SC License Suspended for Points? What to Do Now
South Carolina requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
Get My Point-Reduction Insurance QuoteSouth Carolina at a Glance
25/50/25
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Required
Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy
$100
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in South Carolina
South Carolina operates a point-accumulation system where moving violations add points to your driving record and trigger license suspension at defined thresholds. The state suspends your license for 12 points accumulated within 12 months or immediately upon any single 6-point violation. Points remain on your record for two years from the violation date. South Carolina allows defensive driving course completion once every three years to remove up to 4 points, and the state offers a route-restricted license during suspension for work, medical, and educational transportation.
Liability Insurance
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
SR-22 or FR-44 Filing (if applicable)
Route-Restricted License Coverage
What Drivers Pay in South Carolina
$327–$411/mo
Typical monthly rate in South Carolina, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- Two moving violations within 12 months signal pattern risk to carriers and typically double your base premium regardless of point total.
Find Coverage While Your Points Come Down
Get My Point-Reduction Insurance QuoteIf your license is suspended
Route Restricted Drivers License (DL-127); separate Provisional License for first-offense DUI/DUAC
application fee $100.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state acts on a lapse after 20 days.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points suspend your license in South Carolina?
South Carolina suspends your license at 12 points accumulated within 12 months or immediately upon any single 6-point violation. Points remain on your record for two years from the violation date. Speeding 15+ mph over the limit adds 4 points, reckless driving adds 6 points, and improper lane change adds 2 points.
Can I remove points from my South Carolina driving record?
South Carolina allows you to complete a defensive driving course once every three years to remove 4 points from your record. The course must be approved by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles and completed before your suspension begins. The DMV updates your point total within 10 business days of course completion.
Can I drive to work during a points suspension in South Carolina?
South Carolina offers a route-restricted license after 30 days of suspension for points. The restricted license allows travel to work, medical appointments, school, court-ordered programs, and religious services. You must submit proof of employment, a route map, and proof of insurance with your application to the DMV.
Do I need SR-22 after a points suspension in South Carolina?
South Carolina does not require SR-22 for crossing the 12-point threshold alone. However, if your most recent violation was reckless driving, speed contest, or a DUI, the DMV requires FR-44 filing for three years. FR-44 certifies double the state minimum liability limits at 50/100/50.
How long does a South Carolina points suspension last?
South Carolina suspends your license for 30 days for a first 12-point suspension, 60 days for a second suspension within three years, and 90 days for a third or subsequent suspension. Suspension begins when the DMV mails the notice to your address on file. You can apply for a route-restricted license after 30 days.
Coverage Types
Multi-Violation Driver Insurance
Coverage designed for drivers with multiple moving violations who no longer qualify for standard-market policies. Rates reflect elevated risk but remain significantly lower than SR-22 or FR-44 specialty programs.
High-Risk Auto Insurance
Specialty insurance for drivers suspended for points, with multiple violations, or who carry SR-22 or FR-44 filing requirements. Requires non-standard carrier placement and higher premiums.
Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. South Carolina requires 25/50/25 minimums, but multiple violations often require higher limits to secure affordable coverage.
SR-22 and FR-44 Insurance
Certificate filed by your carrier proving you carry minimum required coverage. FR-44 requires double the state minimum liability limits. Required for specific violations, not point-threshold suspension alone.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays your medical bills and lost wages if an uninsured driver hits you. South Carolina requires it at 25/50/25 unless you reject it in writing at policy inception.