How Driver Points Work in South Carolina
How the South Carolina point system works, points for speeding, how long points last, and whether traffic school helps.
Short answer: Yes. Points are assigned for traffic convictions, and 12 points leads to a DMV suspension: 12-15 points = three months; 16-17 points = four months; 18-19 points = five months; 20 or more points = six months. S.C. Code §§ 56-1-720, 56-1-730, 56-1-740(A)
| Point system | Yes. Points are assigned for traffic convictions, and 12 points leads to a DMV suspension: 12-15 points = three months; 16-17 points = four months; 18-19 points = five months; 20 or more points = six months. The driver may request a review of the driving record. Warning tickets carry no points. |
|---|---|
| Points for speeding | Speeding or driving too fast for conditions: no more than 10 mph over the limit = 2 points; more than 10 but less than 25 mph over = 4 points; 25 mph or more over = 6 points. Source: S.C. Code § 56-1-720 |
| How long points last | When points are totaled after a violation, points from violations in the 12 months up to and including the last violation count in full, points from 12 to 24 months before count at half value, and points from violations more than 24 months before are not counted. Violations used for a points suspension are disregarded for later points suspensions. How long convictions remain on the driving record itself was not confirmed. Source: S.C. Code §§ 56-1-750, 56-1-760 |
| Traffic school | A driver with points can have 4 points removed by completing the National Safety Council's Defensive Driving Course or a DMV-approved equivalent after the points were assessed, and proving completion to the DMV. Points can be reduced this way only once in any three-year period. The course reduces points; it does not dismiss the ticket. Source: S.C. Code § 56-1-770 |
Where to get help in South Carolina
More South Carolina traffic tickets & dui
- Reinstating a Driver's License in South Carolina
- DUI Laws in South Carolina
- Paying or Contesting a Traffic Ticket in South Carolina
- All South Carolina traffic tickets & dui rules
FAQ
How does the driver point system work in South Carolina?
Yes. Points are assigned for traffic convictions, and 12 points leads to a DMV suspension: 12-15 points = three months; 16-17 points = four months; 18-19 points = five months; 20 or more points = six months. The driver may request a review of the driving record. Warning tickets carry no points.
How many points is a speeding ticket in South Carolina?
Speeding or driving too fast for conditions: no more than 10 mph over the limit = 2 points; more than 10 but less than 25 mph over = 4 points; 25 mph or more over = 6 points.
How long do points stay on your license in South Carolina?
When points are totaled after a violation, points from violations in the 12 months up to and including the last violation count in full, points from 12 to 24 months before count at half value, and points from violations more than 24 months before are not counted. Violations used for a points suspension are disregarded for later points suspensions.
Can traffic school remove a ticket or points in South Carolina?
A driver with points can have 4 points removed by completing the National Safety Council's Defensive Driving Course or a DMV-approved equivalent after the points were assessed, and proving completion to the DMV. Points can be reduced this way only once in any three-year period. The course reduces points; it does not dismiss the ticket.
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.