Myrtle Beach Sees Surge in Traffic Violations Amidst Increased Tourism

Myrtle Beach Traffic Violations: What You Need to Know

In Myrtle Beach, traffic isn’t just an occasional hassle; it’s a full-time gig! With millions of tourists flocking here and locals riding the roads, you can bet our streets see a lot of action throughout the year. According to the latest numbers from Horry County, drivers put in more than 3.7 billion vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in 2022. A staggering figure, right? And it seems to be climbing even higher every year since 2020. So, with all that traffic swirling around, it’s no surprise that some folks get a bit too adventurous behind the wheel!

Speeding: The Heavyweight Champion of Violations

First up on the list of common traffic violations is the king of all driving offenses: speeding. Between June 2023 and June 2024, Myrtle Beach officers issued a whopping 3,882 speeding citations. That’s a lot of racing down Ocean Boulevard! Out of that crowd, 207 citations stemmed from drivers who didn’t consider the actual road conditions. But don’t worry, if you thought you were just a bit extra speedy, you’re not alone. Here’s the breakdown:

• 982 for going 10 mph or less over the limit
• 636 for exceeding the limit by 10-15 mph
• 1,777 for over 15-25 mph too fast
• 280 for going more than 25 mph over the posted limit

Unlicensed and Unregistered Vehicles: Not So Fun

Next up on our list is another popular ticket: driving an unlicensed or unregistered vehicle. Across the same 13-month watch, a staggering 1,863 citations were issued for this offense. So, if you’ve been slow on the registration process or forgot to pay that tiny fee, it’s time to take care of business!

Unlicensed Drivers: A Common Sight

Coming in third place is the classic “Oh no, I forgot my license!” moment, with 1,503 tickets handed out to drivers caught without a proper license. Most of these tickets (1474) were first-time offenders, so if you find yourself in this boat, do yourself a favor and remember to check your pockets next time!

Suspended License Woes

While driving under suspension for a DUI isn’t quite as popular as speeding, 989 violations still happened in Myrtle Beach in that same time frame. So, folks, if you’ve been down that road once, please think twice before hitting the gas again!

Unsafe Vehicles: Drive Safe!

Last but not least is the matter of vehicle safety. During this reported period, 505 citations were given for drivers operating unsafe vehicles. It’s crucial to keep your car in good working order! South Carolina law explicitly states that every driver must ensure their vehicle is roadworthy—so don’t cut corners when it comes to safety!

Final Thoughts

So, Myrtle Beach, there’s a lot to keep in mind as you cruise around our beautiful town! With tourists and locals both sharing the roads, it’s essential to drive safe and stay smart. Remember that being in compliance with driving laws isn’t just about avoiding citations; it’s about keeping our roads safe for everyone in our sunny paradise.

Let’s steer clear of trouble and enjoy everything that makes Myrtle Beach such an incredible place to live and visit!