In South Carolina, traffic violations are not just about fines; they carry a weight in the form of “points” that the SCDMV tracks. Accumulating points can lead to increased insurance premiums and, eventually, the mandatory suspension of your driving privileges. Understanding your current standing is the first step in avoiding these consequences.
This guide provides the updated 2026 procedures for checking your driving record and explains how South Carolina’s point system works to keep you legally on the road.
How to Check Your SC License Points Online
The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) allows you to check your point total through their official web portal. This service remains free for a summary view.
- Visit the SCDMV Website: Go to the official SCDMV Driver Record Points Summary page.
- Verify Your Identity: You will need your Driver’s License number, Social Security Number (SSN), and Date of Birth.
- Confirm Your Address: Ensure your residence is correct; if it’s outdated, you should complete a South Carolina DMV address change immediately to ensure you receive future warning notices.
- View Your Summary: The system will display your current point total. Note that this is a summary; if you need a full history for employment or insurance, you must purchase a Certified Driving Record for $10.
South Carolina Traffic Violation Point Table (2026 Update)
Points are assigned based on the severity of the offense. New distracted driving laws have been integrated into the state’s enforcement schedule.
| Violation Type | Points | Duration on Record |
| Reckless Driving | 6 | 2 Years |
| Passing a Stopped School Bus | 6 | 2 Years |
| Speeding (25+ mph over limit) | 6 | 2 Years |
| Disobeying Traffic Signal/Officer | 4 | 2 Years |
| Following Too Closely (Tailgating) | 4 | 2 Years |
| Speeding (11–24 mph over limit) | 4 | 2 Years |
| Distracted Driving (Subsequent Offense) | 2 | 2 Years |
| Speeding (1–10 mph over limit) | 2 | 2 Years |
| Improper Lane Usage / Backing | 2 | 2 Years |
Mandatory Rule: Your points are reduced by half after exactly one year from the date of conviction. They disappear completely from your total after two years.
Suspension Thresholds and Point Reduction
If you check points on your license in SC and see a high total, you must take action before reaching the 12-point limit, which triggers an automatic suspension.
- 6 Points: The SCDMV will mail you a formal warning letter.
- 12+ Points: Your license is suspended. The length of suspension depends on your total:
- 12–15 points: 3 months
- 16–17 points: 4 months
- 18–19 points: 5 months
- 20+ points: 6 months
How to Reduce Your Points
You don’t have to wait for time to pass. You can proactively remove 4 points from your record once every three years by completing an SCDMV-approved Defensive Driving Course. This is highly recommended if you are at 8 or 10 points and want to avoid the need to reinstate a suspended license in SC later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. South Carolina is part of the Driver License Compact. If you are convicted of a violation out-of-state, the information is sent to the SCDMV, and points are assessed as if the violation happened in South Carolina.
Driving Under Suspension (DUS) is a serious criminal offense in SC. A first offense can result in a $300 fine and up to 30 days in jail, along with an additional 90-day extension of your suspension.
No. Unlike North Carolina, South Carolina does not recognize “Prayer for Judgment Continued” (PJC). If you are convicted or pay the fine, the points will be added to your record.
Insurance companies see the violations on your record, not necessarily the SCDMV point balance. They use their own internal point systems to calculate your premium rates.
Conclusion
Staying informed about your South Carolina point total is the best defense against a sudden license suspension. By checking your record online and utilizing defensive driving courses when necessary, you maintain control over your driving privileges. Your next step should be to log into the SCDMV portal to verify your current point balance and ensure your contact information is up to date.
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