Making The South Carolina DMV Point System Work For You
It’s tempting to just pay the ticket and move on with your life when cited for a traffic violation. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as it sounds. Due to South Carolina’s traffic point system, “just pay it” can mean moving on to a life without your driver’s license if it happens too often.
While being written a ticket for a traffic offense may seem like a minor annoyance, it can actually have a lasting impact on your driving record. Each traffic offense is worth a certain number of points, and the more offenses you commit, the more points you accumulate on your driving record. Although some traffic offenses are more severe than others, simply accruing 12 traffic violation points will result in the suspension of your driver’s license. Listed below is a breakdown of the South Carolina DMV point system.
If you have been charged with a traffic violation, it is crucial that you speak with an experienced attorney before paying the ticket fine or admitting guilt in any way. Our lawyers at Drennan Law Firm have over 20 years of experience representing clients across Charleston and Columbia who have been written various types of traffic tickets. Call us at 843-352-4149 to schedule a free initial consultation today.
What Is The South Carolina License Point System?
You can think of our state’s traffic point system as a budget for your traffic behavior. The system reflects the fact that nobody is perfect and everyone who gets behind the wheel will occasionally make mistakes such as speeding, missing a stop sign or forgetting to signal before a turn. The idea is that if you make these mistakes often enough, you’ll be hit with a bigger punishment such as the suspension of your driver’s license. That outcome serves two purposes: protecting other drivers, passengers and pedestrians from your mistakes; and giving you some time to brush up on your defensive driving skills.
The best way to avoid the harsh punishments that come with accumulated points is to do everything in your power to avoid the points in the first place. Obey the speed limit, use your turn signals, stop at red lights and stop signs and drive defensively to avoid collisions. The second-best way to avoid the harsh punishments of accumulated points is to contest every traffic violation citation with the help of an experienced traffic defense lawyer.
How Do I Check My Current Point Total Or Driving Record?
The South Carolina DMV points system can seem complex, but once you understand it, your knowledge can help you maintain a clean driving record. Knowing your driving record is crucial; it ensures that you understand your standing with the DMV and avoid any unpleasant surprises. Keeping track of your points can help you make informed decisions and avoid further penalties. If you see errors, you can address them quickly.
The first step is to look into your past driving record so that you know how many points are on it. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) keeps track of these points. You can check your driving record in a few ways.
- Online: You can request your driving record online through the SCDMV website.
- In person: You can visit an SCDMV office and request a copy of your record.
- By mail: You can mail a request to the SCDMV.
Online requests are the quickest. You will need to provide your driver’s license number and pay a small fee. This record will show your point total and any violations. We recommend checking your record regularly to ensure its accuracy and to stay aware of your point total. If you need legal counsel for a traffic ticket, you can always rely on our South Carolina traffic ticket lawyers to help you determine the points on your record.
How Long Do Points Stay On My License In South Carolina?
Fortunately for you and for other South Carolina drivers, points on your license do not last forever. Points typically remain on your record for three years from the date of the violation. After three years, the points will no longer count toward license suspension.
Under South Carolina’s system, points begin to reduce over time. After one year, the points for a violation are cut in half. After two years, they disappear completely from your record. This reduction can help improve your driving record over time. However, even after the points are removed, the record of the violation can still impact you. The violation itself may still appear on your driving record for a longer period. This can affect insurance rates.
It is important to note that if you accumulate 12 points or more within a three-year period, your license may be suspended. Some employers that require a CDL for their employees may implement other disciplinary actions. You therefore need to drive safely and address any violations promptly. If you find yourself facing a suspension, our traffic ticket lawyers in South Carolina can help you explore your options. With the right legal support, you can protect your driving privileges and your future.
What Types Of Tickets Or Violations Do Not Result In Points?
Not all violations add points to your license. Some minor violations do not carry points. Parking tickets, for example, do not result in points. These are considered nonmoving violations. Similarly, some equipment violations, such as a broken taillight, do not add points. Still, ignoring even a no-point ticket can lead to other problems. You should always address these issues to avoid fines or further complications. Moving violations, such as speeding or running a red light, do add points. Knowing the difference can help you prioritize and address any issues effectively.
If you are unsure whether a ticket carries points, contact us. Our South Carolina DMV points attorneys understand the complexities of traffic law. You can always come to us with any questions you have about the types of infractions that receive points and the ones that do not.
How Many Points Is Each Traffic Violation Worth?
How do you get points on your license in South Carolina? The more dangerous a traffic offense is, the more points it is worth. Some commonly committed traffic offenses include:
- Reckless driving: Six points
- Fleeing an accident that causes injuries or damages: Six points
- Speeding over the posted speed limit: Two, three or six points, depending on the speed
- Turning illegally: Four points
- Not yielding to a vehicle with the right of way: Four points
- Following a vehicle too closely: Four points
Our team at Drennan Law Firm can also help you determine the worth of any charge not mentioned on this list. Additionally, it is important to know that being charged with a DUI (drunk driving) will automatically result in the suspension of your driver’s license.
How Traffic Offenses Impact Your Driving Record In South Carolina
The answer to how an offense will impact your driving record depends on the specific offense in question as well as your previous driving history. If you have never had any traffic violation points, a two-point speeding ticket will have little impact beyond costing you some time and money. If you have 10 points on your record, that same “innocent” speeding ticket can result in the suspension of your driver’s license. If you use your driver’s license and vehicle to get to work, pick up your kids and keep your household running, the cost of that ticket will be the very least of your problems.
That accumulation of points and the risk it presents for further consequences is why it is so important to treat every traffic violation seriously and mount an aggressive defense. Similar to the example above, having a few “minor” speeding tickets won’t seem so minor if you are involved in an accident that causes damage and adds six points to your record. You don’t know what the future will bring, but you can take action in the present to limit traffic violation points.
What To Do If You’ve Been Charged With A Traffic Violation In South Carolina
Paying the fine may make the immediate issue go away, but doing so will set you up for further complications down the road. Those complications can include the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license if you accumulate enough traffic points for offenses such as reckless driving, speeding, turning illegally, failing to yield or following too closely.
Before agreeing to anything, signing anything or paying anything, it is in your best interest to seek the advice of an experienced attorney who focuses on traffic-related issues. Your driving privileges are important and deserve to be treated as such.
Because these points can tarnish your driving record, it is important that you reach out to an attorney who can tackle your charges before you head to your local South Carolina DMV. We at Drennan Law Firm have handled many cases of traffic violations and are prepared to aggressively fight for your rights. You can rely on our experience to build a strong case in your favor so that you can preserve your record as much as possible. In the event that your driver’s license does get suspended, we can also help you plan your next steps to get it back.
Schedule Your First Consultation At No Cost
There is no traffic ticket too severe or too minuscule for Drennan Law Firm to resolve. If you would like to have your tickets handled by our traffic violation lawyers, you can schedule a free initial consultation with us by calling 843-352-4149 or by emailing us.