Frequently Asked Questions

Your interest in the job functions of SCDOT are very important to us. Listed here are some of the main questions we have been asked either through surveys or during visits to the communities. If you have a question that is not listed here, go to the Contact Us section of this site and submit it. Your question will be directed to the appropriate person or you will be notified who to contact depending on the nature of the question.

To determine if a traffic signal is warranted at a specific location, traffic engineers evaluate the location with respect to federal and state criteria, establishing minimum conditions under which signals may be installed. Such factors as number of vehicles approaching the intersection, frequency and type of accidents, physical layout of the intersection, average speed, and future road construction plans are considered.

SCDOT takes all requests for traffic signals seriously. When engineering studies indicate that traffic signals are warranted at a location, action is initiated to have signals installed.

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Parents and others may fail to realize that signs warning motorists of the possible presence of children at play are deceiving and ineffective. Motorists already expect the presence of children in residential areas, especially at certain times, and studies show that devices attempting to warn motorists of normal conditions, or conditions not always present, fail to achieve the desired safety benefits.

These signs also tend to create a false sense of security of parents and children who believe the signs provide an added degree of protection, when motorists, particularly local ones, actually pay little attention to them.

The use of "Children Playing" and similar signs has long been discouraged since these signs are a direct and open suggestion to small children that playing in and beside the roadway is acceptable.

There is no evidence that such signs prevent accidents or reduce the speed of vehicles.

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Speed bumps vary in height from 3" to 5" and are typically no wider than 2'. Understandably, a motorist would have to slow down to 15 mph or less to avoid severe jarring. Therefore, SCDOT does not consider them a viable traffic-calming alternative. Again, speed bumps are not approved traffic calming measure and will not be approved.

Speed humps provide a gradual 3" rise and fall over 12' to 22' distance that allows constant speeds of 15 to 25 mph to be utilized. SCDOT has approved speed humps as a traffic calming measure, to be used on specific, low volume residential roadways within our system.

SCDOT has established Traffic Calming Guidelines, which outlines eligible measures that can implement traffic calming on eligible, low volume residential or central business district roadways in your area. Allowed measures include speed humps, landscaped islands, neckdowns, raised crosswalks, and traffic circles. The local government which has jurisdiction in your area is required to sponsor any traffic calming efforts, including design, installation and on-going maintenance. Sponsorship includes all costs associated with the project. Traffic calming measures must be approved by 75% petition support or local government approval, and must meet all SCDOT requirements prior to approval by the Department.
For more information, you may contact your local city or county government or the local SCDOT office.


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Traffic engineers evaluate the number of vehicles entering the intersection from all approaches and the number of pedestrians using the intersection. Another important factor is the speed of vehicles entering the intersection. Another is the number and types of accidents occuring at the intersection.

If conditions meet the requirements necessary for the installation of four-way stop signs, SCDOT erects them, along with the proper pavement markings and advance warning devices. Warranted four-way stop signs contribute much to convenience and safety. They are one of the many traffic control devices used by SCDOT to effectively manage traffic on our roadways.

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Map Sales
South Carolina Department of Transportation
Drawer 191
Columbia, SC 29202
Telephone: (803)737-1501

What other maps does SCDOT produce?

Individual city and county maps are available at a nominal charge. Contact the Map Sales office to request a catalog of maps produced by SCDOT. The catalog includes a list of maps available, cost of each, and ordering information.

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If your load or mobile home exceeds:
8 feet, six inches in width
13 feet, six inches in height
53 feet in length
80,000 pounds gross weight
you may need an oversize trip permit.

Contact the Oversize/Overweight Permit Office for information.

In Person:
OSOW Permit Office
1412 Shop Road
Columbia, SC 29201

By Mail:
South Carolina Department of Transportation
Attention OSOW Permit Office
P.O. Box 191
Columbia, SC 29202

By Email: OSOW Help

(877) 349-7190 (Toll Free)
(803) 737-OSOW or
(803) 737-6769 (Local)
(803) 343-0700 (Fax)

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If the road is already paved and you would like it resurfaced, contact the SCDOT maintenance office in your county to inquire whether the road is maintained by SCDOT, and whether it is scheduled for resurfacing.

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To file a claim for damage resulting from a roadway condition, fill out a Damage Claim Form and submit this form along with two repair estimates or a paid invoice to the SCDOT Maintenance Office in the county where the incident occurred. If the claim is being submitted for damage to a registered vehicle, the registered owner(s) must be the claimant(s) and a copy of the vehicle registration must be included.

DamageClaim Form.pdf(17KB) Updated 9/1/05

(Note: This file is a .pdf document, which requires Adobe Reader. Visit the Abobe site to download this free software.)

Contact the SCDOT Claims Office for questions on filing a claim.

South Carolina Department of Transportation
Attention: Claims Office
P. O. Box 191
Columbia, SC 29202
Telephone: (803) 737-1260

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How do I report a fraud or an ethics violation involving SCDOT?

Fraud Hotline
800-551-3915

Special PO Box
PO Box 8687
Columbia, SC 29202

The Fraud and Ethics Hotline allows anyone to report potentially fraudulent activity about a program administered by the agency.

Anonymous information is accepted. If you choose to provide your name, it will be kept confidential to the fullest extent allowed by law.

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Related Topics

If you need to contact a representative in your area, go to our Engineering District Directory for assistance.