Richland County, SC Courthouse Cell Phone Policy, Lockers & Jury Duty Parking (2026)
Short answer: No for the general public. Under South Carolina Supreme Court Order & Richland County Sheriff Courthouse Security Directive, general visitors and traffic/criminal defendants are PROHIBITED from bringing cell phones into Richland County Courthouse (Columbia). However, summoned jurors presenting an official Jury Summons and licensed attorneys are exempt. NO. Richland County Courthouse (Columbia) bans public cell phones and has NO storage lockers at the security checkpoint. Sheriff deputies will not hold your phone. If you arrive by Uber, Lyft, or bus with a phone, you will be denied entry. Last checked
How sure is this? This page applies the statewide South Carolina court rule to Richland County. We have not yet confirmed it building by building, and local judges or the Sheriff can set stricter rules. Before you go, call (803) 576-1900 or check the official court site. Know the current rule? Tell us.
⚠️ Rideshare & Transit Warning ("The Uber Trap")
Richland County Courthouse (Columbia) bans cell phones for general visitors AND has NO storage lockers at the entrance. Sheriff deputies will NOT hold your phone at the security checkpoint. If you arrive by Uber, Lyft, or bus without a parked car to lock your phone inside, you will be turned away at the door. Missing your court call can trigger a Failure to Appear (FTA) Bench Warrant.
🏛️ Main Courthouse Facility
- Building
- Richland County Courthouse (Columbia)
- Address
- 1701 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201
- Hours
- 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Mon–Fri)
- Clerk / Security Phone
- (803) 576-1900
- Est. Foot Traffic
- ~1,518 visitors/day
- Official Court Site
- https://www.sccourts.org/ ↗
🅿️ Validated Jury Duty Parking & Transit
- Juror Parking Status
- FREE / Validated for Summoned Jurors
- Designated Garage / Lot
- Richland County Juror Parking Facility (Columbia Judicial Garage)
- How to Validate
- Park in the designated Richland County Juror Garage in downtown Columbia. Bring your parking ticket or license plate number inside to the Jury Assembly Room for full validation.
- Public Transit
- Served by Columbia local bus and regional transit stops within 2 blocks of the main courthouse entrance. Warning: If arriving by Uber, Lyft, or bus at a phone-ban facility without lockers, do not bring prohibited electronics.
Security Rules, Lockers & Decorum (Richland County)
Authority: South Carolina Supreme Court Order & Richland County Sheriff Courthouse Security Directive · Verification: Statewide court rule baseline (South Carolina); building-level check pending
| Rule / Amenity | Richland County Policy | Official Directive & Verification Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Cell phone policy | Banned for public · Jurors & attorneys exempt | “Richland County Courthouse (Columbia) Sheriff Security Directive: "No cell phones, smartwatches, or electronic devices are allowed inside the Richland County Courthouse for litigants or the general public. Summoned jurors with a juror summons and attorneys with a Bar card are exempt. No storage lockers are available."” |
| Cell phones banned | Phones banned · NO lockers at door | “Richland County Courthouse (Columbia) Sheriff Security Directive: "No cell phones, smartwatches, or electronic devices are allowed inside the Richland County Courthouse for litigants or the general public. Summoned jurors with a juror summons and attorneys with a Bar card are exempt. No storage lockers are available."” |
| Phone lockers at entrance | NO lockers — leave phone in vehicle | “Bailiff / Sheriff Security Directive (Richland County Courthouse (Columbia)): "Court security officers will not hold, store, or safeguard cell phones or electronic devices at the entrance checkpoint. Visitors arriving via rideshare must make off-site arrangements."” |
| Uber & bus rider safe (no car) | TRAP: Phones banned & NO lockers at door! | “Bailiff / Sheriff Security Directive (Richland County Courthouse (Columbia)): "Court security officers will not hold, store, or safeguard cell phones or electronic devices at the entrance checkpoint. Visitors arriving via rideshare must make off-site arrangements."” |
| Jury duty parking & validation | Free validated parking · Richland County Juror Parking Facility (Columbia Judicial Garage) | “Jury Summons Instructions (Richland County): "Jurors receive free validated parking at Richland County Juror Parking Facility (Columbia Judicial Garage). Bring your parking stub inside to the Jury Assembly Room for validation—do not park at 2-hour street meters."” |
| Juror phone & laptop rules | Jurors allowed phones & laptops in Jury Lounge | “Richland County Courthouse (Columbia) Sheriff Security Directive: "No cell phones, smartwatches, or electronic devices are allowed inside the Richland County Courthouse for litigants or the general public. Summoned jurors with a juror summons and attorneys with a Bar card are exempt. No storage lockers are available."” |
| Security line wait times | ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) | “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).” |
| Courtroom dress code | Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats | “Courtroom Decorum Order (Richland County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."” |
| Smartwatches & Apple Watch | Smartwatches BANNED at checkpoint | “Richland County Courthouse (Columbia) Sheriff Security Directive: "No cell phones, smartwatches, or electronic devices are allowed inside the Richland County Courthouse for litigants or the general public. Summoned jurors with a juror summons and attorneys with a Bar card are exempt. No storage lockers are available."” |
Courthouse Buildings & Branch Annexes in Richland County
| Courthouse / Branch Building | Cell Phone Policy | Phone Lockers | Juror & Visitor Parking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richland County Courthouse (Columbia) Main Trial & Jury Courthouse · 1701 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201 |
Banned for Public | No lockers | Validated free (Richland County Juror Parking Facility (Columbia Judicial Garage)) |
What to Know Before You Go to Richland County Courthouse (Columbia)
📱 If You Have Jury Duty
Summoned jurors in Richland County are permitted to bring cell phones and laptops through the security checkpoint into the Jury Assembly Room. Show your printed Jury Summons to the Sheriff deputy at the magnetometer.
🚗 If You Have Traffic, Family, or Criminal Court
Litigants, defendants, and spectators are prohibited from bringing cell phones inside. Leave your phone, smartwatch, and AirPods locked inside your car out of sight. If you need text messages, photos, or insurance PDFs as courtroom evidence, print physical copies before arriving.
👔 Dress Code & Security Line
Peak morning screening (8:00 AM – 9:15 AM) takes ~10 minutes. Arrive at least 20 minutes early. Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Remove belts, coins, and keychains before the magnetometer.
Skip the Security Line & Protect Your Record in Richland County, SC
If you have a Traffic Ticket, Speeding/CDL Violation, DUI, Misdemeanor, or Family Court hearing in Richland County, 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
Can I bring my cell phone to Richland County Courthouse in Columbia, SC?
No for the general public. Under South Carolina Supreme Court Order & Richland County Sheriff Courthouse Security Directive, general visitors and traffic/criminal defendants are PROHIBITED from bringing cell phones into Richland County Courthouse (Columbia). However, summoned jurors presenting an official Jury Summons and licensed attorneys are exempt.
Does Richland County Courthouse have cell phone lockers at the entrance?
NO. Richland County Courthouse (Columbia) bans public cell phones and has NO storage lockers at the security checkpoint. Sheriff deputies will not hold your phone. If you arrive by Uber, Lyft, or bus with a phone, you will be denied entry.
Where do I park for jury duty at Richland County Courthouse and is it free?
Yes, jury duty parking is free/validated at Richland County Juror Parking Facility (Columbia Judicial Garage). Park in the designated Richland County Juror Garage in downtown Columbia. Bring your parking ticket or license plate number inside to the Jury Assembly Room for full validation.
Can summoned jurors bring a laptop or phone to Richland County Jury Duty?
Yes. Summoned jurors with their Jury Summons may bring a cell phone and laptop/tablet into the Richland County Jury Assembly Room. All devices must be turned off when entering a courtroom.
How long is the security line at Richland County Courthouse (Columbia) and what is the dress code?
Expect a 10-minute wait at the Sheriff magnetometers between 8:00 AM and 9:15 AM (arrive at least 20 minutes before your court call). Dress code: Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms.
What happens if I am turned away at security and miss my Richland County court call?
If a bailiff denies you entry because you brought a prohibited phone without a car or wore prohibited attire, missing your docket call in traffic or criminal court can result in a default conviction or a Failure to Appear (FTA) Bench Warrant. Contact the Clerk at (803) 576-1900 or consult a local Richland County traffic/defense attorney immediately.
Before You Go
- South Carolina jury duty pay & laws
- What to bring to jury duty
- What to bring to traffic court
- Prohibited items at security
- Postpone jury duty / check reporting status
- Jury duty scam calls
Other County Courthouses in South Carolina
- Greenville County (Greenville)
- Charleston County (Charleston)
- Horry County (Conway)
- Spartanburg County (Spartanburg)
- Lexington County (Lexington)
- York County (York)
- All 7 South Carolina counties →
Last checked 2026-11-04. Administrative orders and security protocols can change by order of the Chief Judge or County Sheriff. Spot an update at Richland County Courthouse (Columbia)? Submit a verified update.