Is Blowing Grass Clippings in the Road Illegal in South Carolina?

The sound of lawnmowers in your neighborhood is often the first sign of Summer. The smell of freshly mowed grass feels familiar and may get you excited for your future summer adventures. However, the grass clippings left behind are not as harmless as you’d think.

Grass clippings are the cuttings of grass that are left behind after mowing. They can be either bagged or left on the lawn, depending on the homeowner’s preferences. Grass clippings can be dangerous because they create a slick surface on the road, similar to hitting black ice, leading to accidents for motorcycle riders.

The Dangers of Grass Clippings to Motorcyclists

With only two tires, motorcycles need constant traction to remain stable and upright on the road. Motorcycle tires need to connect and stick to the asphalt for safe and controlled operation. Anything that interferes with this connection puts motorcycle riders at risk.

Grass and grass clippings are nearly 85% water. When wet, they can create a slick surface on the road that can cause a motorcycle to lose control and crash. In addition, the grass clippings can get caught in the wheels or chain of the bike and cause it to stop abruptly, throwing the rider off balance, causing them to lose traction. They may turn on their side, strike a tree, collide with another vehicle, or drive into a ditch. Therefore, it is essential to mow responsibly and ensure that the clippings don’t blow on the road.

Is Blowing Grass Clippings on the Road Illegal in SC?

It is illegal to blow grass clippings onto a road in many states and jurisdictions in the US. For instance, California has laws prohibiting putting debris on the curb, while other states restrict it from the municipal garbage stream. However, there is no law against the practice at the state level in South Carolina.

So, if you blow grass clippings on the road in your neighborhood, you’re not violating any state statutes, and mulch, tree bark, and grass clippings are not considered “litter.” However, it is important to note that while it is not illegal to blow lawn clippings on the road, there is a South Carolina statute related to putting foreign substances on the highways. South Carolina statute Section 57-7-20 states that you can’t “place, throw, or deposit upon any highway any glass bottle, glass, nails, tacks, wire, cans, or any other substance or object likely to injure any person, animal, or vehicle upon the highway. “

While this law is broad and local ordinances throughout the state, don’t specify any particular regulations against leaving grass trimmings in the street. It is the personal responsibility of homeowners, property owners, and landscapers to keep clippings from lawnmowers out of the streets.

For instance, in Greenville, SC, homeowners can leave their yard waste on the side of the road to be collected by the city. Landscapers and property owners are also responsible for removing their waste from a public or private street.

lawn mowers

How to Keep Motorcyclists Safe While Mowing Your Lawn

It’s important to take a few minutes to clean up after mowing and bagging the clippings.

Here are a few tips on how to keep motorcyclists safe while blowing grass clippings on the road:

  • Be sure to clean up your lawn after you mow. Collect all of the clippings and bag them properly.
  • Try to blow the clippings onto the grass instead of the road.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to motorcyclists when blowing clippings.
  • Make sure your lawnmower is in good condition and has no loose parts that could fly off and create a dangerous situation.
  • Be patient and take your time while blowing clippings. Do not try to rush the process.

Contact an Accident Attorney Today

Contact us if you are a motorcyclist who has been severely injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident caused by grass clippings on the road. At the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor P.C., we can help you seek compensation and justice. Our motorcycle accident lawyers know South and North Carolina law relating to yard waste. We have helped numerous clients file lawsuits against property owners responsible for covering the roads with grass clippings creating a dangerous situation.*

Let us see if we can help you too. Our goal is to help clients get justice. We will assess your case and advise you regarding options for a legal course of action to help you fight for the compensation to which you’re entitled so that you can seek treatment and move forward with life. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

*We do not guarantee any particular result can be achieved in your case. Each case is unique and must be evaluated on its own individual facts. Past results do not guarantee any future outcomes.

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Is Blowing Grass Clippings in the Road Illegal in South Carolina?

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