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Has anyone done any research on towing in SC? How much weight can you tow with a regular drivers license and what is the weight rating on a regular passenger tag?
The code of laws can be searched at scstatehouse.net but you probably want to call SC DMV. The drivers manual is online at http://www.scdmvonline.com/DMVNew/fo...l%20manual.pdf. In the manual they talk about the weights and requirements for a CDL but nowhere did I see what you can haul with a regular tag. I have been meaning to call about this myself and if I do I'll follow up.
ba
__________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________
SC Bad Angler - South Carolina's Worst Angler
I called SC DMV a couple of weeks ago about towing a Sea Ray 280 Sundancer. DMV told me to call the transport police. I was told you need an overwide permit, a weighted plate for the tow vehicle, over wide sign, and a tag for the trailer once you exceeded 10K gross for the trailer and boat. For those who do not know in SC you usually do not need a tag for the trailer. The officer had me wait while he looked that one up. He did not mention a need for any CDL etc. and I forgot to ask. No towing nights, holidays, or WEEKENDS.
This past SUNDAY on the way to Charleston I saw a Searay 280 Sudancer going north on I26 about 45 miles outside of Charleston. He also did not have a sign. Beam on that boat is 9" 5", weight is 8500 dry. On the return trip back to Greenville later in the day I did not see him on the side of the road so I guess no one bothered him.
Yeah, in the past SC has been VERY liberal on non commercial towing. I am good friends with a transportation officer. He has been told to start looking at personal stuff, but only if it is gross. I don't think they are going as far as NC. but I dunno if it is still there, but it used to say in order to get a wide load permit, you have to have a dually I think that is 10' though.
I believe you will find that the laws are pretty much the same for this issue from state to state. Most are modeled after the federal guidelines or off the laws of their adjoining states.
The only difference is the degree of enforcement. I would not be surprised if the SC enforcement folks started to pick up on this since their neighboring state (NC) has decided to make an issue of it and crack down. Law enforcement agencies talk to one another, especially the neighboring states.
__________________ "In My Dreams"
2012 36 Yellowfin triple 300 Verado's
Ice Blue/White top
Wrightsville Beach, NC
A tail light is required for towing after sunset. I will not tow with out tail,stop / turn and side marker lights. Be careful it's dangerious out there.
__________________ Living in South Carolina, fishing any place. "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf". G. Orwell
I called SCDMV and explained that I have a Dodge Ram 2500 with gvwr of 9k boat trailer grwr 14000 and truck registered for 23k they E-Mailed me back that my class D drivers licence is fine for towing a non commercial boat under 26k. I again asked them to state in an email that the combination load that I am towing was OK as long as it is non-commercial. I have this letter in my glove box in case I get stopped in another state.
__________________ 2010 31 Cape Horn
(slowpoke)
Little River, SC
Here is some information. The 102" inch item quoted below is the 8'6" and anything beyond that requires a permit. Beyond certain widths requires a permit and a sign, beyond that it could require permit, signs and escorts. However, I agree the the HP does tend to look away from non-commercial towing as long as it looks safe and notice that the exception below non-commercials. Capt JR
(B) The total outside width of a vehicle or the load on it may not exceed one hundred two inches exclusive of safety devices approved by the Department of Public Safety.
(C) Appurtenances on motor homes, travel trailers, and truck campers in noncommercial use may extend to a maximum of six inches on one side and four inches on the other beyond the maximum width requirement contained in subsection (B).
__________________ "All men die, few men truly live." Wm Wallace
"Life's Short, Fish the Classic, Shamrock." Capt JR
South Carolina Towing? 
I think that is 10' though. 
