What are points on my driver’s license?

If you have a driver’s license or a driver’s permit in South Carolina, you should know that your ability to retain your driving privileges relies in part on the number, frequency or type of violations you may receive. Most drivers get a traffic ticket at some point in their life and this certainly does not mean that they are reckless or negligent drivers, yet these tickets may contribute to a person’s license being suspended for a while.

Most types of traffic violations end up adding some amount of points on a person’s driving record. The number of points added varies based on the nature of the violation. If too many points amass on a person’s record, their license may be suspended. Some people may be eligible to avoid suspension by successfully completing an approved defensive driving course. This course, however, must be completed before the start of the suspension period or else the person may not be eligible for this option.

Some people may not be able to take this course. These include drivers with beginner permits, provisional licenses or restricted licenses. After receiving six points on their record, these drivers may serve a six-month suspension. Over time, points come off a driver’s record as well. Twelve months after being added to a driver’s record, points may be halved.

This information is not intended to provide legal advice but is instead meant to give residents who hold drivers’ licenses in South Carolina an overview of how their ability to drive may be impacted by violations that result in points being added to their driving records.