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SC License Suspended for Points? What to Do Now

South Carolina suspends your license at 12 points in 12 months or a single 6-point violation. Most readers here accumulated points across multiple speeding or moving violations and crossed the threshold after a final ticket. You need to understand South Carolina's point expiry timeline, whether defensive driving can reduce your total, and how to apply for a route-restricted license if work transportation depends on driving.

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Updated May 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.

South Carolina cityscape and street view
25/50/25
Liability Insurance
South Carolina requires $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. You must carry liability continuously during suspension and after reinstatement. If you let coverage lapse after reinstatement, the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles suspends your license again and requires FR-44 filing for three years.
25/50/25 or signed rejection
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
South Carolina requires uninsured motorist coverage at the same limits as liability unless you reject it in writing at policy inception. Verbal rejection does not count. Carriers writing post-suspension policies often include this automatically, adding $15–$25 per month to your premium. If you want to reject it, request the UM rejection form before the policy binds.
Varies by triggering offense
SR-22 or FR-44 Filing (if applicable)
South Carolina does not require SR-22 filing for crossing the 12-point threshold alone. However, if your most recent violation was reckless driving, speed contest, or a second DUI, the DMV requires FR-44 filing for three years. FR-44 certifies double the state minimum liability limits: 50/100/50. Clarify your filing requirement with the South Carolina DMV before purchasing coverage.
25/50/25
Route-Restricted License Coverage
South Carolina allows drivers suspended for points to apply for a route-restricted license after 30 days of suspension. The restricted license permits travel to work, medical appointments, school, court-ordered programs, and religious services. You must carry continuous liability insurance and submit proof of need and employment with your DMV application. Processing typically takes 10–15 business days.
State-Mandated Minimum Coverage · South Carolina

South Carolina Minimum Coverage

CoverageMinimum
Bodily Injury (per person)$25,000,000
Bodily Injury (per accident)$50,000,000
Property Damage$25,000,000

License Reinstatement Fee$100

Meeting the state minimum keeps you legal. See whether it's enough — get your South Carolina quote.

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How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in South Carolina?

South Carolina rates increase sharply after multiple moving violations because carriers price on three-year loss history and points reflect crash risk. Speeding 15+ mph over the limit adds 4 points and raises premiums 20–35%. Two speeding violations within 12 months typically double your base rate. Drivers suspended for points pay $190–$280 per month on average after reinstatement.

What Affects Your Rate

  • Speeding 15+ mph over the limit adds 4 points in South Carolina and raises rates 25–35% with most carriers for three years.
  • Reckless driving adds 6 points and triggers immediate suspension plus FR-44 filing requirement, increasing premiums 60–90%.
  • Two moving violations within 12 months signal pattern risk to carriers and typically double your base premium regardless of point total.
  • Completing a South Carolina-approved defensive driving course removes 4 points from your record and qualifies you for a 5–10% premium discount with most carriers.
  • Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville zip codes carry 10–15% higher base rates than rural South Carolina counties due to traffic density and claim frequency.
  • Maintaining continuous coverage for 12 months post-reinstatement with no new violations opens access to standard-market carriers and reduces rates 15–25%.
Minimum Coverage
$145–$210/mo
State minimum liability only. No collision or comprehensive. Available from standard carriers if you have two or fewer violations and no suspension longer than 60 days.
Standard Coverage
$210–$320/mo
Liability at 50/100/50, uninsured motorist, and $500 deductible collision and comprehensive. Standard tier requires at least 30 days post-reinstatement with no new violations.
Full Coverage
$320–$450/mo
Enhanced liability limits at 100/300/100, uninsured and underinsured motorist, and $250 deductible comprehensive and collision. Available 90 days after reinstatement if no additional incidents appear.

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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.

Find Your City in South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina cityscape and street view

Charleston

urban
Columbia, South Carolina cityscape and street view

Columbia

urban
North Charleston, South Carolina cityscape and street view

North Charleston

suburban
Wooden pier extending over water at sunset with marsh grasses in foreground and orange sky

Mount Pleasant

suburban
Park walking path with bench and small dog among tall trees and fallen leaves

Rock Hill

suburban
Greenville, South Carolina cityscape and street view

Greenville

urban
Suburban street with houses and orange tile roofs during golden hour lighting

Summerville

suburban
Evening street scene with glowing street lamps, parked cars, and landscaped flower beds in downtown area

Spartanburg

urban

Frequently Asked Questions

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