Is it illegal to dance past midnight in SC? Here are 9 odd laws still on the books in the state
South Carolina is known for beautiful beaches, unbeatable food and likely even for some of its odd laws.
Whether you’re planning a Sunday shopping spree, an impromptu pinball tournament or just trying to keep your dance moves legal, it’s good to know what’s what.
And while not all of these laws are enforced, it’s fun to know what’s still on the books.
So buckle up and get ready to go (but not on Sunday, because that’s illegal) for nine of the strangest laws still on the books in the Palmetto State as of 2024.
If you need an instrument, clock or silverware … buy it before Sunday
According to South Carolina law, the sale and purchase of items like kitchenware, appliances, hardware, technology and automobiles cannot happen on a Sunday.
Guess you’ll just have to survive one day without a new toaster because South Carolina has a shopping curfew.
Fellas, don’t make promises you can’t keep
In South Carolina, a man over the age of 16 who has promised to marry a woman cannot seduce an unmarried woman.
Otherwise, he is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined at the discretion of the court or imprisoned for a year.
Sorry kids, no pinball games allowed
Did you know that South Carolina is the only state where anyone under the age of 18 is prohibited from playing pinball?
When this law originated, it was intended to prevent children from gambling.
Check your schedules, South Carolina says no working on Sunday
Enjoy the day off because it is unlawful for any person to engage in work, labor, business or selling on Sundays.
Working on Sundays is illegal unless deemed absolutely necessary or for charity. There are also exceptions for specific types of sales and essential services like funeral homes and cemeteries.
The party stops at midnight
South Carolina law says that it is illegal for someone to keep a public dance hall open or allow people inside between midnight Saturday and midnight Sunday. If someone breaks this rule, they can be fined.
First offense: A fine between $10 and $50
Second offense: A fine between $50 and $100, or up to 30 days in jail
Make sure you get all the grooves out before the clock strikes twelve.
Don’t move the railroads … please?
Just in case you were curious, it is illegal to remove a railroad from any town that has more than 500 people in South Carolina.
So, if you were thinking of rearranging the tracks, think again. The trains stay where they are and so should your ideas about relocating them.
Other odd South Carolina laws include:
You can’t keep a horse in a bathtub.
Tattoo artists can’t tattoo any part of the face or neck, otherwise, there is a fine and/or jail time.
Railroads can be held liable for scaring horses.
