Car rental Summerville, SC

Top tips for renting a car in Summerville

While Summerville's delightful inner-city streets and streamlined suburban roads are easy to navigate, it still pays to brush up on the local road rules before you arrive. Here are a few things to keep in mind for a smooth driving experience in Summerville, SC.

What are the road rules and driving conditions in Summerville?

Summerville is a laid-back part of the South Carolina Lowcountry, but unfortunately, it does experience traffic congestion, especially during peak school and work hours. This is because the city is growing rapidly, and the roads are still catching up. Some of the most commonly congested roads include I-26, Central Ave (Highway 17A), and Richardson Ave and other hotspots in the historic downtown area.

Speed limits in Summerville are generally 20 to 30 mph within city limits and in school zones, 45 to 55 mph on undivided rural roads, 55 to 65 mph on divided rural roads, 55 to 70 mph on urban highways and interstates, and 70 mph on rural interstates.

Both right-hand turns at a red light and U-turns are permitted in South Carolina unless otherwise signposted — so keep your eyes peeled for road signage before you attempt either of these. Like the other 49 US states, South Carolina has adopted the 'Move Over Law', which requires drivers to slow down or change lanes when they encounter an emergency vehicle pulled over on the roadside. SC has also adopted the 'Move Right Law', which generally requires cars to avoid the left-hand lanes of the road unless trying to overtake another vehicle.

Summerville's climate is humid and subtropical, which means it often rains regardless of the season. So, always be sure to use your windshield wipers, and at the same time, your headlights — in SC, it's the law! It doesn't get too cold in Summerville (usually between 30 and 50°F in winter), and snow is rare, however you may experience a few icy days if you're there from December through February. Take adequate precautions to prepare your car for a safe drive in these conditions, including de-icing your windshield.

What is parking like in Summerville?

Parking in Summerville is generally very easy. In the downtown area, there are both free and metered street parking options that don't fill up too quickly, especially in off-peak times. Just be sure to read street signage and make sure there are no parking restrictions like time limits or permit zones. Summerville also has just one parking garage, which opened in 2022 to great fanfare, located by Town Hall at 109 Central Ave — so if you're looking for a covered spot, this is where to go.

Are there toll roads in Summerville?

No, there aren't any toll roads in Summerville, South Carolina. In fact, there's only one toll road in the entire state — the Southern Connector (I-185), which is in the Upstate region, far from the Lowcountry. So, unless you're headed on a cross-state road trip, it's likely your trip to South Carolina will be toll-free.

Are there gas stations and EV chargers in Summerville?

Summerville's got its fair share of gas stations, sprinkled throughout the downtown area and neighboring suburbs like Sangaree and Lincolnville. If you're in the city center, head to the Circle K on W 5th N St, or the Marathon on S Main St. There are also a few options near Summerville Galleria mall, including a Sunoco and a Harris Teeter Fuel Center, both on Bacons Bridge Rd, and on Old Trolley Rd headed south towards Charleston.

Electric vehicle chargers are a little harder to find in Summerville, but they're still here — you just need to know where to look! There are two charging stations on Farmington Rd near the intersection of Main St and I-26, as well as a ChargePoint charger at the Pickle Bar at 162 Cherry St. Otherwise, your best bet is to drive towards Charleston on I-26 or Highway 78, where you'll find more options from providers like Blink and EVgo. If you're planning to rent an EV, check out electric vehicle rentals in Summerville on Turo.

Do I need to rent a car in Summerville?

Currently, Summerville's public transit system is lacking, with just Dorchester County Transit buses servicing the area. So, it definitely makes sense to rent a car if you're hoping to see more than just downtown. Make trips to nearby attractions like Edisto Beach State Park on Edisto Island, or Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Charleston, from behind the wheel of your own vehicle when you rent on Turo.