South Carolina Traffic Ticket Guide
Got a Traffic
Ticket in South Carolina?
Don’t pay it yet. South Carolina traffic tickets carry points, fines, and insurance consequences. You may be able to reduce or dismiss your ticket.
South Carolina sees a high volume of traffic citations along its interstates, coastal highways, and tourist corridors. Whether you were stopped on I-26 near Columbia, I-95 in the Lowcountry, or along the Grand Strand near Myrtle Beach — you have more options than just paying the fine. This guide covers SC’s traffic laws, fines, points system, and your best next steps.
How Much Is a Speeding Ticket in South Carolina?
South Carolina speeding fines are set by state statute and vary based on how far over the speed limit you were traveling. Court costs and local surcharges can significantly increase the total amount owed.
| Speed Over Limit | Base Fine | With Court Costs | School/Work Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–10 mph over | $25–$75 | ~$150–$225 | $50–$150+ |
| 11–15 mph over | $75–$100 | ~$225–$300 | $150–$200+ |
| 16–25 mph over | $100–$200 | ~$300–$450 | $200–$400+ |
| 26+ mph over | $200+ | ~$450+ | Must appear in court |
| Reckless Driving | Up to $500 | ~$700+ | Criminal misdemeanor |
| Street Racing | Up to $5,000 | ~$6,000+ | Felony charge |
Don’t pay without exploring your options. In South Carolina, a paid ticket is a guilty plea. Points are added, your insurance company is notified, and your premiums can rise 20–35% for 2 years. An attorney may be able to negotiate a no-points plea.
Points on Your South Carolina License
South Carolina uses a points system to track driving behavior. Accumulating too many points within a set time period results in license suspension or revocation.
| Violation | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding 10 mph or less over limit | 2 pts | |
| Speeding more than 10 mph over limit | 4 pts | |
| Speeding 25+ mph over limit | 6 pts | |
| Reckless driving | 6 pts | Criminal misdemeanor |
| Disregarding a stop sign or signal | 4 pts | |
| Passing stopped school bus | 6 pts | $500+ fine |
| Leaving scene of accident | 6 pts | Criminal charge |
| DUI | 6 pts | Criminal charge, license suspension |
When Is Your License Suspended?
How to Handle a South Carolina Traffic Ticket
After receiving a South Carolina traffic citation, you typically have a limited time to respond. You have three main options:
Attorney tip: South Carolina courts — especially in smaller counties — often work with attorneys to reduce speeding charges to lesser violations that carry fewer or no points. A local attorney’s knowledge of the specific solicitor’s office can make a significant difference in your outcome.
South Carolina Traffic School: What You Need to Know
South Carolina’s Driver Improvement Program (DIP) is an 8-hour course that can reduce your license point total by 4 points. It is available online and in classroom format. You can complete the course once every 3 years.
How it helps: The 4-point reduction can keep your license from suspension and may help with insurance. However, the original conviction still appears on your record — an attorney may be able to have the charge reduced or dismissed entirely, which is often more beneficial.
CDL holders: The DIP cannot be used to reduce points on a commercial driving record.
South Carolina Traffic Ticket FAQ
Your citation will include a court date. You must respond — pay, request a hearing, or have an attorney appear — by that date. Failure to respond results in an FTA charge, additional fines, and license suspension.
Yes. South Carolina participates in the Driver License Compact. Convictions are reported to your home state, which may apply its own points and insurance surcharges.
South Carolina law currently limits the use of automated speed cameras. Red light cameras are in use in some municipalities. Camera violations are typically civil infractions with fines but no license points — verify with the issuing court.
A speeding ticket in South Carolina typically raises insurance rates by 20–35% at renewal. The increase depends on your insurer and driving history. South Carolina’s average insurance rate is around $1,500/year, so a ticket can cost an extra $300–$525/year for 2 years.
Ignoring an SC traffic ticket leads to a Failure to Appear charge, a suspended license, additional fines, and potential vehicle registration block. The court may also issue an arrest warrant.
No. Commercial drivers in South Carolina cannot use the Driver Improvement Program to mask violations on their CDL. Federal law requires full reporting of commercial vehicle violations.
Find a Traffic Attorney Near You in South Carolina
Traffic ticket defense is local — laws and court procedures vary by county, and an attorney who practices in your courthouse will know the judges, clerks, and local processes that matter most.