Utility Terrain Vehicles

A Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) is also referred to as a side-by-side. UTVs are primarily off-road vehicles with bench or bucket seating. 

UTVs must meet specific criteria to qualify as street legal. Vehicles must be four-wheel drive, have an engine displacement of at least 450cc, reach a top speed greater than 55 mph, measure 80 inches or less in width, and have a gross weight rating of 4,000 pounds or less. Additionally, the UTV must be equipped with factory-approved Type 2 seat belts for every seat, headlights, brake lights, taillights and working turn signals.

Titling a UTV

• Gather Proof of Ownership: Bring your bill of sale, manufacturer's invoice, or equivalent proof of purchase to a branch office.
• Apply for Title: File for an official certificate of title to register your ownership with the state using Application for Title (SCDMV Form 400)

Registering a UTV for public road use

Effective November 18, 2026, registered UTVs may be operated on public roads with some restrictions.

• Title the UTV (see above).
• Maintain proof of liability insurance.
• Provide proof of paid sales tax or pay sales tax at the branch office. 
• Pay Fees: Submit the $10 biennial registration fee.
• Display Your Plate: Securely attach the state-issued license plate to the rear of the UTV.

Operating a UTV on public roads

• Age and Licensing: Drivers must be at least 17 years old and hold a valid driver's license. Beginner's permits, moped or motorcycle licenses are not accepted. Temporary, route-restricted or provisional licenses are not accepted.
• Protective Gear: Drivers and passengers under 21 years old must wear a helmet with a chin strap, and face shield or goggles.
• Age Restrictions: Children under the age of 8 are strictly prohibited from riding in a UTV on public roadways.
• Operational Zones: UTVs are only permitted on roads with a speed limit of 55 mph or less. They are entirely prohibited from traveling on interstate highways. UTV operations are limited to a 10-mile radius of the address listed on the vehicle's registration. 
• Local municipalities and counties retain authority to restrict the hours, methods and specific locations of UTV operation.

SC Code Sections 56-2-5000.

All-terrain Vehicles

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are sometimes referred to as four-wheelers.

ATVs are designed primarily for off-road travel and are no more than 50 inches wide. They may have three or more low-pressure tires and handle bars for steering. They do not include lawn tractors, battery-powered children's toys, or a vehicle that is required to be licensed or titled for highway use.

Titling an ATV

If you own an ATV, you may title it by submitting all of the following:

• Completed Application for Title (SCDMV Form 400)
• Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin or previous title properly assigned to the applicant
• $15
• Sales tax (there is no maximum sales tax on ATVs)

ATVs must have all of the following equipment in good working condition:

• An effective muffler system
• USDA Forest Service approved spark arrester
• Brake system

What is against the law when it comes to an ATV?

It is against the law to remove the age restriction warning label attached to the ATV by the manufacturer.

You cannot drive an ATV:

• More than 30 minutes after sunset or more than 30 minutes before sunrise unless headlights are on
• Under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• In a reckless manner

Parents or guardians cannot allow:

• Anyone less than six to drive an ATV
• Anyone 16 or younger to drive an ATV unless with an adult
• Anyone less than 16 drive an ATV with a passenger who is not an adult
• Anyone less than 16 to drive an ATV in violation of the warning label on the vehicle
• Anyone 15 or younger to:
  • Drive an ATV without successfully completing a “hands-on” ATV safety course approved by the All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute (AVSI)
  • Drive or ride an ATV in South Carolina without a helmet and eye protection

SC Code Sections 56-19-1010, -1020, -1030, 50-26.