This is a type of trailer plate, though I'm not exactly sure what constitutes "utility." It does look a little more purposeful than a regular trailer plate.
This is the Palmetto Tree baseplate that was issued from 1986 through 1990. Very simple but elegant design, and my favorite South Carolina issue so far.
This is one of my least-favorite plates from any state at any time. The colors are atrocious and the design, which features a Carolina wren and jessamine flowers, isn't much better. Yellow and brown with hints of green? Ugh. Still, this plate soldiered on from 1991 until 1998. For three years during their period of issuance, I lived in the Charlotte, NC area and saw these disgusting plates on a daily basis.
This is the current South Carolina base, first issued in 1998. It makes good use of minimal graphics, marks the return of the palmetto tree, and uses a nice combination of colors. A welcome change from the wren plate, for sure.