South Carolina traffic citations may be handed down for a multitude of driving or non-driving offenses. If drivers are not interested in contesting a traffic ticket in SC, they may simply pay the fines associated with their citation, thus resolving the ticket issue. Specific require motorists to appear in court to settle their case. Learn more about how to resolve your ticket problems by reading the sections below.

Fighting a South Carolina Ticket

The procedure of fighting traffic citations in SC generally requires drivers to plead “not guilty” to their charges. Since the steps to dispute traffic citations may vary by county, contact the court in the county where you received your ticket for more detailed information. In general, drivers who wish to beat a traffic ticket will need to appear in court in due time to enter their plea.

During their trial, motorists may the tickets other types of citations by presenting their case and any credible witnesses or evidence. Failure to prove their innocence in court may have adverse effects on their license and driving record, in addition to paying large fines and costs. A traffic lawyer may be able to help you with your case and could get your penalty lessened.

Paying a South Carolina Ticket

When paying driving fines in South Carolina, drivers decide to settle their ticket by admitting their guilt to the offense in question. South Carolina traffic tickets payment methods generally depend on the county of residence and the court handling your case. Paying traffic citations online is offered by most state courts.

If you are not eligible to provide payment via the internet, you may do so personally or by mail. Note that you are generally required to finalize the payment procedure by the due date listed on your ticket. Visit the “How to Pay Traffic Tickets” page for more details.

Lost Tickets in South Carolina

SC traffic citation information is necessary in order to respond to your ticket timely and properly. Regardless of whether you opt for paying traffic tickets online (if available) or contest your citation, you will need the details displayed on the form to finalize either procedure. Therefore, if you have lost your ticket, you may obtain the necessary information (citation number, date and amount due) by contacting the corresponding municipal or magistrate court.

South Carolina Fines and Penalties

Ticket violation payments in SC are generally submitted following an unsuccessful traffic ticket defense. South Carolina traffic tickets payment fees may vary depending on the county of residence and the severity of the offense.

Typically, court-imposed costs and surcharges are added to the base fine. The following list outlines several fines plus court fees in Summerville, SC:

• Following too closely – $237.50
• Improper parking – $237.50
• Reckless driving – $445
• Operating under suspension (first offense) – $652.50

Note: DUI charges, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, usually incur greater penalties. A DUI is also much more difficult to fight in court.

Points in South Carolina

Each traffic violation in South Carolina will be assigned a specific number of demerit points, which are then posted to your driving record. In case of an out-of-state traffic violation, demerit points will also be placed against your report. The following are some examples of infractions which incur SC traffic tickets along with their corresponding points:

• Improper backing – 2 points
• Operating too fast for conditions (10 mph or less) – 2 points
• Following too closely – 4 points
• Driving through/within a safety zone – 4 points
• Reckless driving – 6 points

Note: Though points are generally reduced by half after one year, you may also earn a four-point deduction by successfully completing a defensive driving course.

How Tickets Affect a South Carolina Drivers License

Motorists who are not able to beat a traffic ticket in South Carolina are at risk of incurring serious penalties. Convictions of traffic violations committed within or out of state are placed against driving transcripts, thus causing the accumulation of demerit points.

Motorists who amass 12 or more points will be issued a suspended driving license per the state point system law. Certain SC traffic violations, such as operating while under the influence, will not result in negative driving points. Motorists convicted of such offenses will incur an immediate suspension of their driving privileges instead.

South Carolina Car Insurance Fines and Violations

The issuance of several traffic citations in South Carolina due to different violations may also cause an increase in your vehicle insurance rates. Convictions of traffic violations are posted to driving reports, which may ultimately lead to higher coverage premiums. Review the possibility of completing a traffic school course prior to renewing your insurance policy in order to earn a discount.

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