Driving near a college campus can mean crowded streets, pedestrians, unfamiliar parking rules and frequent stops. If you attend the College of Charleston (CofC), The Citadel, Charleston Southern University (CSU), Trident Technical College or the Medical University of South Carolina, one traffic ticket could also add points to your driving record, which tracks certain traffic violations.
Knowing where common problems occur and what violations carry points can help you avoid consequences beyond the fine.
Watch for common violations around college campuses
Busy intersections, campus entrances and streets with heavy pedestrian traffic require extra attention. You may encounter citations for:
- Speeding: South Carolina assigns 2 points when you exceed the speed limit by 10 mph or less, 4 points when you exceed it by 11 to 24 mph and 6 points when you exceed it by at least 25 mph.
- No Turn on Red violations: Ignoring a posted “No Turn on Red” sign or making an unlawful turn can add 4 points, depending on the charge.
- Stop-sign violations: Failing to obey a stop sign can add 4 points to your record.
- Parking violations: Standard campus and municipal parking tickets do not add points to your driving record. However, a conviction for the state traffic offense of improper dangerous parking can add 2 points.
Whether you are dealing with CofC traffic tickets downtown or a college student speeding ticket, the exact charge determines how many points may apply.
How can you protect your driving record?
You can reduce your risk by following posted speed limits, making complete stops and watching carefully for turn restrictions. Around campus, you should also check signs before parking because rules can change from one street or lot to another.
If you receive a citation, read the charge before simply paying it. South Carolina uses a point system for traffic violations that result in a conviction, and accumulating 12 points can result in a license suspension.
If points are already on your record, completing an approved Defensive Driving Course may reduce your total by four points. South Carolina allows this reduction once every three years, and you must complete the course after the points have been assessed.
Do you have to appear in court?
You may not always need to appear in person for a traffic ticket. Charleston Municipal Court allows some drivers to pay the bond amount listed on the ticket instead of appearing in person, while a ticket marked “Appearance Required” requires you to appear.
Depending on your charge and the court handling it, an attorney may be able to handle the citation for you and help you understand whether an in-person appearance is necessary.
