Can I Still Drive With Points on My License in SC?

You just got a speeding ticket. Or maybe you ran a red light. Perhaps you were following too closely and got cited for it.

Now you’re worried about points going on your South Carolina driver’s license and what that means for your ability to drive.

Can you still get behind the wheel? Will your insurance go up? How many points until they take your license away?

Here’s what you need to know about driving with points on your license in South Carolina.

Yes, You Can Drive With Points in SC—Until You Hit the Limit

South Carolina uses a point system to track traffic violations, but you can continue driving as long as you stay below the suspension threshold.

Under South Carolina Code § 56-1-460, your license gets suspended when you accumulate:

Suspension thresholds:

• 12 or more points within 12 months
• 18 or more points within 24 months

So if you have 6 points on your record, you can still drive legally. But if you get another violation that pushes you over 12 points in a year, your license will be suspended.

How Many Points Do Common Violations Carry?

Every traffic violation in South Carolina carries a specific point value. Some violations are worse than others.

Common traffic violations and their point values:

• Reckless driving = 6 points
• Passing a stopped school bus = 6 points
• Driving too fast for conditions = 4 points
• Speeding (10+ mph over the limit) = 4 points
• Following too closely = 4 points
• Running a red light or stop sign = 4 points
• Improper lane change = 4 points
• Speeding (less than 10 mph over) = 2 points
• Improper turn = 2 points
• Failure to yield right of way = 2 points

Two speeding tickets in a year (at 4 points each) won’t suspend your license. But three speeding tickets totaling 12 points? That triggers suspension.

You can check your current point total by requesting your driving record from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.

What Happens When You Reach 12 Points?

Once you hit the suspension threshold, the South Carolina DMV will automatically suspend your driver’s license. You’ll receive a notice in the mail informing you of the suspension and its duration.

What to expect when your license is suspended:

• The length of suspension depends on your point accumulation pattern and driving history
• The DMV determines suspension periods based on the severity and frequency of violations
• You cannot legally drive during the suspension period
• Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense with additional fines, jail time, and extended suspension
• After serving your suspension, you’ll need to pay a $100 reinstatement fee to get your license back

Points Don’t Stay on Your License Forever

Here’s some good news: points don’t accumulate indefinitely. South Carolina removes points from your record after a certain period.

Under South Carolina law, points remain on your driving record for two years from the date of the violation. After two years, those points drop off automatically.

So if you got a speeding ticket (4 points) in January 2023, those points will be removed from your record in January 2025.

This is why the DMV looks at points accumulated within specific time frames—12 months or 24 months—rather than your entire driving history.

How Points Affect Your Car Insurance Rates

Even if you don’t lose your license, points on your driving record will likely increase your insurance premiums. Insurance companies view points as evidence of risky driving behavior.

Typical insurance rate increases:

• 2 points = 10-20% increase
• 4 points = 20-40% increase
• 6 points = 40-60% increase or more

The exact increase depends on your insurance company, your driving history, and the type of violation. Some companies are more forgiving than others, but expect your rates to go up for at least three years after a violation.

If you accumulate enough points to trigger a license suspension, your insurance costs could skyrocket—or your insurer might drop you altogether.

Can You Reduce Points on Your License?

Yes. South Carolina offers a way to remove points from your driving record by completing a defensive driving course.

Under South Carolina Code § 56-1-720, you can take an approved driver training course to reduce your point total by four points.

Requirements:

• You can only use this option once every three years
• The course must be approved by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
• You must complete the course before your license is suspended

This means if you have 10 points and take the course, you’ll drop down to 6 points—giving you breathing room before hitting the 12-point suspension threshold.

Many drivers use this strategically when they’re getting close to suspension limits.

Fighting the Ticket Can Prevent Points Altogether

Here’s what many people don’t realize: you don’t have to accept the points. If you fight the ticket and win, no points go on your record.

Common negotiation outcomes:

• Speeding (4 points) reduced to improper equipment (0 points)
• Running a red light (4 points) reduced to failure to obey traffic device (2 points)
• Reckless driving (6 points) reduced to speeding (4 points)

The key is not simply paying the ticket. Once you pay, you’re admitting guilt—and the points go on your record automatically.

What If You’re Close to Suspension?

If you’re sitting at 8 or 10 points and you just got another ticket, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either.

Your options:

• Fight the ticket in court to avoid the conviction and points
• Take a defensive driving course to reduce your current points before the new violation is processed
• Hire an attorney to negotiate a plea to a lesser charge

Time matters.

Once you hit 12 points, your license is suspended automatically. But if you act quickly, you may be able to keep points off your record or reduce your total below the suspension threshold.

Driving With Points on Your License? We Can Help

At Okoye Law, we help drivers throughout Rock Hill, Fort Mill, and York County fight traffic tickets and keep points off their licenses. We know that losing your license means losing your ability to work, support your family, and live your life.

We can help you:

• Fight traffic tickets to avoid points
• Negotiate plea agreements to reduce charges
• Check your driving record and assess your situation
• Advise you on defensive driving courses
• Represent you in court

Don’t let points pile up until it’s too late. If you’ve been cited for a traffic violation in South Carolina, contact Okoye Law today.