By Catherine M. Welch
Wilmington, NC – The South Carolina Supreme Court will hear arguments Wednesday on whether Myrtle Beach can keep its motorcycle helmet law.
It was designed to keep bikers away from the city, but a ruling in Myrtle Beach's favor could impact traffic laws across the state.
South Carolina state law only requires helmets for motorcycle riders younger than 21-years-old. Myrtle Beach passed a law expanding that to 21 and older as an attempt to get rid of two annual motorcycle rallies.
Tom McGrath represents the motorcyclists ticketed for not wearing a helmet. He says if Myrtle Beach prevails, municipalities across the state could pass all kinds of traffic laws.
"They could say, well you know people have to stay in car seats until they're 16. it sounds ludicrous but if they're right then there wouldn't be any quote, uniform traffic law any longer."
There are 27 states, including South Carolina with partial helmet laws on the books.
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