South Carolina Courthouse Security Line Wait Times & Hours (2026)

Short answer: Arrive at least 20 to 35 minutes before your scheduled courtroom call. Monday and Tuesday mornings have the longest magnetometer lines due to new jury panels checking in simultaneously. Updated 2026-11-04

Morning security checkpoint wait times in South Carolina range from 10 to 10 minutes during peak 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM docket call. The longest typical queue is at Greenville County Courthouse (Greenville) (~10 mins). South Carolina County Courthouses strictly regulate cell phones: many circuit and family courthouses (including Charleston, Richland, Horry, and Spartanburg) ban general public cell phones at the Sheriff checkpoint with no lockers at the door, exempting only attorneys and summoned jurors.

County CourthouseCitySecurity line wait timesPhone LockersJuror Parking
Greenville County
Greenville County Courthouse (Greenville)
“Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”
 Greenville ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Charleston County
Charleston County Courthouse (Charleston)
“Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”
 Charleston ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Richland County
Richland County Courthouse (Columbia)
“Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”
 Columbia ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Horry County
Horry County Courthouse (Conway)
“Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”
 Conway ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Spartanburg County
Spartanburg County Courthouse (Spartanburg)
“Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”
 Spartanburg ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Lexington County
Lexington County Courthouse (Lexington)
“Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”
 Lexington ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
York County
York County Courthouse (York)
“Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”
 York ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Going to Court Without a Lawyer?

Skip the Security Line & Protect Your Record in SC

If you have a Traffic Ticket, Speeding/CDL Violation, DUI, Misdemeanor, or Family Court hearing in SC, a licensed local attorney can often appear in court on your behalf—saving you from missing work, risking a bench warrant, or taking points on your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I arrive for an 8:30 AM or 9:00 AM court date in South Carolina?

Arrive at least 20 to 35 minutes before your scheduled courtroom call. Monday and Tuesday mornings have the longest magnetometer lines due to new jury panels checking in simultaneously.

How is this courthouse policy data verified?

We verify every county against official Court Administrative Orders (.gov), Jury Commissioner instructions, and Sheriff Court Security directives. Last verified 2026-11-04.

More Courthouse Rules in South Carolina

Security line wait times in Other States