When drivers in South Carolina are found guilty of traffic offenses or commit traffic-related crimes, they end up with points on their driving records. These are negative points that are issued by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). By the time a driver reaches six points, the DMV will send the individual a warning letter. Once a driver reaches 12 points, his or her driver's license will be suspended. A person's driving privileges may be taken away before the 12-point mark if he or she is convicted of a more serious traffic offense, such as DUI.
The number of points a traffic violator will be assigned will depend on the type of violation that occurred. For example, a driver can get two points for failing to dim his or her lights, whereas reckless driving is a six-point violation. For more information on the number of points assigned for different types of traffic offenses, visit our South Carolina Points System page.
It takes one year for half of the driver's points to be removed from his or her record. A driver can also get four points removed from his or her record by taking the National Safety Council's Defensive Driving Course, though the points can only be reduce this way every three years.
In addition the possible loss of their licenses, South Carolina drivers also have their insurance to think about when it comes to points on their records. Insurance companies tend to hike up the rates for drivers who have points on their records. These are all things you should keep in mind when you are deciding whether or not to fight your traffic ticket. Even a minor traffic violation that anyone could have made can bring you one step closer to damaging consequences, so it is important to challenge your traffic citation whenever possible.
Our Lexington criminal attorneys at the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, Jr., LLC can assist you in your efforts to avoid a traffic violation conviction. Contact us so we can provide you with a free case evaluation!