South Carolina Points System

How Many Points for a Traffic Ticket?

It is vital that you defend yourself against accumulating points, as you are not only at risk of a suspension but can also expect to pay significantly higher rates for car insurance. Contact the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC for help from a Lexington attorney who can fight for you in court and attempt to beat the ticket.

How Many Points Until You Get A Suspend License In SC?

If you receive 12 points your license will be suspended. At 6+ points, you will receive a warning letter from the South Carolina DMV. Any time that you are convicted of a traffic offense, points will be assessed to your driving record under the South Carolina points system.

Note that after a period of one year your points will be reduced by half, but with serious traffic offenses or multiple citations within a one-year period you can easily see your driving privileges suspended. To learn how many points you could receive if convicted on your traffic ticket, read below:

Six-Point Violations

• Reckless driving
• Passing stopped school bus
• Hit and run, property damages only
• Speeding 25 mph or more above the posted limits

Four-Point Violations

• Disobedience of any official traffic control device
• Disobedience to officer directing traffic
• Failing to yield right of way
• Driving on wrong side of road
• Passing unlawfully
• Turning unlawfully
• Driving through or within safety zone
• Failing to signal / giving improper signal for stopping, turning or suddenly decreased speed
• Following too closely
• Operating with improper brakes
• Speeding more than 10 mph but less than 25 mph above the posted limits

Two-Point Violations

• Shifting lanes without safety precaution
• Improper dangerous parking
• Failing to dim lights
• Operating with improper lights
• Operating a vehicle in unsafe condition
• Driving in improper lane
• Improper backing
• Speeding no more than 10 mph above the posted limits

How Long Do Points Stay on Your Driving Record?

In South Carolina, points stay on your driving record for up to two years before being erased. After one year, points on your record are reduced by half. You can take additional driving courses in order to reduce the points on your driving license faster.

South Carolina's Point System Law

These point values are based on the applicable law, South Carolina Code of Laws §56-1-720, "Point system established; schedule of points for violations." The attorneys from our office can help you better understand this system and how it applies to your alleged traffic offense. By working with our legal team, you can greatly increase your chances of successfully challenging your traffic ticket and avoiding points on your driving record.