WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 869

Permanent License Plates

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Allen Blackmon and 4 co-sponsors

SC S.869 establishes permanent license plates for tribal governments in SC, issued by the DMV with a $2 fee and a prefix system to identify issuing government type.

Roll call Ayes-44 Nays-0
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 869

Summary of Bill S.869 (Session 2025-2026) – South Carolina

Purpose and intent

  • The bill amends the South Carolina Code to establish permanent license plates for tribal governments located within the state, extending the existing framework for permanent plates to include tribal governments alongside state and local government entities.

Key provisions and changes

  • Revisions to Section 56-3-780(A):
    • Permanent license plates are to be issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for all motor vehicles operated by:
    • the State,
    • its political subdivisions (regional, county, and municipal governments),
    • tribal governments located in South Carolina.
    • Plate design and identification:
    • Each permanent plate must display: the words “South Carolina,” the vehicle number, and a prefix to designate the issuing government type.
    • Allowed prefixes:
      • "SG" = State government
      • "RG" = Regional government
      • "CG" = County government
      • "MG" = Municipal government
      • "TG" = Tribal government
    • Fees:
    • The permanent license plate fee, including registration, is set at $2.
    • A decal may be issued to designate the specific law enforcement agency, with the department allowed to charge a reasonable fee to cover decal costs.
    • Law enforcement vehicles:
    • The DMV may issue permanent plates to vehicles used by state or local law enforcement agencies.
    • A decal for the enforcement agency is optional, with a potential additional fee to cover decal costs.

Who is affected

  • Government entities within South Carolina, including:
    • State agencies
    • Regional, county, and municipal governments
    • Tribal governments located in the state
  • Vehicles operated by these entities, including law enforcement vehicles (potentially) that would carry permanent plates
  • Law enforcement agencies (for decals, if issued)

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: The act becomes effective upon approval by the Governor.
  • Administrative process:
    • DMV is designated to issue permanent plates and decals (where applicable).
  • Legislative history:
    • Introduced January 29, 2026; referred to the Committee on Transportation.
    • Committee report favorable as of April 15, 2026.
    • Noted co-sponsors: Allen Blackmon, Harvey Peeler, Everett Stubbs, Wes Climer, Michael Johnson.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Uniformity and branding:
    • Expands the permanent plate program to include tribal governments, improving consistency across government entities.
    • The prefix system clearly identifies the issuing government type on plates.
  • Cost and administration:
    • A nominal $2 fee could reduce administrative burdens and standardize plate issuance costs.
    • Possible need for tribal government coordination to ensure proper designation and decal use where applicable.
  • Law enforcement:
    • DMV may issue permanent plates to law enforcement vehicles; decals may be used to indicate agency affiliation, with a separate fee to cover decal costs.

If you’d like, I can add a side-by-side comparison with the current non-permanent plate framework or provide a plain-language explainer for constituents.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.