REASONS FOR DRIVER’S LICENSE SUSPENSIONS IN SOUTH CAROLINA

There are a variety of reasons why your South Carolina driver’s license might be suspended. Some of these are related to specific driving violations, while others may be due to violation of other State laws. You may also receive additional fines and penalties from the court if you receive a criminal conviction. The duration of your suspension will vary depending on the circumstances of your offense. The following are some of the most common reasons for a South Carolina driver’s license to be suspended or revoked.

• Driving Under the Influence: Your South Carolina driver’s license will be suspended if you are found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and will remain on your driving record forever. The length of the suspension will be between 6 months for a 1st offense, 12 months for a 2nd offense and 2 years for a 3rd offense. Refusing to take an alcohol test will result in a 6-month suspension.
• Excessive Moving Violations: The state of South Carolina operates on a point system, in which drivers accumulate points on their license for every moving violation they commit. If you accumulate 12 or more points on your current driver record, your license may be suspended for periods ranging from 3 to 6 months.
• Driving without Insurance: All motor vehicles driven in South Carolina must be properly insured. Driving without valid auto insurance will result in your license being suspended indefinitely, together with a $550 reinstatement fee. Failure to maintain SR-22 insurance if required will also result in immediate suspension and reinstatement fees of up to $400.
• Driving with a Suspended License: If you drive while your license is suspended, you will receive an additional suspension of: The same duration as your current suspension, if the duration is stated; 3 months, if your suspension is indefinite or 30 days, if your suspension was caused by failing to pay a traffic ticket.
• Failure to Pay Traffic Tickets: Failing to pay outstanding traffic tickets will also result in your license being suspended indefinitely.
• Other Driving-Related Violations: Your South Carolina driver’s license may also be suspended if you engage in reckless driving, are found to be at fault in a fatal accident, or if you abandon your vehicle on a public highway.
• Physical or Psychological Disqualification: The DMV can order a re-examination of any person who may not be fit to drive. An individual’s driving privileges may be suspended if the re-examination finds they are physically or psychologically unable to drive safely.
• Non-Driving Reasons for License Suspension: A variety of non-driving violations or issues can result in your license being suspended. These include: not responding to a DMV notice or not appearing in court; and not paying child support.

For information about your specific suspension requirements, contact the South Carolina DMV: Phone: (803) 896-5000. E-mail: help@SCDMVonline.

ACTIONS TO TAKE IF YOUR SOUTH CAROLINA DRIVER’S LICENSE IS SUSPENDED

Having your South Carolina driver’s license suspended is a serious matter and it is essential to adhere to State law in the event that your license is suspended. You must surrender your license to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) as soon as you receive notification that it has been suspended. Failure to do so will cause hefty fines and a possible jail sentence. If your license has been suspended for a first DUI offense, or certain other types of suspension, you may be eligible for a provisional license, which allows you to drive to work, school, medical appointments and treatment programs. A provisional license costs $100 and you can call (803) 896-5000 to check if you are eligible. If you believe your license may be suspended due to one of the reasons listed above it is prudent to speak with a traffic ticket lawyer or a DUI-DWI lawyer.

CHECK YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE STATUS

Convictions, license suspensions, and revocations will show up on your 3-year and 5-year driving records. You may be able to dismiss traffic tickets and remove points from your driving record by completing an online defensive driving course. Because your driving record can affect your auto insurance rates and even your employment, it’s crucial that you make sure your information is accurate.

SOUTH CAROLINA VIDEOTAPE LAW

South Carolina requires mandatory videotaping of the arrest and breath test as it is administered. The taping must begin when the officer activates the blue lights on his patrol car, and must end after the person is arrested for DUI.

During this time period, the officer must advise the driver of their Miranda rights and read the implied consent law. The videotape must show the breath test being given or refused.

SOUTH CAROLINA CONVICTION

A DUI conviction can be costly. The fine for a DUI can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars; your license will be suspended for 6 months for your 1st offense; and your insurance rates will increase. So, aside from your fine, you’ll also have to pay a license reinstatement fee and higher insurance rates. You will be required to attend special counseling for alcohol abuse, and your insurance company must provide the DMV with an SR-22 insurance certificate. Expect your insurance premiums to possibly double or triple when you request the SR-22 certificate.

SOUTH CAROLINA SUSPENSION HEARINGS & APPEALS

If you receive a suspension notice from the DMV, and you wish to challenge the suspension, you may request a hearing in court. An administrative law judge will hear your case, and determine whether your driver’s license should be suspended or not. In addition, drivers whose license may be suspended due to accumulating excessive points may be eligible to enroll in a Driver Improvement Program. Completing a Driver Improvement Program removes 4 points from the current driving record, and in some cases can enable an individual to avoid having his license suspended. South Carolina allows DUI convictions to be tried before a jury, so it is a good idea to seek the advice of a traffic ticket lawyer or a DUI-DWI lawyer, based on the reason for the suspension.

OBTAIN A SOUTH CAROLINA RESTRICTED DRIVER’S LICENSE

You may be eligible for a restricted license to use while your driver’s license is suspended if you have a DUI/DWI suspension and:

• Have a South Carolina driver’s license.
• Have no other pending suspensions.
• Are enrolled in an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program.
• Have an SR22 filed with the SCDMV.
• Pay the restricted/provisional driver license fee. (See “Fees to Reinstate Your Suspended License” below.)

For more information, please call the South Carolina DMV at (803) 896-5000.

REINSTATE YOUR SOUTH CAROLINA DRIVER’S LICENSE

When your suspension period is over, you can restore your license but you will need to meet a range of conditions, depending on the reason for your license suspension. These conditions may include:

• Payment of all reinstatement fees (normally $100).
• If your license was suspended as a result of a DUI offense, you must obtain SR-22 insurance, which must be maintained for 3 years. You must also participate in an Alcohol and Drug Safety Awareness Program before your license can be reinstated.
• Completion of court-imposed treatment programs.
• Have an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle, for multiple DUI offenses and alcohol/drug-related violations.
• Passing driving tests if required (the fee for this is $20).
• You can pay your reinstatement fees in person at your local DMV office, by mail to: The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
 Driver Records, 
P.O. Box 1498, 
Blythewood, SC 29016

Or you can pay them online using the Pay Reinstatement Fees web page. If paying online you will need to supply your driver license number, your social security number and a valid Visa, MasterCard or Discover card number.

FEES TO REINSTATE YOUR SOUTH CAROLINA DRIVER’S LICENSE

The South Carolina DMV charges the following general fees for suspended driver’s license reinstatements and restricted licenses.

• Reinstatement fee: $100.
• Restricted driver’s license: $100.
• Knowledge test: $2.
• You may need to pay additional fees depending on your specific circumstances of your suspension.

Accepted Forms of Payment: In person at your local SC DMV office: Cash, check, and credit/debit card. Online: Credit/debit cards.

You can also enroll in a reinstatement fee payment plan. To check your eligibility, visit the SCDMV website and enter your information.

COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE (CDL) SUSPENSIONS IN SOUTH CAROLINA

CDL’s are suspended more easily than standard licenses. This is because commercial drivers are held to very high standards. Your South Carolina commercial drivers license (CDL) can be suspended whether you violate traffic laws or commit crimes in South Carolina or out of state. Additionally, your CDL may be disqualified for violations committed in both commercial and non-commercial vehicles. The duration and terms of your CDL disqualification will vary depending on your offense. You may face both state and federal suspensions and charges. Your CDL may be disqualified, suspended, or revoked for reasons including:

• Serious Traffic Violations.
• Violating an Out-Of-Service Order.
• 1 year: 1st violation for a Major Offense such as:
• DUI (BAC of 0.04% or higher) or drug-related offenses.
• Refusing to submit to a BAC test.
• Hit and runs.
• Using your commercial vehicle in a felony.
• 3 years: 1st violation while transporting hazardous materials.
• Life: 2nd violation for a Major Offense.
• 60 to 120 days for multiple serious traffic violations within 3 years. These violations include: Speeding, reckless driving and driving without the necessary endorsements.
• 60 to 120 days for Railroad Highway Grade Crossing Violations, depending on the number of violations you’ve committed.

If you receive a traffic conviction while driving your commercial vehicle, you must notify your employer within 30 days. You may need to receive additional suspensions and fines from the court if you were convicted of a crime. For information about your specific suspension, contact the South Carolina DMV by Phone: (803) 896-5000 or E-mail: help@SCDMVonline

For more information on federal regulations and penalties, please see the FMCSA website.

CHECK YOUR COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE STATUS

Convictions, license suspensions, and revocations will show up on your 3-year and 5-year driving records. You may be able to dismiss traffic tickets and remove points from your driving record by completing an online defensive driving course. Because your driving record can affect your auto insurance rates and even your employment, it’s crucial that you make sure your information is accurate.

SOUTH CAROLINA CDL SUSPENSION HEARINGS & APPEALS

If you want to contest your CDL disqualification, you can request an administrative hearing in person at the South Carolina Administrative Law Court:

1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 224

Edgar A. Brown Building

Columbia, SC 29201

Call (803) 734-0550 for more information on requesting a hearing.

OBTAIN A SOUTH CAROLINA RESTRICTED LICENSE

If your South Carolina driver’s license was suspended for a DUI, you may be eligible for a provisional license if you:

• Have no other pending suspensions.
• Are enrolled in an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program.
• Have an SR22 filed with the SCDMV.
• Pay the provisional driver’s license fee. (See “Fees to Reinstate Your South Carolina CDL”)

For more information, please call the South Carolina DMV at (803) 896-5000 or visit the website.

REINSTATE YOUR SOUTH CAROLINA CDL 

The requirements to reinstate your South Carolina CDL will vary depending on the circumstances of your disqualification/suspension and whether your non-commercial driving privileges are also suspended. To reinstate your CDL, you may need to:

• Satisfy any court requirements and pay outstanding fines.
• Complete an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program, for alcohol-related offenses.
• Re-take the commercial driver’s license knowledge and driving skills tests.
• Pay the reinstatement fee. (See “Fees to Reinstate Your South Carolina CDL” below.)

For reinstatement requirements specific to your situation, contact the South Carolina DMV. You can also pay your reinstatement fees online on the SCDMV website. You’ll need to enter your Driver’s license number, Social Security number (SSN) and date of birth.

If you are unable to pay the full reinstatement fee, you may be eligible for a payment plan. To check your eligibility, visit the SCDMV website and enter your information.

FEES TO REINSTATE YOUR SOUTH CAROLINA CDL

The South Carolina DMV charges the following general fees for license reinstatements and restricted licenses:

• Reinstatement fee: $100.
• Provisional driver’s license: $100.
• Knowledge test: $2.
• CDL application: $15.

NOTE: You may need to pay additional fees depending on your specific disqualification. For more fee information, contact the South Carolina DMV.

Acceptable Forms of Payment: The SCDMV accepts the following forms of payment: In person: Cash, check, and credit/debit card or Online: Credit/debit card only.