South Carolina suspends your license when you reach 12 points in a three-year period

In South Carolina, the Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) tracks points on your driving record based on traffic violations. When your point total reaches 12 within three years, your license is automatically suspended. The suspension lasts until you meet reinstatement requirements, which typically include paying a reinstatement fee and waiting a set period.

Points stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation, not from when you paid the fine or went to court. This means an old violation may drop off and lower your total, even if you do nothing. However, you cannot remove points yourself—only time and the passage of the three-year window will do that.

Key Takeaways

  • Your license suspends automatically when you accumulate 12 or more points within a three-year period in South Carolina.
  • Different violations carry different point values, ranging from 2 points for minor infractions to 6 points for serious offenses like reckless driving.
  • Points remain on your record for three years from the violation date, then drop off automatically without any action from you.
  • You can check your current point total by contacting the SCDMV directly or visiting their website to review your driving record.

Point values for common South Carolina traffic violations

Not all violations carry the same point penalty. The SCDMV assigns points based on how serious the offense is. Speeding violations typically range from 2 to 4 points depending on how far over the limit you were driving. Running a red light or stop sign costs 4 points. Reckless driving is one of the heaviest penalties at 6 points.

Other common violations include improper passing (4 points), following too closely (4 points), and driving without a valid license (6 points). Hit-and-run accidents carry 6 points. Driving under the influence (DUI) is treated separately and can result in when ready suspension regardless of your point total, but it also adds 6 points to your record if you are convicted.

Minor violations like equipment failures or expired registration typically cost 2 points. If you received a ticket and are unsure how many points it carries, you can contact the SCDMV or ask the court clerk when you handle the ticket.

How to check your current point total

You can find out how many points are on your record by contacting the SCDMV directly. Call their customer service line or visit a local SCDMV office in person. You will need your driver's license number and possibly your Social Security number to look up your record.

The SCDMV also allows you to check your driving record online through their official website. You can order a copy of your record, which will show all violations and points from the past three years. There is usually a small fee for this service, typically a few dollars. Having a copy of your record is useful if you want to dispute a violation or understand exactly what is affecting your license status.

What happens when you reach 12 points

Once your record hits 12 points, the SCDMV sends you a notice of suspension. Your license is suspended, meaning you cannot legally drive. The suspension is not when ready in all cases—you may receive a warning letter first if you are close to 12 points, but once you cross that threshold, suspension follows.

The length of your first suspension depends on your driving history. A first suspension typically lasts three months. If you accumulate 12 points again within five years of your first suspension, a second suspension can last six months. A third suspension within that same five-year window can last until you are may be able to access for reinstatement through the SCDMV's formal process.

Reinstatement requirements after suspension

To get your license back after suspension, you must meet several conditions. First, you must wait out the suspension period—you cannot drive legally during this time. Second, you must pay a reinstatement fee to the SCDMV, which is typically around $100 to $150, though this amount can vary. Third, you may be required to complete a driver improvement course, depending on the reason for your suspension and your driving history.

After you have paid the fee and completed any required courses, you can contact the SCDMV to finalize reinstatement. In some cases, you may need to pass a written or driving test to prove you understand current traffic laws. Once reinstatement is complete, your license is restored, but your point record continues to count toward future suspensions.

How to reduce points on your record

South Carolina allows you to reduce points by completing a defensive driving course. If you finish an approved course, you can have up to 4 points removed from your record. However, you can only use this option once every three years, and you cannot use it if you have already had a suspension in the past five years.

The defensive driving course must be approved by the SCDMV. Many courses are offered online and can be completed in a few hours. You will receive a certificate upon completion, which you submit to the SCDMV along with a request to remove the points. The SCDMV will process your request and update your record.

Removing points through a defensive driving course does not erase violations from your record—it only reduces the point total. The violation itself still appears on your driving history, but with fewer points attached. This is a useful option if you are approaching 12 points and want to avoid suspension.

Violations that cause when ready suspension

Some violations bypass the point system entirely and cause when ready suspension. A DUI conviction results in automatic license suspension regardless of your point total. The length of a DUI suspension depends on whether it is your first offense and whether you refused a breath or blood test. A first DUI suspension typically lasts six months to one year.

Driving with a suspended or revoked license also results in when ready suspension of any valid license you hold. Reckless homicide or serious injury caused by reckless driving can lead to license revocation, which is permanent or long-term and requires a formal hearing to challenge. If you are convicted of fleeing police, your license is also suspended when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive during my suspension?

No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in South Carolina and carries criminal penalties including fines and possible jail time. If you are caught driving during suspension, you face additional charges on top of your original suspension.

Do points from other states count toward my South Carolina suspension?

Yes. South Carolina participates in the Driver License Compact, which shares violation information between states. Points from violations in other states are added to your South Carolina record and count toward the 12-point suspension threshold.

How long does a defensive driving course take?

Most approved defensive driving courses take four to six hours to complete. Many are offered online and can be finished in one or two sittings. You receive a certificate when ready upon completion, which you can submit to the SCDMV to request point removal.

What if I disagree with a violation on my record?

You can dispute a violation by contacting the court where the ticket was issued or by requesting a hearing with the SCDMV. You will need to provide evidence that the violation was issued in error. Contact the court clerk for instructions on how to file a dispute in your county.

Does my suspension affect my car insurance?

Yes. A license suspension is reported to insurance companies and typically results in higher premiums or cancellation of your policy. Some insurers will not cover a driver with a suspended license. You should contact your insurance company when ready if your license is suspended.