South Carolina Driver’s License Points: Complete Guide

South Carolina license points are used to track certain traffic violations on a driver’s record. When a driver is convicted of a qualifying violation in South Carolina or another state, the conviction and applicable points may be added to the driver’s SCDMV record.

According to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, existing points are reduced by half one year after the violation date. Eligible drivers may also qualify for point reduction by completing an approved eight-hour defensive driving course, subject to South Carolina’s eligibility and timing requirements.

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How South Carolina License Points Work

South Carolina law assigns point values to certain traffic violations. When the SCDMV receives information about a qualifying traffic conviction, the conviction and corresponding points are placed on the driver’s record. The number of points generally depends on the type and severity of the violation. As points accumulate, a driver may face warnings or license suspension, depending on the license type and total number of active points.

Paying a ticket adds the points. Points are assessed after a conviction, and under SC law paying the fine counts as a conviction (SC Code § 56-1-10). Convictions in other states are also reported to the SCDMV and posted to a South Carolina record.

South Carolina Traffic Violations and Point Values

South Carolina assigns between two and six points to the traffic violations included in its statutory point schedule. More serious violations generally receive more points. The table below summarizes the current point values listed in Section 56-1-720 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.

Six-Point Traffic Violations

Four-Point Traffic Violations

Two-Point Traffic Violations

Pending change: Senate Bill 705 (2026) would raise disobeying a traffic-control device from 4 to 6 points. It was referred to the Senate Transportation Committee on January 13, 2026 (S.705).

How Long Do Points Stay on a South Carolina License?

According to the SCDMV, points on a South Carolina driving record are reduced by half one year after the violation date shown on the ticket. For example, a four-point violation would count as two active points after one year. The conviction may still appear on the driving record even after its active point value has been reduced.

Under Section 56-1-750 of the South Carolina Code, when a driver’s point total is calculated after a violation, points resulting from violations more than 24 months before the latest violation are not counted. This point calculation is different from deleting the conviction itself from the driver’s record.

How Many Points Can Suspend a South Carolina Driver’s License?

For a regular South Carolina driver’s license, 12 active points may result in suspension under the state point system. The suspension period increases as the number of active points increases. Different and stricter rules may apply to beginner’s permits, conditional licenses, special restricted licenses, commercial drivers, and violations that carry mandatory suspension outside the point system.

Regular License Point-Suspension Schedule

Source: South Carolina Code Section 56-1-740.

Beginner’s Permits and Restricted Licenses

The SCDMV states that a driver holding a beginner’s permit, conditional license, or special restricted license will have driving privileges suspended for six months after accumulating six or more points. Completing a defensive driving course after that excessive-points suspension begins will not reinstate the suspended driving privilege.

For a teen or new driver, one 6-point ticket, or a 4-point and a 2-point ticket, is enough to trigger that six-month suspension (SC Code § 56-1-185).

There is a short window to respond. A driver can request a review within 10 days of a points suspension notice (SC Code § 56-1-820), and has until the suspension starts to complete a point reduction course.

How the South Carolina Four-Point Reduction Course Works

An eligible South Carolina driver who has accumulated points may have four points removed after successfully completing an approved defensive driving course. The course must be completed after the points have been assessed, must meet South Carolina’s eight-hour requirement, and must be taught through an approved program. A driver’s points may be reduced through this process only once during a three-year period.

Key Four-Point Reduction Requirements

• Points must already have been assessed before the course is completed.
• The approved course must include at least eight hours of instruction.
• The course and instructor must meet South Carolina approval requirements.
• A driver may receive this point reduction only once in a three-year period.
• If suspension is approaching, the course must be completed before the suspension begins.
• Completing the course after a point suspension begins will not cancel that suspension.

Official references: SCDMV Points System and South Carolina Code Section 56-1-770.

Does a Four-Point Reduction Course Remove the Traffic Ticket?

No. A four-point reduction changes the number of active points used in the South Carolina point system; it does not erase the underlying traffic ticket, dismiss the court case, cancel a fine, or guarantee an insurance-rate change. Drivers should separately follow all instructions provided by the court, SCDMV, employer, or insurance company.

How to Check Points on a South Carolina Driving Record

Drivers should check their own SCDMV driving record instead of estimating their active points from old tickets. The official record shows reported convictions and the points charged under South Carolina’s point system. This is especially important before registering for a point-reduction course because the course must be completed after the applicable points have been assessed.

Check your official South Carolina driving-record points summary through the SCDMV.

If you need points removed, our state-approved 4 point reduction class is taught live online for $95.