Traffic tickets in South Carolina can do more than bring a fine. Many violations add points to your driver’s license, and if the points add up, you could face a license suspension, higher insurance rates, and long-term damage to your driving record.
Attorney Joe Good works with drivers in Charleston County, Mt. Pleasant, and across South Carolina to help reduce points, fight tickets, and protect their driving privileges.
Fast & Easy: Send Us Your Ticket
If you want a quick review, you can simply take a photo of your ticket and send it directly to Attorney Joe Good:
📱 Text the photo to: 843-412-1401
📧 Email it to: [email protected]
Once sent, Attorney Good will review the ticket and respond promptly with guidance on your best next step and what outcomes may be possible.
How the South Carolina License Points System Works
South Carolina uses a point system to track driving violations. Each traffic offense carries a certain number of points. Too many points on your record leads to penalties:
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12 points or more → automatic license suspension
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Points stay active for 12 months, then are cut in half for the next 12 months
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Insurance companies see full points, even if the DMV reduces them later
This means that even a single ticket can affect your insurance long after DMV points drop.
Common Point Values for South Carolina Traffic Violations
Below are the most common point amounts assigned to various traffic violations. These are the same point values used statewide.
Six-Point Violations
These carry the highest point values and can quickly lead to a suspension:
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Reckless driving
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Passing a stopped school bus
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Speeding 25 mph or more above the limit
Four-Point Violations
Some of the most common violations fall into this range:
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Speeding 11–25 mph over the limit
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Running a stop sign
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Failure to yield
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Disobeying a traffic signal
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Improper lane change or unsafe movement
Two-Point Violations
Often linked to less severe infractions:
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Speeding 1–10 mph over the limit
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Failure to use turn signals
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Minor driving errors that do not involve risk to others
License Suspension for Too Many Points
South Carolina suspends driver’s licenses when a person reaches 12 points or more on their record.
Suspension times vary depending on the total number of points:
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12–15 points → 3-month suspension
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16–17 points → 4-month suspension
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18–19 points → 5-month suspension
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20+ points → 6-month suspension
Attorney Joe Good often helps drivers reduce the underlying points before a suspension begins, especially after a new ticket pushes them over the limit.
How Traffic Points Affect Your Insurance
Even though the South Carolina DMV cuts your point total in half after twelve months, insurance companies operate differently. They continue to see the full violation exactly as it was issued, including the complete point value and the type of offense written on the ticket. Because insurers assess risk based on this unadjusted information, a single citation—especially those carrying higher point values—can cause rates to rise for several years. Six-point offenses, such as reckless driving or high-speed violations, often lead to the most significant increases, but even a minor speeding ticket can make premiums climb.
Why Work With a South Carolina Traffic Attorney?
Working with Attorney Joe Good gives drivers a clear advantage when facing point-related issues. He reviews the ticket closely, looking for opportunities to reduce the charge or challenge the details. In many cases, he can negotiate an amended citation that carries fewer points, which helps drivers avoid unnecessary insurance increases or a possible suspension. Out-of-state drivers especially benefit from his representation, as Joe can often appear in court on their behalf, saving them a trip back to South Carolina. He also assists with point disputes and DMV misunderstandings, helping drivers get accurate information and fair treatment. Many matters can be handled without you ever having to appear in court.
Talk With a South Carolina Traffic Attorney About Points & Penalties
If you’re dealing with a ticket that may add points to your South Carolina license, Attorney Joe Good can help you understand the penalties and work to reduce the impact on your record and insurance. Reach out today to schedule a consultation or send your ticket for a fast review.
📱 Text the photo to: 843-412-1401
📧 Email it to: [email protected]
You’ll get a quick response with clear next steps and what outcomes may be possible.
Can Points Be Reduced or Removed?
Yes. Drivers have several options:
1. Fighting the Ticket in Court
If Attorney Joe Good can get the charge reduced or dismissed, the points may drop or disappear.
2. Completing a Defensive Driving Course
South Carolina allows drivers to remove up to four points every three years by taking a state-approved course.
3. Reductions Negotiated in Court
Many tickets can be amended to lower-point violations, helping protect your record and insurance rates.
