What Are Some Thing's You Can't Do in South Carolina?

SOUTH CAROLINA - While South Carolina is celebrated for its southern hospitality, Lowcountry boil, and coastal beauty, the Palmetto State has a long history of quirky "blue laws" and unique statutes that might surprise you. From restrictions on vintage arcade games to specific Sunday shopping rules, here are a few things you can't do in South Carolina.

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1. You Can't Play Pinball (If You're Under 18)

Believe it or not, South Carolina has an actual law on the books making it illegal for minors to play pinball.

• The Law: Section 63-19-2430 of the state code prohibits anyone under eighteen from playing pinball machines.
• The Reason: This is a holdover from the mid-20th century, when pinball was often associated with gambling and loitering. While the law isn't strictly enforced by "pinball police" today, it remains an official part of the State legal code.

2. You can't buy silverware on a Sunday

South Carolina has some of the most specific Sunday "blue laws" in the country regarding retail.

• The Restriction: Under Title 53, it is technically illegal to sell certain items on Sundays, including housewares like silverware, glassware, and kitchenware. The list also extends to musical instruments and certain types of clothing (though swimwear and undergarments are usually exempt).
• The Reality: While many counties and municipalities have opted out of these rules to allow for modern commerce, you can still find pockets of the state where big-box retailers have certain aisles roped off until Monday morning.

3. You Can't Keep a "Pet" Alligator

While you might see them in every backyard pond in the Lowcountry, you cannot legally keep an alligator as a pet in South Carolina.

• The Danger: State law prohibits the private possession of alligators without very specific—and rare—scientific or educational permits.
• The Advice: If you find a "baby" alligator, leave it alone. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) has a strict "no-pet" policy to protect both the public and the prehistoric residents of the swamps.

4. You Can't Dance Past Midnight on Saturday

If you are planning a late-night dance party, you might need to check the clock.

• The Ban: Historically, South Carolina law prohibited "public dance halls" from operating between midnight on Saturday and midnight on Sunday.
• The Legend: In some counties, it was even illegal for a dance hall to be located within a quarter-mile of a rural Church. While many of these rules have been modernized or ignored in nightlife hubs like Charleston and Columbia, the "Sunday rest" tradition still influences local closing times.

5. You Can't Hunt on Public Land on Most Sundays

South Carolina was historically one of the last states with a near-total ban on Sunday hunting on public lands.

• The Update: While Sunday hunting was legalized on private land in 2004, it remained banned on public Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) for nearly two decades.
• The Limit: As of late 2023, the law finally changed to allow Sunday hunting on certain public lands, but it is still not a universal right. Hunters must check specific WMA regulations, as many public areas still prohibit the practice to allow hikers and birdwatchers a day of "quiet" in the woods.

6. You Can't Make an "Insincere" Marriage Proposal

This is a rare "morality law" that is still technically active.

• The Crime: Section 16-15-50 makes it a misdemeanor for a man over 16 to "seduce" a woman by promising to marry her with no intention of following through.
• The Penalty: If convicted of using a fake marriage proposal to deceive, a person could face up to a year in jail. It's a legal reminder that in the Palmetto State, a promise used to be considered a contract.

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South Carolina's laws are a fascinating mix of colonial tradition and Bible Belt influence. While you won't get arrested for buying a spoon on a Sunday in most places, these rules serve as a reminder of the State unique cultural heritage.

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