Roadside Memorial Sign

roadside memorial sign

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) will allow immediate family members to apply for a new standard roadside memorial sign to honor loved ones who were lost in traffic crashes on the state's highways.

The 30" x 24" main sign will read "DRIVE SAFELY." A 24" x 12" memorial plaque will include the phrase "IN MEMORY OF" followed by the victim's name. An anonymous identification such as "A LOVED ONE" can also be used. View an image of the sign and plaque.

  • Immediate family members (parents, children, spouse, siblings, grandparents or grandchildren) may request a memorial by filling out the Memorial Signs Application. The application must include a copy of the collision report issued by the investigating law enforcement agency. Information on how to obtain a collision report is available on the SC Department of Motor Vehicles website.

    Completed applications should be mailed to the following address:

    SCDOT
    Attn: Roadside Memorials, Rm 205
    PO Box 191
    Columbia, SC 29202-0191

  • The fee for manufacturing, erecting and maintaining the sign is $250.
  • Applications should be made within one year of the crash date unless an exception is granted.
  • Only one sign per incident will be erected. In the case of multiple victims a larger sign may be used to include all names on one plaque.
  • In the event of conflicting wishes among immediate family members, no sign will be erected or the sign will be removed if it's already in place.
  • Signs will be installed on the right-hand side of the road. No signs will be erected in the median or on the left-hand side of the road.
  • SCDOT will make every effort to install the signs at the approximate location of the crash site. However signs will not be placed in front of a residence or business and cannot create a distraction from traffic control devices.
  • SCDOT can only erect signs on state highways. The agency does not have the authority to place them on city or county roads.
  • In the case of an interstate highway, memorial signs will be placed in a dedicated area at the nearest South Carolina Welcome Center or rest area.
  • SCDOT reserves the right to temporarily remove or relocate a sign at any time for highway maintenance or construction.
  • Signs will remain in place for two years. Following the two-year period, the sign will be taken down. The memorial plaque will be sent to the person who applied for the sign at the address listed on the application.
  • A one-time two year extension may be requested in writing before the end of the initial two-year period.
  • No signs will be erected for victims who were directly involved in criminal activity that led to their deaths, such as DUI, reckless driving, or fleeing from law enforcement officers.Any positive drug test or alcohol test result greater than the legal limit in SC will result in disqualification. Additionally, a crash report indicating a contributing factor of a pedestrian illegally in the roadway will also result in a disqualification.
  • Appeals, exceptions, and extensions will be reviewed and permitted by the Director of Traffic Engineering.
  • For any additional questions please contact Drew Stokes at 803-737-1748.