When Does Time Change in 2026? South Carolina Prepares to Shift Clocks

South Carolina residents will need to change their clocks for daylight saving time in 2026, but the future of the biannual practice remains uncertain.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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South Carolina is among roughly 20 states that have passed legislation to make daylight saving time permanent, pending federal authorization. However, a federal bill to do so, the Sunshine Protection Act, has stalled in Congress, leaving the twice-yearly clock change in effect for now. Residents will need to set their clocks forward one hour on March 8, 2026, and back one hour on November 1, 2026.

Why it matters

The debate over daylight saving time continues, with proponents arguing for the benefits of more evening daylight, while opponents raise concerns about the safety and well-being of children and workers during the early morning hours. South Carolina's push to make daylight saving time permanent reflects a broader national discussion about the future of this century-old practice.

The details

Under federal law, the Uniform Time Act of 1966, states must either observe daylight saving time or stay on standard time year-round. South Carolina has explored ending the biannual clock switch, but has not yet met the legal requirements to do so. The Sunshine Protection Act, introduced in Congress in 2022 to make daylight saving time permanent, has stalled, leaving the twice-yearly change in effect for now.

  • Daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 8, 2026, when clocks move forward from 2 to 3 a.m.
  • Daylight saving time will end on Sunday, November 1, 2026, when clocks are set back one hour.

The players

Uniform Time Act of 1966

Federal law that requires states to either observe daylight saving time or stay on standard time year-round.

Sunshine Protection Act

A bill introduced in Congress in 2022 to make daylight saving time permanent, which has stalled in the House.

Tom Cotton

Arkansas Senator who highlighted concerns about the safety and well-being of children and workers during an experiment with permanent daylight saving time in 1974.

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What they’re saying

“During an experiment with permanent daylight saving time in January 1974, millions of Americans had to navigate their commutes and daily routines in darkness. This led to commuter trains being delayed and to schoolchildren needing flashlights to reach their schools safely. Tragically, some of these kids were struck by cars and killed while walking to school in the dark.”

— Tom Cotton, Arkansas Senator (greenvilleonline.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The debate over daylight saving time in South Carolina reflects a broader national discussion about the future of this century-old practice, with proponents arguing for the benefits of more evening daylight and opponents raising concerns about the safety and well-being of children and workers during the early morning hours.