In a significant enforcement action, Greenville County authorities arrested more than 80 adults and multiple juveniles during a street takeover that took place on the night of September 5. The event, which occurred at the intersection of Locust Hill Road and Fairview Road, also led to the impoundment of 38 vehicles and the seizure of 10 firearms. This crackdown highlights the implementation of South Carolina’s new Roadway Protection and Safety Act which aims to curb such illegal activities.
The gathering, which drew a sizable crowd, featured vehicles performing burnouts and donuts, obstructing the roadway. Authorities moved in to disperse the crowd and make arrests. The scale of the operation underscores the severity of the situation and the determination of law enforcement to enforce the new legislation.
The Enforcement Action
According to the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the street takeover began around 11:30 p.m. on September 5. Video footage shared by the sheriff’s office shows a white car spinning donuts in the middle of the intersection, with spectators standing dangerously close. Another vehicle attempting to navigate through the crowd can be seen sounding its horn, highlighting the chaos and disruption caused by the event.
All 80 adults arrested were charged with aiding and abetting a street takeover under South Carolina Code Section 56-5-3910. This statute, part of the state’s new Roadway Protection and Safety Act, targets not only the drivers but also those who assist in planning, coordinating, or physically aiding the takeovers. Activities such as blocking roads, collecting entry fees, selling concessions, and directing vehicles are explicitly mentioned in the law.
The Legal Framework
The Roadway Protection and Safety Act, signed into law by Governor Henry McMaster earlier this year, represents a significant shift in how street takeovers are addressed in South Carolina. Before this law, local officers had to rely on a patchwork of minor traffic citations. The new statute defines illegal stunts to include burnouts, drifting, donuts, wheelies, or any unauthorized deliberate obstruction of a public street, intersection, or private lot without the owner’s consent.
For a first offense, aiding or abetting a takeover is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $100, up to 30 days behind bars, or both. Penalties increase for subsequent offenses. The law also grants authorities significant power over vehicles used during a takeover, including seizure and potential forfeiture following a conviction. This provision is particularly relevant given the 38 vehicles impounded during the recent operation.
Enhanced Penalties
The statute includes an enhanced penalty if a street takeover leads to someone’s death, adding up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine on top of underlying charges. This provision aims to deter dangerous stunt maneuvers performed near dense crowds of spectators. The law also allows seized vehicles to be returned at the agency’s discretion and provides for forfeiture if the owner or lienholder fails to claim it and pay fees within 30 days.
The Broader Context
The crackdown in Greenville County is part of a broader effort to address street takeovers across the Upstate region. State lawmakers introduced the Roadway Protection and Safety Act in 2025, responding to warnings that takeover crowds were spreading south from North Carolina into South Carolina communities. The intersection of Locust Hill and Fairview roads, near Taylors and Greer, is a critical area for emergency response and everyday drivers alike.
The operation involved more than 80 arrests, 38 impounded vehicles, and 10 firearms seized. It remains unclear how many of those arrested were active organizers or drivers versus spectators caught up in the sweep. The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office has indicated that the investigation is ongoing and that further charges may still be filed.
