Traffic Fines
The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles has established the following guidelines:
As of July 1, 2008
| Violation | Points | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Too Fast for Conditions | 2 points | $232.50 |
| Speeding (less than 10 mph over limit or offense code 21) | 2 points | $76.75 |
| Speeding (11-15 mph over the speed limit or offense code 41) | 4 points | $128.75 |
| Speeding (16-25 mph over the speed limit or offense code 41) | 4 points | $180.50 |
| Speeding (26 mph over the speed limit or offense code 61) | 6 points | $440.00 |
| Reckless Driving | 6 points | $440.00 |
| Leaving the scene of accident (Property damage only) | 6 points | $440.00 |
| Disregarding Stop Sign/Barricade or any Traffic Control Device | 4 points | $232.50 |
| Failure to Yield Right of Way | 4 points | $232.50 |
| Driving on Wrong Side of Road | 4 points | $232.50 |
| Following Too Closely | 4 points | $232.50 |
| Unlawful Passing/Turning | 4 points | $232.50 |
| Failure to Dim Headlights | 2 points | $232.50 |
| Improper Backing | 2 points | $232.50 |
| No Driver's License | $232.50 | |
| No Driver's License in possession / No Proof of Insurance in possession / No Registration in Possession | $232.50 | |
| Failure to register vehicle or transfer ownership / No vehicle license | $232.50 | |
| Driving Under Suspension 1st | $647.50 |
License Suspension
When your point total reaches more than 12, your driver's license will be automatically suspended. The state requires you to surrender your license to the DMV within a certain time period, or you will face hefty fines and possibly jail time.
The length of time your license will be suspended depends on the number of points you've accumulated:
-
12 to 15 points: suspended for three months
-
16 or 17 points: suspended for four months
-
18 or 19 points: suspended for five months
-
20 or more points: suspended for six months
If your license has been suspended, you must wait the mandatory time given, then you can apply to have your license reinstated. Refer to the Department of Motor Vehicles website, Suspended License section for information about license suspensions and reinstatements. (www.scdmvonline.com)
Points assessed by the Department of Motor Vehicles are imposed pursuant to S.C. Code of Laws Section 56-1-720 which can be found at: http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/title56.php
Please refer for information regarding the Traffic Education Program.
