How Many Points to Suspend a License in South Carolina

So, you’ve chosen to treat every South Carolina road like it’s your personal Daytona 500. Your lead foot’s got you whizzing past those so-called “speed limit” signs, and you’ve decided red lights are merely a suggestion. Bless your heart.

The exhilarating freedom of the open road, and especially the left lane, is undeniable. But hold your horsepower—before you go full ‘Fast and the Furious,’ you might want to consider how close you are to trading in your car keys for a bus pass.

The Nitty-Gritty: South Carolina Point System

In the Palmetto State, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) keeps track of your driving blunders with a point system. Accumulate enough, and it’s game over, my friend.

Here’s the point breakdown for some common violations:

• Speeding (10 mph or less over the limit): 2 points
• Speeding (11-24 mph over the limit): 4 points
• Speeding (25 mph or more over the limit): 6 points
• Running a red light: 4 points
• Failure to yield right-of-way: 4 points
• Reckless driving: 6 points

You get the idea. Rack up 12 points or more, and the long arm of the law is reaching for your driver’s license. You’ll have plenty of time to ponder your choices as you stare at the Uber price surges during happy hour.

Losing Points: The DMV’s Version of Weight Loss

The DMV isn’t heartless; they want you to reform. Every year, half of the points on your record magically disappear. But don’t get too cocky. If you accumulate 12 or more points, you’ll face suspension, ranging from three to six months. Yikes.

The Financial Detour

Let’s talk about your wallet, shall we? On top of the fines, court costs, and potential increases in your insurance premiums, you’ll also have to face the reality of ride-share expenses.

Without a car, you’re at the mercy of Uber, Lyft, and yes, even public transport.

A quick back-of-the-napkin calculation will make you realize that you’re not just losing your license—you’re practically donating your life savings to gig economy drivers named Brad who want to discuss their podcast with you.

To Sum It Up: Don’t Be a Statistic

Sure, the open road beckons with the allure of limitless speed and carefree journeys. But reality bites. You get carried away, and next thing you know, you’re bumming rides, counting bus stops, and shivering at the term “surge pricing.”

So slow down, tiger. Your license—and your freedom—depend on it. Drive safe, or else start practicing that bus schedule. Trust me, it’s not as rhythmic as your favorite driving playlist.