1. 1. Beginning Operations Under a Certificate.

   1. a. Registration, Insurance, and Tariffs Required. An Order of the commission, approving an application for a Certificate, or the issuance of a Certificate does not within itself authorize a carrier to begin operations. Operations are unlawful until the carrier has complied with the law by:

      1. 1. Registering its motor vehicles with the ORS;
      2. 2. Providing proof of insurance, self-insurance as verified by the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles or a surety bond with the ORS in the required amounts covering its rolling equipment for the protection of the public;
      3. 3. Filing tariffs and schedules of rates, fares, and charges to be made for the transportation service authorized with the commission and the ORS; and
      4. 4. Undergoing the required inspection of vehicles and facilities. (Household Goods and Hazardous Waste for Disposal.)
   2. b. Must Begin Operations Within 90 Days. Unless a motor carrier complies with the foregoing requirements and begins operating as authorized within a period of ninety (90) days after the commission’s order approving the application becomes final, and unless the time is extended in writing by the commission upon written request, the operating rights therein granted will cease.
   3. c. Upon issuance of a Certificate, the ORS shall provide written notice to the commission stating that the carrier has complied with all provisions of the commission’s order.

2. 2. Beginning Operations under a Charter Bus Certificate.

   1. a. Providing evidence of an acceptable safety rating.
   2. b. Providing proof of insurance or a surety bond with the ORS in the required amounts covering its rolling equipment for the protection of the public.

   An order of the commission approving an application for a Charter Bus Certificate or the issuance of a Charter Bus Certificate does not within itself authorize a carrier to begin operations. Operations are unlawful until the carrier has complied with the law by:

3. 3. Vehicle Appearance, Serviceability, and Operation - No person shall operate a motor vehicle unless such motor vehicle meets the following requirements and all owners shall maintain a motor vehicle in accordance with the following requirements:

   1. a. All motor vehicle windows must be free of cracks and all in working order for the passenger to raise or lower as they wish.
   2. b. All motor vehicle drivers shall keep their vehicles free from disfiguring damage to the interior of the vehicle, including significant rust, seat tears or holes and falling or torn headliners.
   3. c. All motor vehicle doors, lights, and safety equipment shall be maintained in good operating condition. All seatbelts shall be visible and available for use by passengers in both the front and rear seats for each and every fare.
   4. d. All motor vehicles shall be equipped with doors which fasten in a manner so that they may be readily opened from the inside by a person.
   5. e. All motor vehicle owners and drivers shall keep the interior and exterior of the motor vehicle in a clean and sanitary condition at all times.
   6. f. All motor vehicle owners and drivers shall ensure that all vehicle systems are in safe working order prior to the commencement of work each day.
   7. g. No motor vehicle driver or owner shall fasten or lock the doors of a motor vehicle so that it is impossible for a person to open them from the inside.
   8. h. Each motor vehicle owner or driver shall search the interior of the motor vehicle at least once each day for articles left in the motor vehicle. The driver shall immediately take such property to the principal office of the certificate holder for safekeeping and proper disposition.
   9. i. No motor vehicle driver shall operate a motor vehicle for more than twelve hours in any twenty-four hour period.
   10. j. Any ORS representative or any officers, drivers, agents, representatives, and employees directly concerned with the inspection or maintenance of motor vehicles may take a motor vehicle “out of service” for defects or deficiencies detected.

HISTORY: Amended by State Register Volume 19, Issue No. 5, eff May 26, 1995; State Register Volume 22, Issue No. 6, Part 3, eff June 26, 1998; State Register Volume 23, Issue No. 3, eff March 26, 1999; State Register Volume 32, Issue No. 5, eff May 23, 2008; SCSR 49-5 Doc. No. 5242, eff May 23, 2025.