Meters and disabled placards
Do I have to pay the meter with a disabled placard?
No. State law says a qualifying handicapped person must be allowed to park in metered or timed places without parking fees or fines. The vehicle must display the proper plate or placard.
- The privilege does not apply where parking is prohibited or reserved for special vehicles.
- A vehicle displaying a valid out-of-state handicapped plate or placard gets the same privileges.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: noVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“must be allowed to park in metered or timed parking places without being subject to parking fees or fines.” (S.C. Code 56-3-1965 (Title 56, Chapter 3))
Disabled parking placards
Who can get a disabled parking placard, and are other states' placards honored?
A person certified by a licensed doctor as having a qualifying disability can get a placard; the fee is $1. South Carolina gives the same privileges to a valid out-of-state handicapped plate or placard.
- Placards for permanently disabled persons may be issued and renewed for a maximum of four years.
- Applicants need a current SC permit, license or ID card.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: noVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“If a licensed doctor certified that you have a disability, you are eligible for a parking placard.” (People with Disabilities (SCDMV))
“A vehicle displaying a valid out-of-state handicapped license plate or placard” (S.C. Code 56-3-1960 (Title 56, Chapter 3))
“may be issued and renewed for a maximum period of four years” (S.C. Code 56-3-1960 (Title 56, Chapter 3))
Time limits and overtime
How long can I stay in a time-limited space, and what happens if I overstay?
Time limits are set locally and we could not confirm a statewide limit or overstay penalty. For placard holders, state law says they must be allowed to park in timed places without fees or fines.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“must be allowed to park in metered or timed parking places without being subject to parking fees or fines.” (S.C. Code 56-3-1965 (Title 56, Chapter 3))
Snow emergencies and street cleaning
When do I have to move my car for snow or street cleaning?
No statewide rule found. Street cleaning is local. Example, Charleston: residents must move vehicles in regulated sweeping zones during scheduled periods shown on signs, with a $45 ticket and a $130 tow fee.
- Storage fees may apply if a towed car stays at the tow lot overnight.
- Other cities have different rules.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“Residents or commuters are required to move their vehicle in regulated street sweeping zones” (Alternate Side & Signed Complete Street Sweeping Program (City of Charleston, example only))
Overnight parking and permits
Can I park on the street overnight?
We could not find a statewide overnight rule. As an example, Charleston runs a residential parking permit program for its Residential Parking Districts; permits must be displayed in the windshield. Its page does not mention overnight hours.
- Example city: Charleston. This is a residential permit program, not a general overnight parking permit.
- Charleston says all unpaid parking citations must be paid before a new permit is issued.
- Other South Carolina cities set their own rules.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“Residential parking permits are required to be displayed on the lower right passenger side of the windshield of the car.” (Example city: Charleston - Residential Parking Permits)
Towing and fines
What can I be fined or towed for, and how do I get my car back?
Fines and tows are mostly local. Example, Charleston: missing a street sweeping move brings a $45 ticket, and a tow adds a $130 fee, with possible overnight storage fees. Misusing placards by forgery or sale carries jail and a fine of at least $500.
- State law sets criminal penalties for duplicating, forging or selling a handicapped placard.
- We did not confirm the process for recovering a towed car from an official page we opened.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“must be imprisoned for thirty days and fined not less than five hundred dollars” (S.C. Code 56-3-1960 (Title 56, Chapter 3))
Ask about parking rules
COMING SOONSoon you will be able to ask a question and get an answer from these verified rules, with the source.
General information, not legal advice. Local signs and ordinances always apply.
