with a boat is limited to the designated ramp at 3rd Ave. S. Jet skis may be launched at 4th Ave. S. and must remain 400 feet from the shore and 300 feet from the pier. No water craft may be transported to the water by vehicle. Surfing is not allowed between the hours of 9am and 5pm in Surfside Beach except in an area beginning 270 feet south of 12th Ave. and extending northward to 14th Ave. N.

Driving on the Beach
Vehicles are only allowed on the beach in North Myrtle Beach from Dec.1 through Feb. 28 from 8am to 5pm.

Failure to adhere to state and local laws will result in fines and possible imprisonment.

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