How long do points stay on my driving record in South Carolina?

Points from a violation stay on your record permanently for calculation purposes, but their value is halved for suspension purposes after 12 months from the conviction date. The conviction itself remains on your permanent driving record.

Can I take a defensive driving course to reduce points in SC?

Yes, eligible drivers can complete a National Safety Council-approved defensive driving course to remove up to four points from their record. This option is typically available once every three years.

What happens if I get a ticket from another state?

South Carolina is part of the Driver License Compact. This means that most out-of-state traffic violation convictions will be transferred to your SC driving record, and points will be assessed as if the violation occurred in South Carolina.

Is it worth hiring a lawyer for a minor speeding ticket?

Hiring a lawyer can be very beneficial even for a minor ticket. An attorney can potentially negotiate a reduction to a no-point violation, which can save you from increased insurance premiums over several years, often saving more money than the cost of the legal representation itself.

What is the difference between a moving and non-moving violation?

A moving violation is any traffic offense committed by a driver while the vehicle is in motion, such as speeding or running a stop sign. These typically come with points. A non-moving violation, like a parking ticket or an equipment issue (e.g., a broken taillight), occurs when the vehicle is not in motion and usually does not add points to your license.

Do I have to appear in court for a traffic ticket in Rock Hill, SC?

It depends on the offense and how you choose to handle it. If you simply pay the fine, you do not have to appear in court, but this is an admission of guilt. If you wish to contest the ticket, you or your lawyer must appear. In many cases, an attorney can appear on your behalf, so you may not have to go to court personally.

Can my license be suspended for a single traffic violation?

Yes, for certain serious offenses. A conviction for reckless driving or driving more than 25 mph over the speed limit can result in an immediate license suspension, even if you have no other points on your record.

How will a traffic ticket affect my Commercial Driver's License (CDL)?

Traffic violations are particularly serious for CDL holders. Convictions for even minor offenses can lead to disqualification or suspension of a CDL, jeopardizing your career. The standards are much stricter, and the point system can have more severe consequences for commercial drivers.

What are the hidden costs of just paying a traffic ticket?

The biggest hidden cost is a significant increase in your auto insurance premiums, which can last for three to five years. Other costs include the points on your license, which can lead to suspension, and potential impacts on employment, especially for jobs that require a clean driving record.

What is reckless driving in South Carolina?

Reckless driving in South Carolina is defined as driving a vehicle with 'willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.' It is a serious misdemeanor criminal offense, not just a traffic ticket, and carries 6 points and can result in a license suspension and a criminal record.

A Driver’s Guide to Traffic Violations and Legal Consequences in South Carolina

By Geoff Dunn | October 13, 2025 |

Nearly every driver has experienced the sinking feeling of seeing police lights in the rearview mirror. While it’s easy to dismiss a traffic ticket as a simple inconvenience, the reality is that the consequences can extend far beyond just a fine. In South Carolina, traffic violations add points to your license, can cause your insurance rates to skyrocket, and may even lead to a license suspension. For drivers in Rock Hill, SC, and across the state, understanding the stakes is the first step toward protecting your driving privileges. This guide will break down common traffic violations in South Carolina, explain the state’s point system, detail the potential legal and financial consequences, and explore your options for responding to a ticket. Navigating this process alone can be difficult, which is why many turn to the Law Offices of Geoffry M Dunn for guidance.

What are the Most Common Traffic Violations in SC?

Traffic laws are in place to keep everyone on the road safe. When these laws are broken, a police officer can issue a ticket. Some violations are more common than others, and each carries its own set of penalties.

Speeding Tickets and Their Consequences

Speeding is likely the most frequent traffic ticket issued in South Carolina. The penalties for speeding gets worse the faster you are going. For example, driving less than 10 miles per hour (mph) over the speed limit is a minor infraction. Driving between 10 and 25 mph over the limit brings higher fines and more points on your license. Going more than 25 mph over the speed limit is a very serious offense. It carries the highest points for a speeding ticket and can lead to major insurance increases. A judge may even see this as reckless behavior, which can lead to other problems. It is not just about the money for the fine; its about the points and the insurance costs for years to come.

Reckless Driving Charges

Reckless driving is not a simple ticket. It is a serious misdemeanor crime. In South Carolina, the law says reckless driving is operating a vehicle with a “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” What does this mean in plain English? It can include actions like driving extremely fast in a dangerous manner, weaving through traffic aggressively, or knowingly operating a vehicle with serious mechanical failures. A conviction for reckless driving adds a large number of points to your license and can create a criminal record. This is one of those serious traffic offenses that are treated as criminal matters and requires a careful legal defense.

Driving Under Suspension (DUS)

Driving with a suspended license is a significant offense in South Carolina. The penalties for DUS are severe and can include very large fines and even jail time, especially if it happens more than once. There is many reasons a license can be suspended in the first place. It could be from accumulating too many points, a DUI conviction, or failing to pay a fine or appear in court. Getting caught driving while suspended starts a new and more serious cycle of legal trouble. It’s very important to resolve the original reason for the suspension before ever getting behind the wheel again. The team at the Law Offices of Geoffry M Dunn has seen how these charges can complicate a person’s life.

Disregarding Traffic Signals and Signs

Everyone knows that a red light means stop. Yet, running red lights and stop signs is a frequent cause of accidents. This violation includes failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign, turning right on red where it is not allowed, or entering an intersection after the light has turned red. A ticket for this will add points to your license and a fine. While it may seem minor, these points add up. A pattern of these tickets can quickly put your license at risk of suspension.

How Does the South Carolina Driver’s License Point System Work?

South Carolina uses a point system to track a driver’s behavior. Think of it like a report card for your driving. When you are convicted of a moving violation, the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) adds points to your record.

What is the Purpose of the Point System?

The main purpose of the point system is to identify and penalize habitual offenders. The SCDMV uses it to track drivers who repeatedly break traffic laws. It is the state’s way of saying that a person’s driving habits are a danger to themselves and others. The more serious the violation, the more points are added.

Points for Common Violations

Here is a simple list of points for some common violations in South Carolina:

Reckless Driving: 6 points
Speeding (more than 25 mph over): 6 points
Running a Red Light / Stop Sign: 4 points
Speeding (10-25 mph over): 4 points
Illegal Turn: 4 points
Speeding (less than 10 mph over): 2 points

What Happens When You Accumulate Too Many Points?

In South Carolina, accumulating 12 or more points on your driving record will result in the suspension of your driver’s license. If you reach 12 points, your license is suspended. The length of the suspension can vary depending on how many points you have. For example, a driver with 12 to 15 points faces a suspension period, while a driver with 16 or 17 points faces a longer one. The goal is to get dangerous drivers off the road for a period of time.

Should I Just Pay My Ticket? Understanding Your Options

When you get a ticket, the easiest thing to do seems to be paying the fine and moving on. But paying a ticket is not always the smartest choice. It is important to understand what happens when you pay and what other options you have.

The Hidden Costs of Pleading Guilty

Paying the fine for a traffic ticket is the same as pleading guilty. You are legally admitting that you committed the violation. This decision has long-term consequences that go far beyond the fine amount. First, points are added to your license, getting you closer to a suspension. Second, your insurance company will see the conviction and will likely raise your rates for several years. Over time, you could pay many times the original fine amount in higher insurance premiums. A conviction could also affect your job, especially if you drive for a living. These hidden costs makes fighting a ticket a very important consideration.

The Benefits of Contesting a Traffic Ticket

Contesting a ticket means you are pleading not guilty and asking the court to review your case. There are many benefits to this. It may be possible to get the ticket dismissed completely. Another positive outcome is getting the charge reduced to a lesser offense, like a no-point violation. This can save you from getting points on your license and from insurance increases. With over 20 years of experience, the attorneys at the Law Offices of Geoffry M Dunn understand how to approach these cases. An experienced lawyer can often represent you in court, meaning you may not have to appear yourself. Getting guidance from a skilled traffic ticket lawyer can make all the difference.

How Can a Lawyer Challenge a Traffic Violation?

A lawyer has several ways to build a defense for a traffic violation. They can look for any mistakes made during the traffic stop. For instance, they might question the officer’s methods. Was the radar gun used to check your speed calibrated correctly and recently? Did the officer have a clear and unobstructed view of the alleged violation? A lawyer can also look for procedural errors. Was the ticket written correctly? Were you informed of your rights? Sometimes, a case can be won because of a small error in the legal process. An attorney knows what to look for.

Conclusion

A traffic ticket is more than a fine—it’s a legal issue with lasting financial and personal consequences. Paying the ticket is an admission of guilt that can lead to license points, higher insurance costs, and other problems. Every driver has the right to a defense. Understanding the law and your options is key to protecting your driving record. Residents of Rock Hill and beyond should consider all outcomes before simply paying a fine. The legal system can be confusing, but help is available.

Before you pay that ticket, understand the full cost. A simple traffic violation can have a lasting impact on your driving record and insurance rates. Contact the Law Offices of Geoffry M Dunn for a consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can protect your license and your future. You can learn more about the Law Offices of Geoffry M Dunn and their commitment to defending the rights of drivers throughout South Carolina.

Posted in Traffic Court and tagged Rock Hill

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