License Suspension in South Carolina

Every driver should know the status of their driving record. It is easy to get a copy of your report from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), either online, through the mail, or in person. In South Carolina, if a driver accumulates an excessive number of points on their driving record, their license is automatically suspended. For a driver who is not aware their license is suspended, they could face serious penalties if they are pulled over and cited for this action; pleading ignorance on the matter is not acceptable in court.

When a license is suspended through the DMV because of points, the length of the suspension depends upon the number of points. The average amount of time for a suspension is three to six months. The DMV will send drivers a warning letter if their points are piling up and will also send a letter ordering a license suspension and surrender, but drivers do not always receive them. They can face extra penalties if they do not surrender their license.

In addition to the South Carolina points system, there are other ways for a driver to lose their license to suspension, including:

• DUI; the length of suspension depends upon the number of offenses
• Failure to retain auto insurance for the car; the license will be suspended until proof of insurance can be shown, plus the driver must pay a reinstatement fee
• For DUI convictions, the failure to retain special SR-22 insurance
• Failure to pay the fines for a traffic ticket; the license is suspended until the fines are paid.

In some special cases, drivers with a suspended license can apply for a provisional license, which gives them the ability to drive to necessary work, school, or medical appointments. This is not guaranteed, however, and drivers should not count on getting a provisional license.

To reinstate a suspended license, it can be costly and time consuming. Drivers must pay a reinstatement fee and may be required to pass a knowledge driving test, which also has a fee and can be very stressful for a nervous driver. The best way to avoid this situation is to keep your driving record clean and contact an attorney if you are facing a traffic violation conviction.