Beginning September 1, 2025, the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles updated the point schedule for traffic violations. These changes were made in connection with the South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act. The point system is outlined in S.C. Code § 56-1-720 and applies to drivers convicted of moving violations in this state.
How the Point System Works
When a driver is convicted of a moving violation in South Carolina, the court sends notice of the conviction to the Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). Once received, the SCDMV automatically assesses points to the driver’s record. The number of points depends on the type of offense. Courts do not control the assessment of points; their authority is limited to deciding whether someone is guilty of the traffic offense.
For example, if someone is found guilty of following too closely, they will not only have to pay the fine but will also automatically receive four points on their record. There is no way to avoid the points once the conviction is reported.
For drivers licensed in other states, South Carolina will forward notice of the conviction to the home state. The driver’s home state will then decide how to treat the offense under its own laws and point schedule.
Updated South Carolina Point Schedule
The current schedule of points as of September 1, 2025, is as follows:
Reckless driving – 6 points
Passing stopped school bus – 6 points
Hit-and-run, property damage only – 6 points
Driving too fast for conditions or speeding:
(1) No more than 10 mph over limit – 2 points
(2) More than 10 mph but less than 25 mph over limit – 4 points
(3) 25 mph or more over limit – 6 points
Disobedience of traffic control device – 4 points
Disobedience to officer directing traffic – 4 points
Failing to yield right-of-way – 4 points
Driving on wrong side of road – 4 points
Passing unlawfully – 4 points
Turning unlawfully – 4 points
Driving through or within safety zone – 4 points
Shifting lanes without safety precaution – 2 points
Improper dangerous parking – 2 points
Following too closely – 4 points
Failing to dim lights – 2 points
Operating with improper lights – 2 points
Operating with improper brakes – 4 points
Distracted driving (second or subsequent offense) – 2 points
Operating a vehicle in unsafe condition – 2 points
Driving in improper lane – 2 points
Improper backing – 2 points
Endangerment of a highway worker, no injury – 2 points
Endangerment of a highway worker, injury results – 4 points
Why Points Matter
Points on a driving record can have serious consequences. Accumulating too many points may lead to increased insurance premiums, license suspension, or loss of driving privileges. In South Carolina, if a driver accumulates 12 points or more, their license may be suspended. Points are reduced by half after one year from the date of the violation, but until then they remain on the record and may affect driving privileges.
In addition to points there can be other consequences for certain convictions. For example, two or more reckless driving convictions in a five year period will also result in a 90 day license suspension and a requirement to carry SR-22 car insurance.
What to Do if You Receive a Ticket
If you are charged with a moving violation in Lexington or Richland counties, the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, can meet with you to review your case. A consultation fee applies for traffic ticket cases. For those facing criminal charges, DUI, or injury matters, we continue to offer free consultations. We represent clients in traffic matters in Lexington, South Carolina and Lexington, South Carolina. We represent clients in serious criminal defense matters throughout South Carolina.
Call (803) 359-3301 today to schedule an appointment. Same-day meetings are usually available.
Disclaimer: Every case is unique. Prior results obtained by the attorney in one matter do not indicate that similar results can be obtained for other clients in other matters.