South Carolina’s Traffic Violation Point System

How traffic convictions can lead to license suspension under South Carolina’s demerit point system.

A traffic violation conviction in South Carolina will typically result in fines and fees. However, a traffic ticket can also add points to your driving record. This article explains South Carolina's traffic violation point system, including the consequences of racking up too many points.

How Does South Carolina's Traffic Ticket Point System Work?

Traffic courts report all convictions to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV keeps track of these convictions using a point system. The number of points for a conviction depends on the seriousness of the violation (see chart below).

South Carolina drivers who get too many points on their records face license suspension. However, there are ways to remove points from your record, and points eventually expire (explained below).

License Suspension and Consequences of Accumulating Too Many Demerit Points in South Carolina

A driver with 12 or more points will receive a notice of suspension from the DMV. The duration of the suspension depends on the number of points the driver has.

  • 12 to 15 points. Three-month suspension
  • 16 to 17 points. Four-month suspension
  • 18 to 19 points. Five-month suspension
  • 20 or more points. Six-month suspension

Drivers who hold a beginner's permit, conditional license, or special restricted license are subject to tighter point limits. Accumulation of six points will result in a six-month license suspension.

South Carolina Drivers Can Apply for a Hardship License Following a Point Suspension

A suspended driver can apply to the DMV for a special restricted license. The driver must pay the fee, show proof of employment or enrollment in school, and show that a travel distance of more than one mile is necessary for work or school. The restricted license permits operation only along a specified route, during a specified time.

Defensive Driving Courses and How Long Points Stay on Your South Carolina Driving Record

Point expiration. The points for a conviction are reduced by half after 12 months. After 24 months, the points are erased. Points are also erased after the driver completes a points-related suspension (see below).

Point credits. A driver can reduce his or her point total by four points by completing an appropriate defensive driving course. This reduction is available only once every three years.

Point Values for Common Traffic Tickets in South Carolina

Here are the points assigned to some of the most common traffic offenses.

Violation

Points Assessed

Reckless driving

6

Passing stopped school bus

6

Hit-and-run involving property damage

6

Speeding 1 to 10 miles per hour over limit

2

Speeding 11 to 24 miles per hour over limit

4

Speeding 25 or more miles per hour over limit

6

Disobey traffic control device

4

Disobey traffic officer

4

Failing to yield right-of-way

4

Driving on wrong side of road

4

Unlawful passing

4

Unlawful turning

4

Changing lanes without signal

2

Improper parking

2

Following too closely

4

Failing to dim lights

2

Unsafe vehicle condition

2

Endangerment of highway worker

2

Injury of highway worker

4

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