A car accident in South Carolina may result in more than just property damage or medical bills. Depending on the circumstances, you may also face traffic citations that add points to your driver’s license. South Carolina uses a point system to monitor traffic violations and penalize drivers with repeated offenses. Accumulating too many points can lead to higher insurance premiums, license suspension, or even the temporary loss of driving privileges.
Let’s explore how South Carolina’s point system works, and what steps you can take if you’ve been cited after a collision.
What Is the South Carolina Driver’s License Point System?
The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) assigns points to your driving record when you are convicted of certain traffic violations. Each violation carries a set point value based on its severity.
The system is designed to:
- Track unsafe driving behavior.
- Encourage drivers to follow traffic laws.
- Penalize repeat offenders by suspending licenses after too many points accumulate.
Importantly, these points do not just sit on your record; they directly affect your insurance rates and, if they add up, your ability to keep your license.
How Are Points Assigned for Traffic Violations in South Carolina?
Each violation carries 2 to 6 points based on severity under S.C. Code § 56-1-720:
6 Points Violations
- Reckless driving
- Passing a stopped school bus
- Hit-and-run (property damage only)
- Speeding 25 mph or more over the posted limit
4 Points Violations
- Speeding 10–25 mph over the limit
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Following too closely
2 Points Violations
- Speeding less than 10 mph over the limit
- Shifting lanes without safety precautions
- Improper or dangerous parking
If you’re cited for a moving violation, like reckless driving, speeding, or improper lane changes, points are added to your license only after conviction, once it’s reported to the SCDMV.
How Many Points Until My License Is Suspended in South Carolina?
Your license is not automatically suspended after a single violation. However, once you reach a certain threshold of accumulated points, the SCDMV can suspend your license.
- 12–15 points → License suspension for 3 months
- 16–17 points → License suspension for 4 months
- 18–19 points → License suspension for 5 months
- 20+ points → License suspension for 6 months
For example, a reckless driving conviction (6 points) combined with a failure to yield ticket (4 points) would leave you just two points away from a 3-month suspension.
How Long Do Points Stay on Your Driving Record?
Points don’t last forever. In South Carolina, the SCDMV automatically reduces your total points by half after one year from the date of the violation conviction. For example, if you received 6 points for reckless driving in June 2024, 3 of those points would come off your record in June 2025.
Although points are reduced by half each year, the full violation stays on your driving record. Insurance companies may still consider the original offense when setting your premiums, even after points decrease.
Can I Reduce or Remove Points from My SC License?
Yes. Drivers in South Carolina can reduce their total point count by completing an approved defensive driving course. The SCDMV allows drivers to remove four points once every three years through this program.
To qualify, you must take a course approved by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles and submit your completion certificate. It’s one of the most effective ways to prevent suspension and lower insurance rates after a citation or minor accident.
What To Do If You’ve Been Charged With a Traffic Violation in South Carolina
You have the right to:
- Challenge the ticket in court.
- Request a hearing before the DMV.
- Dispute record errors.
- Seek legal representation.
Paying a fine may seem easy, but it also means accepting the conviction and points. Consulting a car accident attorney before pleading guilty can help protect your license and insurance rates.
Call Stewart Law Offices Today for Help Protecting Your Rights
If you’ve been cited after a car accident or are facing a possible suspension, the attorneys at Stewart Law Offices can help. We’ll review your case, represent you at hearings, and fight to reduce or eliminate the points on your record.
Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation.
