South Carolina License Points Lookup
Enter your point total to see where it sits against South Carolina's levels, how long points count, and whether a course can help, from South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles and South Carolina law. Runs in your browser; nothing is stored.
Official sources checked on October 21, 2026.
Use the total from your official driving record if you have it.
Or add up violations
Point values from the state schedule. Tick each conviction.
Uses a point system
South Carolina
South Carolina assigns points to traffic convictions by a schedule in state law, and a total of 12 points can lead the DMV to suspend the license for three to six months depending on the total.
Other consequences
A driver suspended for points who works or attends college may apply for a special restricted license to drive to and from work or school; the fee is $100.
Other consequences
Violations used for a points suspension are not counted again toward a later points suspension.
How long points count
Points from violations in the 12 months up to the latest violation count at full value, points from 12 to 24 months before it count at half value, and older points are not counted.
Point reduction or driver improvement
Completing the National Safety Council's Defensive Driving Course or an approved equivalent after points are assessed reduces the total by four points, no more than once in any three-year period.
Check your official record
Free online summary of your record points; three-year or ten-year record bought online. The page states the full report is $10, and a mail request on form MV-70 includes a $10 payment.
Runs in your browser. Nothing you choose or type is stored or sent.
How South Carolina license points work
South Carolina assigns points to traffic convictions by a schedule in state law, and a total of 12 points can lead the DMV to suspend the license for three to six months depending on the total. (S.C. Code § 56-1-740)
The rule is set in S.C. Code §§ 56-1-720 to 56-1-770.
South Carolina point levels
Adult (full license)
- 12 points: 12 to 15 points: three months' suspension (S.C. Code § 56-1-740)
- 16 points: 16 or 17 points: four months' suspension (S.C. Code § 56-1-740)
- 18 points: 18 or 19 points: five months' suspension (S.C. Code § 56-1-740)
- 20 points: 20 points and over: six months' suspension (S.C. Code § 56-1-740)
Beginner's permit, conditional or special restricted license
- 6 points: license suspended for six months (S.C. Code § 56-1-185)
Points for common violations in South Carolina
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Speeding no more than 10 mph over | 2 |
| Speeding more than 10 but less than 25 mph over | 4 |
| Speeding 25 mph or more over | 6 |
| Reckless driving | 6 |
| Passing a stopped school bus | 6 |
| Hit-and-run, property damage only | 6 |
| Disobeying an official traffic control device | 4 |
| Failing to yield right-of-way | 4 |
| Following too closely | 4 |
| Passing unlawfully | 4 |
| Distracted driving (second or later offense) | 2 |
| Shifting lanes without safety precaution | 2 |
The full schedule is in S.C. Code § 56-1-720 (schedule of points).
How long points count in South Carolina
Points from violations in the 12 months up to the latest violation count at full value, points from 12 to 24 months before it count at half value, and older points are not counted. (S.C. Code § 56-1-750)
Point reduction and driver improvement in South Carolina
Completing the National Safety Council's Defensive Driving Course or an approved equivalent after points are assessed reduces the total by four points, no more than once in any three-year period. (S.C. Code § 56-1-770)
Tickets from another state
A conviction in another state for something that would be a traffic violation in South Carolina may be recorded against the driver as if it happened in South Carolina. (S.C. Code Title 56, Chapter 1)
Other consequences
- A driver suspended for points who works or attends college may apply for a special restricted license to drive to and from work or school; the fee is $100. (S.C. Code § 56-1-740(B))
- Violations used for a points suspension are not counted again toward a later points suspension. (S.C. Code § 56-1-760)
- Warning tickets do not carry points. (S.C. Code § 56-1-730)
What this page does not do
- It does not read your driving record. Only South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles can confirm your current total.
- It does not predict a suspension: levels count only convictions inside each window, and the agency decides.
- It does not cover commercial (CDL) disqualifications or DUI suspensions, which follow separate rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points before your license is suspended or revoked in South Carolina?
South Carolina's first level for an adult license is 12 points: 12 to 15 points: three months' suspension. Lower levels apply to some younger or provisional drivers; see the levels above.
How long do points stay on your license in South Carolina?
Points from violations in the 12 months up to the latest violation count at full value, points from 12 to 24 months before it count at half value, and older points are not counted.
Can you remove points from your license in South Carolina?
Completing the National Safety Council's Defensive Driving Course or an approved equivalent after points are assessed reduces the total by four points, no more than once in any three-year period.
How do I check my driving record in South Carolina?
Request it from South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles: SCDMV: Get My Driving Record. Free online summary of your record points; three-year or ten-year record bought online. The page states the full report is $10, and a mail request on form MV-70 includes a $10 payment.
Sources
Official sources checked on October 21, 2026. General information, not legal advice.
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