Transportation (Pedestrian Safety)

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-970, RELATING TO THE TRAFFIC-CONTROL SIGNAL LEGEND, SO AS TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES AND TO PROVIDE RULES CYCLISTS MUST OBSERVE WHEN APPROACHING INTERSECTIONS CONTROLLED BY TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICES; AND BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-3530 SO AS TO PROVIDE RULES CYCLISTS MUST OBSERVE WHEN APPROACHING STOP SIGNS. - RATIFIED TITLE

H 3969 permits business entities to operate personal delivery devices, which are small, automated cargo-carrying robots, within Richland County. The bill establishes specific rules for their use, including a maximum speed of ten miles per hour in pedestrian areas and on certain highways. These devices must be remotely monitored by a human operator, yield to pedestrians, and obey traffic laws. Businesses operating these devices must maintain at least $500,000 in liability insurance, and local governments can regulate the time and place of operation. The provisions of this act are set to expire three years after becoming law.