Traffic Enforcement Practices Differ Widely in Greenville County

Traffic Enforcement Varies Across Greenville County

GRENVILLE — When it comes to speeding tickets, the answer to “Can I go over the speed limit?” isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Many drivers find themselves asking if they can get away with going over the limit by a few miles per hour—maybe 5 or even 10—but the reality is a bit more complex. As we look at how various law enforcement agencies are handling speeding violations, we see a mixed bag that’s sure to catch your attention.

Based on data we’ve gathered on traffic violations handed out by major departments in the area from 2019 to 2024, it’s apparent that the approach to enforcement varies quite a bit across Greenville County. Some places seem to have adopted a more lenient approach, while others are standing firm on their rules.

The Power of Discretion

The crux of the matter seems to be discretion. Several officers we spoke with noted that there’s a significant amount of leeway into how they enforce traffic laws. For instance, Lt. Chris Forrester of the Greer Police Department emphasized that the officers are encouraged to exercise their discretion ethically and without bias. “We don’t discourage our officers when it comes to how they want to conduct their business,” Forrester said. “As long as it’s ethical, legal, and without bias, we’re for the officer and how they want to use their discretion.”

Speeding violations are taken seriously, particularly in school zones or areas with high pedestrian traffic. According to Officer John Coleman from Simpsonville, he usually tackles speeding violations that are 10 miles per hour or more over the speed limit, especially when there are safety concerns involved. “There’s a difference between going 10 mph over on the interstate and 10 mph over in the city,” Coleman pointed out.

Traffic Statistics in the Area

The statistics about speeding are pretty startling. Just last year, speeding was one of the top contributors to traffic-related deaths in South Carolina—second only to driving under the influence. Furthermore, Greenville County has been recorded as having the highest number of fatal traffic collisions in the state, with a staggering 99 fatal crashes reported in 2022 alone. It’s no wonder law enforcement agencies want to take traffic violations seriously.

Interestingly, some departments have shifted their enforcement tactics over the years. In places like Fountain Inn and Mauldin, ticketing levels have remained steady, while the city of Greenville and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office have seen a decline in the number of tickets being issued. The Sheriff’s Office now has just 14 deputies responsible for traffic enforcement from a total of nearly 600 positions, leading to a drop in tickets issued by nearly half in the last five years.

What’s Happening in Travelers Rest?

In stark contrast, the Travelers Rest Police Department has ramped up their enforcement efforts—issuing seven times more tickets in 2023 compared to 2019. Chief Benjamin Ford notes that just giving warnings wasn’t enough as more cyclists and pedestrians began using the roads. Most of the tickets are given to drivers passing through rather than local residents. Travelers Rest is feeling the pressure to ensure public safety as the population grows, particularly near popular spots like the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

Attitude Matters

Another interesting angle on traffic stops is how a driver’s attitude can affect whether they receive a ticket. Officers agree that a friendly interaction can sometimes make a difference in how the situation unfolds. “Everybody has a bad day,” Forrester stated, “but a lot of times, people say it’s their first contact they have had with an officer. We encourage our officers to be professional.” A kind word and respectful exchange may just lead to a warning instead of a ticket!

So, if you’re cruising around Greenville County, you might want to be extra mindful of that speedometer. With varying levels of enforcement and an emphasis on officer discretion, you never know when you might run into a strict cop—or a lenient one. Either way, staying safe on the roads is what’s most important, and maybe, just maybe, being nice can help, too!