South Carolina suspends your license when you reach 12 points within a three-year period
In South Carolina, the Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) tracks violations using a point system. Each traffic violation you're convicted of adds points to your driving record. When those points reach 12 within any rolling three-year window, the SCDMV will suspend your license automatically. The suspension lasts until you meet reinstatement requirements, which typically include paying a reinstatement fee and waiting out a minimum suspension period.
The three-year window is important to understand: it's not a calendar year. It's a rolling period that looks back 36 months from today. So if you got a ticket two years ago and another one today, both violations count toward your total. Once three years have passed since the oldest violation, that violation stops counting toward your 12-point total.
Key Takeaways
- Your license suspends automatically when you accumulate 12 points within a three-year rolling period, not a calendar year.
- Different violations carry different point values—speeding 10 mph over the limit is 2 points, while reckless driving is 6 points.
- You can check your current point total by contacting the SCDMV directly or viewing your record online through their website.
- Suspension periods vary based on how many times you've been suspended before, ranging from several months to longer periods for repeat offenders.
What each violation costs in points
South Carolina assigns points based on the severity of the violation. Minor infractions like speeding carry fewer points, while serious violations like reckless driving or driving under the influence carry more. Here are the common violations and their point values:
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Speeding 10 mph or less over the limit | 2 points |
| Speeding 11–15 mph over the limit | 4 points |
| Speeding 16 mph or more over the limit | 6 points |
| Reckless driving | 6 points |
| Improper lane change | 2 points |
| Failure to stop at a red light or stop sign | 4 points |
| Driving under the influence (DUI) | 6 points |
| Hit and run | 6 points |
| Driving with a suspended or revoked license | 6 points |
If you're convicted of a violation, the points are added to your record. If you're found not guilty or the charge is dismissed, no points are added. It's the conviction that triggers the points, not the ticket itself.
How to check your current point total
You can find out exactly how many points are on your driving record by contacting the SCDMV directly. Call their customer service line at 803-896-5000 to speak with someone who can tell you your current total. Have your driver's license number ready when you call.
You can also request a copy of your driving record online through the SCDMV website. A certified copy costs a small fee, but it gives you an official document showing every violation and point on your record. This is useful if you want to dispute a violation or understand exactly what's counting against you.
Suspension periods based on how many times you've been suspended
Your first suspension is typically the shortest. If this is your first time reaching 12 points, your license will usually be suspended for a period determined by the SCDMV—often several months. You'll receive a notice in the mail telling you the exact suspension start date and length.
If you've been suspended before, the suspension period gets longer. A second suspension within a certain timeframe is longer than the first, and a third suspension is longer still. The SCDMV considers your entire driving history when calculating how long to suspend your license. Repeat suspensions can result in periods of a year or more.
During a suspension, you cannot legally drive. Driving on a suspended license is itself a violation that adds 6 points to your record and can result in criminal charges, fines, and jail time depending on the circumstances.
What happens when you reach 12 points
The SCDMV doesn't send you a warning when you're close to 12 points. You'll receive official notice only after your license has been suspended. The notice will arrive by mail and will include the suspension period, the date it begins, and information about how to reinstate your license.
You cannot drive legally during the suspension period, even for work or emergencies. Some states offer hardship licenses that allow limited driving, but South Carolina's process for obtaining one is strict and not may provide. Your best option is to wait out the suspension period and then complete reinstatement.
How to reinstate your license after suspension
Reinstatement requires two main steps: waiting out the suspension period and paying a reinstatement fee. The fee varies but is typically between $100 and $200. You'll pay this fee when you visit the SCDMV office to reinstate your license.
Once your suspension period has ended, you can go to any SCDMV office with your driver's license and payment. Bring a valid form of identification and be prepared to show proof of payment. The SCDMV will process your reinstatement on the spot, and you'll be able to drive legally again.
If you accumulate more violations before your suspension ends, the suspension period may be extended. This is why it's important to avoid any traffic violations while your license is suspended—the consequences compound quickly.
How to reduce points on your record
South Carolina allows you to reduce points through a defensive driving course. If you complete an approved defensive driving course, the SCDMV will reduce 4 points from your record. You can do this once every 12 months, and you can reduce a maximum of 8 points over any three-year period using this method.
To take a defensive driving course, you must find one approved by the SCDMV. Many are offered online and can be completed in a few hours. The course costs money—typically between $20 and $50—but the point reduction can keep you from reaching 12 points or help you recover faster after a suspension.
The point reduction doesn't happen automatically. After you complete the course, you'll receive a certificate. You must submit this certificate to the SCDMV to have the points removed from your record. Keep a copy for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive at all while my license is suspended?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in South Carolina and carries serious penalties including fines, jail time, and additional points on your record. The only exception is if you obtain a hardship license, which requires proving you have a critical need to drive and meeting strict conditions set by the SCDMV.
How long does it take for points to come off my record?
Points stay on your record for three years from the conviction date. After three years, they stop counting toward your 12-point total, but they remain visible on your driving record. They don't disappear entirely—they just stop affecting your suspension may be able to access.
What if I got a ticket but wasn't convicted?
If you were found not guilty or the charge was dismissed, no points are added to your record. Only convictions result in points. If you believe points were added in error, contact the SCDMV with documentation of your not-guilty verdict or dismissal.
Can I dispute points on my record?
You can dispute points if you believe the conviction was recorded incorrectly or if you have documentation showing the violation was dismissed or you were found not guilty. Contact the SCDMV with your evidence. If the original conviction is overturned, the points will be removed.
Does a defensive driving course remove points that are already on my record?
Yes. Completing an approved defensive driving course removes 4 points from your record. You can do this once every 12 months, up to a maximum of 8 points removed in any three-year period. You must submit your course certificate to the SCDMV to process the removal.