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 help you seek a reduction or dismissal. 

How Many Points Until You Get a Suspended License in SC?

If you receive 12 points your license will be suspended. At 6 or more 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.

After one year, points are reduced by half. However, with serious traffic offenses or multiple citations within a short time, it is very easy to accumulate enough points to risk suspension.

Current South Carolina Point Schedule (as of September 1, 2025)

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 above posted limit – 2 points
(2) More than 10 mph but less than 25 mph above posted limit – 4 points
(3) 25 mph or more above posted 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 a safety zone – 4 points
Shifting lanes without safety precaution – 2 points
Improper or 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

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, they are reduced by half. You may also take approved driving courses to reduce points sooner.

South Carolina’s Point System Law

These point values are based on South Carolina Code of Laws §56-1-720. The attorneys from our office can help you better understand this system and how it applies to your alleged traffic offense. 

We accept moving violations primarily in Richland or Lexington counties (Lexington and Columbia, South Carolina). A consultation fee applies to discuss your ticket with an attorney. We continue to offer free consultations for criminal defense, DUI and injury law matters.