A. It is unlawful to operate a vehicle upon any public road or way in a negligent manner. Negligent operation includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Operation of a vehicle in such manner as is not reasonable and not prudent under the conditions and without regard to actual and potential hazards then existing;

2. Operation of a vehicle in a manner which it is reasonably foreseeable would endanger the life or health of any person on any public road or way, or which would cause damage to property, public or private, on any public road or way of this county;

3. Operation of a vehicle upon the public roads or ways of this county when said vehicle or any of its safety equipment, including, but not limited to, brakes, turn signals, headlights, taillights, and the like, is not functioning in a proper or safe condition.

B. Failure to comply with any traffic law as set forth in the Code of Laws of South Carolina shall be prima facie evidence of negligent operation of a vehicle.

C. An individual found guilty of a violation of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more that five hundred dollars ($500.00) and/or imprisoned not more then thirty (30) days. (Ord. 98-O-17 §§ 1, 2, 3, 998)