Not sure if this is the correct forum to post this in ?
Sen. Tom Davis is introducing a bill to make trailering easier in South Carolina. The Bill will be filed next Tuesday but, here is a rough draft. Once this bill is filed we need show our support to out local Representative in Columbia.
Here is the draft :
SECTION 56-5-4030. Width of vehicles.
(A) As contained in this section, “appurtenances” include:
(1) an awning and its support hardware; and
(2) an appendage that is intended to be an integral part of a motor home, travel trailer, or truck camper and is installed by the manufacturer or dealer which includes, but is not limited to, vents, electrical outlet covers, and window frames.
(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). (D) Boats or boat trailers in noncommercial use with an outside width of less than 120 inches may be towed without a permit. The towing of a boat or boat trailer 102 inches to 114 inches in width may take place on any day of the week, including weekends and holidays, and may take place at night. The towing of a boat or boat trailer 114 inches to 120 inches in width may take place on any day of the week, including weekends and holidays from sunrise to sunset. A boat or boat trailer in excess of 102 inches but less than 120 inches in width must be equipped with a minimum of two operable amber lamps on the widest point of the boat and the boat trailer such that the dimensions of the boat and the boat trailer are clearly marked and visible.
We are also going to try to get the same bills introduced in Georgia and Florida…
Its easier to ask for forgiveness than ask permission! On my first boat with a 122" beam I bought a open end permit, Think it was $90 a year and never was stopped! I went thru a weight station on 26 and was waved thru. Never bought another permit. Now have been pulling a 138" beam for over 10 years with no problem, causes some confusing looks when going thru the oaks on the road into Edisto! Event been to Islmarada.
A BILL AMENDING SECTION 56-5-4030 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO WIDTH OF VEHICLES, BY ADDING A SUBSECTION TO OMIT BOATS AND BOAT TRAILERS WITH A WIDTH OF LESS THAN 120 INCHES AND USED NONCOMMERCIALLY FROM PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS AND TO SPECIFY CERTAIN TIMES OF DAY WHEN BOATS OR BOAT TRAILERS OF CERTAIN WIDTHS MAY BE TOWED AND TO REQUIRE THE USE OF CERTAIN VISIBILITY MEASURES FOR BOATS AND BOAT TRAILERS.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. Section 56-5-4030 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
“(D) Boats and boat trailers with an outside width of less than 120 inches in noncommercial use may be towed without a permit. A boat or boat trailer 102 inches to 114 inches in width may be towed at any time. A boat or boat trailer 114 inches to 120 inches in width may be towed from sunrise to sunset. A boat or boat trailer in excess of 102 inches in width but less than 120 inches in width must be equipped with at least two operable, amber lamps on the widest point of the boat and the boat trailer so the boat and boat trailer’s dimensions are clearly marked and visible.”
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
I understand that the intent is to make things easier, but why is prohibiting trailering a boat 114-120" wide at night a good idea when 102-114" would still be allowed at night?
You’re literally saying a 6" slot of boat trailers cannot be trailered at night, whether you get a permit or not. Meanwhile, you’d allow trailering of a boat over 120" (above the slot) 24hrs a day if someone got a permit. I guess if I have a 114-120" rig I am just SOL at night?
I suggest some further crafting of the language you’re trying to add to the code to avoid unintended consequences, but I will defer to others if they understand the other applicable laws to mean that my concerns aren’t founded.
For example:
AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 1 OF SENATE BILL 494.
Amend the bill, by striking all of the language within “Section 1,” and replacing it with the following.
"Section 56-5-4030 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
‘(D) Boats and boat trailers with an outside width of less than 120 inches in noncommercial use may be towed without a permit at any time. A boat or boat trailer in excess of 102 inches in width but less than 120 inches in width must be equipped with at least two operable, amber lamps on the widest point of the boat and the boat trailer so the boat and boat trailer’s dimensions are clearly marked and visible.’"
I will pass that along,but even if you have a permit you cannot tow at night or holiday weekends. Legally that is.
I am not sure on the width breakdown between day and night towing but I will see if I can get an answer. This proposed Boll mirrors the North Carolina Bill that pasted.It’s a start !
Geez, what if we just fired all the folks that come up with these heinous nit-picky laws and breathed a sigh of relief knowing we have some freedom of choice left in America/South Carolina? This is why I joined ABATE - keep the abolitionists from turning silly stuff into restrictions. Exempt recreational boats from all this mess.
Geez, what if we just fired all the folks that come up with these heinous nit-picky laws and breathed a sigh of relief knowing we have some freedom of choice left in America/South Carolina? This is why I joined ABATE - keep the abolitionists from turning silly stuff into restrictions. Exempt recreational boats from all this mess.
Just an update…This Bill has been fast tracked and will have an open hearing in Columbia next Thursday at 9am. The SC truckers association is opposing the Bill. If anyone can attend and let your views be heard would be great.
The Bill has been fast tracked to the Transportation committee and there is a hearing Thursday at 9am.Please show your support and contact them at the link below.
I tow a 10’ wide boat regularly from FL to SC. I don’t get permits and have never had a problem. I do not understand why they do not want you driving at night? I normally like to leave late evening and drive through the night as traffic is not bad. I can get in line with the trucks and cruise without issue. Driving during the day truly sucks with everyone cutting you off. Seems safer at night.