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SR-22 Insurance in South Carolina

When South Carolina requires an SR-22 (or similar) certificate of insurance, how long you must keep it, and what happens if it lapses.

Short answer: An owner convicted of driving their own uninsured vehicle must have an insurer file a Certificate of Insurance (SR-22) for three years starting from the date of suspension. SCDMV, Facts About Driving Uninsured

SR-22 filingAn owner convicted of driving their own uninsured vehicle must have an insurer file a Certificate of Insurance (SR-22) for three years starting from the date of suspension.
Source: SCDMV, Facts About Driving Uninsured
Driving without insuranceOwning and driving (or allowing the driving of) an uninsured vehicle is a misdemeanor: first offense, a $100-$200 fine or 30 days in jail; second offense, a $200 fine and/or 30 days; third or later offense (within five years), 45 days to six months in jail. SCDMV suspends the owner's driver's license, registrations and plates until a reinstatement fee is paid; the statute sets the fee at $600, adjusted annually by the Department of Insurance, and SCDMV currently describes it as a $700 fee. A non-owner driver who knew the vehicle was uninsured has the license suspended for 30 days ($100 reinstatement fee). If insurance lapses and coverage is not verified within 20 business days of SCDMV's letter, the license, plate and registration are suspended, with up to $400 in fees to reinstate.
SCDMV page: https://www.scdmvonline.com/driver-services/drivers-license/insurance-requirements/facts-about-driving-uninsured
Source: S.C. Code § 56-10-520; SCDMV, Facts About Driving Uninsured

More South Carolina car insurance & vehicle laws

FAQ

When do you need an SR-22 in South Carolina, and for how long?
An owner convicted of driving their own uninsured vehicle must have an insurer file a Certificate of Insurance (SR-22) for three years starting from the date of suspension.
What is the penalty for driving without insurance in South Carolina?
Owning and driving (or allowing the driving of) an uninsured vehicle is a misdemeanor: first offense, a $100-$200 fine or 30 days in jail; second offense, a $200 fine and/or 30 days; third or later offense (within five years), 45 days to six months in jail. SCDMV suspends the owner's driver's license, registrations and plates until a reinstatement fee is paid; the statute sets the fee at $600, adjusted annually by the Department of Insurance, and SCDMV currently describes it as a $700 fee. A non-owner driver who knew the vehicle was uninsured has the license suspended for 30 days ($100 reinstatement fee). If insurance lapses and coverage is not verified within 20 business days of SCDMV's letter, the license, plate and registration are suspended, with up to $400 in fees to reinstate.

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.