The Penalties of Traffic Tickets in South Carolina: What You Need to Know

Traffic tickets—nobody likes getting one, but they’re an unfortunate reality for many drivers. Whether it’s a simple speeding ticket or something more serious, like reckless driving, the consequences of traffic violations in South Carolina can be far-reaching. These penalties can hit your wallet, your driving record, and even your ability to get behind the wheel in the future.

So, what happens when you get a traffic ticket in South Carolina? Let’s break it down.

Fines and Court Costs

The most immediate consequence of a traffic ticket is the fine. In South Carolina, fines can range significantly depending on the severity of the violation. A basic speeding ticket might cost you around $76 to $200 if you’re only slightly over the speed limit. But if you’re clocked at more than 25 mph over, those numbers climb steeply—sometimes up to $440 or more.

But the fines are just the beginning. If you decide to fight the ticket, or if the ticket requires a mandatory court appearance, you’ll also be responsible for court costs. These can add anywhere from $25 to several hundred dollars to your total bill, depending on the case’s complexity and the court involved.

Points on Your License

One of the more insidious effects of a traffic ticket is the points that get tacked onto your driving record. South Carolina operates on a points system where each traffic violation is assigned a certain number of points. Accumulate too many points, and you risk losing your license.

Here’s how the points system works:

• Speeding 10 mph or less over the limit: 2 points
• Speeding 10-25 mph over the limit: 4 points
• Speeding more than 25 mph over the limit: 6 points
• Reckless driving: 6 points
• Failing to stop for a school bus: 6 points
• Improper lane change: 2 points
• Following too closely: 4 points

If you accumulate 12 points or more, your license can be suspended. The length of the suspension depends on the number of points:

• 12-15 points: 3-month suspension
• 16-17 points: 4-month suspension
• 18-19 points: 5-month suspension
• 20 points or more: 6-month suspension

The good news? Points decrease over time. After 12 months, the value of the points is cut in half, and after 24 months, they disappear from your record entirely. However, during those two years, you’re walking a tightrope; one more slip-up could push you into suspension territory.

Insurance Rate Increases

Even if your license isn’t immediately at risk, your wallet might be. Insurance companies aren’t exactly fond of drivers with tickets on their records. Even a single violation can cause your insurance premiums to skyrocket, especially if it’s a serious offense like reckless driving or DUI.

For example, a minor speeding ticket might raise your rates by 20% or more. A DUI? You could be looking at a 100% increase—or even having your policy canceled. And here’s the kicker: these increased rates can stick with you for years, long after you’ve paid the fine or completed any court-ordered requirements.

The Hidden Costs: Time and Stress

Beyond the tangible penalties, traffic tickets can cost you in other ways. Fighting a ticket often means taking time off work to appear in court, which can be a hassle, especially if the court is far from home. And then there’s the stress of not knowing whether you’ll succeed in your defense, or if you’ll end up with a stiffer penalty.

If you decide to simply pay the ticket, you’re essentially pleading guilty, which might feel like the easy way out—but remember, those points and insurance increases will follow. For many, hiring a lawyer to contest the ticket is worth the expense, particularly if it means avoiding points on their license or keeping their insurance premiums from ballooning.

Serious Offenses: DUI and Reckless Driving

Some traffic violations in South Carolina come with penalties far more severe than a fine or points on your license. Take DUI, for instance. A first-time DUI offense can result in:

• A fine of up to $400, plus court costs
• 48 hours to 30 days in jail
• A six-month license suspension
• Mandatory enrollment in an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP)

The penalties increase with each subsequent offense, with higher fines, longer jail time, and longer license suspensions. And that’s not even touching on the long-term consequences like difficulty finding employment, especially in jobs requiring driving, or the social stigma that often follows.

Reckless driving, too, can lead to severe penalties. It’s not just the six points on your license or the fine of up to $445. If your reckless driving led to an accident or if you have prior offenses, you could face jail time and a longer suspension.

Mitigating the Damage

So, what can you do if you’ve received a traffic ticket in South Carolina? The first step is not to panic. You have options.

• Pay the Fine: NEVER take this option. This is a guilty plea, and those points will stick with you.

• Fight the Ticket: If you believe you were wrongly ticketed, or if the consequences of pleading guilty are too severe, consider contesting the ticket. Hiring a traffic ticket lawyer can greatly increase your chances of success, especially for more serious violations.

Conclusion: Drive Carefully, and Know Your Rights

Getting a traffic ticket in South Carolina is no small matter. The fines, points, insurance increases, and potential suspensions can add up quickly, leaving you with a much larger headache than you might have expected. The best defense? Drive carefully, know the laws, and if you do get a ticket, don’t be afraid to seek legal help. The consequences of simply paying up and moving on might be more than you bargained for.