The South Carolina Point System Explained: How to Keep Your Driving Record Clean

When you receive your South Carolina driver's license, you also take on the responsibility of understanding the state's traffic laws, including the driver's license point system. Managed by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV), this system assigns demerit points to your record for moving violations. Its purpose is to identify and correct patterns of unsafe driving.

Understanding how points are accrued and the serious consequences of accumulating too many is crucial for every driver, new or experienced. It's the key to keeping your driving privilege and avoiding costly insurance hikes.

How the SC Point System Works

When you are convicted of a moving violation in South Carolina, the SCDMV adds a specific number of points to your driving record. The more severe the traffic offense, the more points you will receive. These points remain on your record, and if you accumulate too many within a certain period, you will face penalties, including license suspension.

Points for Common Traffic Violations

Points for violations in South Carolina range from 2 to 6. Here is a breakdown of some of the most common offenses:

6-Point Violations (Most Severe)

Reckless Driving
Passing a Stopped School Bus
Speeding 25 mph or more over the posted limit
Hit and Run (with property damage)

4-Point Violations

Speeding more than 10 mph but less than 25 mph over the posted limit
Disobeying a Traffic Control Device (including stop signs and red lights)
Failure to Yield Right-of-Way
Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road
Following Too Closely (tailgating)

2-Point Violations

Speeding 10 mph or less over the posted limit
Improper Lane Change
Improper Backing
Failure to Signal or giving an improper signal
Operating a vehicle with defective brakes

The Consequences of Accumulating Points

The SCDMV will take action once your point total reaches specific thresholds. The number 12 is the most important one to remember.

Warning Letter at 6 Points: While not a formal action, accumulating 6 points will put you on the SCDMV's radar as a driver at risk.
License Suspension at 12 Points: If your driving record reaches 12 or more points, your license will be suspended.

The length of the suspension depends on your point total:

12 to 15 points: 3-month suspension
16 or 17 points: 4-month suspension
18 or 19 points: 5-month suspension
20 or more points: 6-month suspension

Special Rules for Teen Drivers

The system is stricter for drivers under the age of 17. If a teen driver accumulates more than 6 points, their license may be suspended for six months.

How to Reduce the Points on Your Record

South Carolina provides a way for drivers to be proactive and reduce the number of points on their record.

Defensive Driving Course: You can voluntarily complete a state-approved 8-hour "Defensive Driving" or "Driver Improvement" course. Upon providing the SCDMV with the certificate of completion, you can have up to 4 points removed from your record.
Limitations: You can only use this option to reduce your points once every three years. Taking the course will not prevent a suspension if you have already reached 12 points.

How Points are Cleared Over Time

Points assessed for a violation are valued at their full amount for 12 months from the date of the violation.
After 12 months, the point value for that specific violation is reduced by half.
After 24 months from the date of the violation, the points for that violation are completely removed from your record for suspension purposes (though the conviction itself remains on your full driving record).

The best way to manage the point system is to avoid getting points in the first place. Drive safely, obey all traffic laws, and be aware of the consequences. By staying informed and responsible, you can keep your record clean and fully enjoy your driving privilege in South an.