Certain traffic violations add points to your record. Too many points brings warning letters, then suspension. Some suspensions still allow limited driving through a special license, and each of those costs $100.
Know the rule
You get points for breaking traffic laws in SC or any other state, and for a military court-martial traffic conviction. Out-of-state convictions are posted to your SC record.
Handbook p. 22 ↗Know the rule
Points are reduced by half one year after the violation date on the ticket. Example: four points from a June violation become two points the next June.
Handbook p. 22 ↗Point thresholds
| Driver | Points | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Age 15 or 16 | 2 and/or 4 | Letter to drive more carefully |
| Age 17 or older | 6 or more | Letter to drive more carefully |
| Any driver | 12 or more | License suspended |
| Permit, conditional or special restricted | 6 or more | Suspended for excessive points |
Know the rule
A defensive driving course won't reinstate an excessive-points suspension, and the same points can also count toward a point-system suspension.
Handbook p. 23 ↗Know the rule
Some violations, such as driving under the influence, carry mandatory suspensions that are not under the point system.
Handbook p. 23 ↗Point reduction: National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course (or equivalent):
- Look for SCDMV-certified schools certified for four-point reduction
- It can't be completed online, and it must be taken in SC
- It must be eight hours of classroom training
- It must be taken after the date of the violation(s)
- Points can be reduced only once in a three-year period
- Facing suspension? Finish before it begins; afterward it won't cancel or reduce it
Know the rule
Reinstatement fees can be paid online. If you owe at least a minimum amount, you may qualify for a payment plan.
Handbook p. 24 ↗Six-month provisional license after a first-offense DUI or DUAC requires:
- You have or had a valid SC license, or are exempt
- You met all requirements for prior suspensions, revocations and cancellations
- Your BAC was 0.14% or less (violations on or after October 1, 2014)
- No other suspensions after the DUI/DUAC, except ones from that same violation
- Enrollment in the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP)
- A $100 fee
- Not available for any DUI or DUAC on or after May 19, 2024
A route-restricted license lets you drive a non-commercial vehicle to and from:
- Your place of employment, college or residence
- An Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP)
- A court-ordered drug program
Know the rule
Keep a copy of your approved route with you; the route-restricted license is valid for the length of the suspension. Non-citizens qualify only with permanent resident alien status.
Handbook p. 26 ↗Only one route-restricted license in your lifetime for these suspensions:
- Accident judgment
- Alcohol violation
- Controlled substance
- Failure to stop for a blue light
- False insurance certification
- Misrepresentation of identity
Know the rule
Suspensions for unpaid child support or driving under suspension (1st or 2nd offense within five years) may qualify for more than one. A route-restricted license costs $100; apply by mail with form DL-127.
Handbook p. 26 ↗Temporary Alcohol License (TAL): qualifying suspensions, with a hearing filed within 30 days:
- Implied consent
- Implied consent under 21
- BAC of 0.15 percent
- BAC of 0.02 percent or more, under 21
Know the rule
A TAL costs $100 and is good until SCDMV receives your hearing results. If the suspension is sustained, return the TAL; if it's rescinded, return the TAL before applying for your regular license.
Handbook p. 27 ↗Put it into practice
You're 18 with a regular license and have 10 points. Another 4-point ticket would take you past 12. Finish an eight-hour classroom defensive driving course in SC before any suspension begins, since it won't help once the suspension has started.