New to SC? Make sure you’re not driving with a suspended license. Here’s how
As newcomers flow into South Carolina to take advantage of its southern charm and picturesque beaches, many of them could be driving with suspended licenses and not even know it.
In South Carolina, a first offense of being caught driving with a suspended driver’s license can result in a $300 fine and up to 30 days in jail. From there, the consequences only increase in severity.
If a newcomer moving to South Carolinahas a valid driver’s license from another state, they must apply for an S.C. driver’s license within 45 days of establishing permanent residency within the state and turn in their out-of-state license. Operating a vehicle with an out-of-state license past this grace period is one way new residents could face penalties.
To get an S.C. driver’s license, one must bring all of the following to their local SCDMV branch, according to the SCDMV website:
- Proof of identity, U.S. residency and date of birth, like a valid U.S. passport or government-issued birth certificate.
- Social Security number.
- Proof of their current physical S.C. address. Two proofs are needed to obtain a REAL ID.
- Proof of legal name change, if applicable.
In addition, passing a vision test and paying all applicable fees are required to obtain an S.C. driver’s license. Eight-year driver’s licenses are $25.
When moving residences within the state, drivers have 10 days after moving to update the address on their license. This will automatically update other vehicle and driver records.
Newcomers also have 45 days to transfer their vehicle registrations into the state upon moving. Before doing so, they must pay all applicable property taxes at the county auditor’s office. They must also update their insurance with their new S.C. address.
To register a vehicle in S.C., all of the following must be brought to the SCDMV, according to the agency website:
- A completed title application.
- Out-of-state vehicle title and/or registration, or lien information.
- Identification, such as an out-of-state driver’s license or learner’s permit, or valid U.S. passport.
- Liability insurance company information.
- Power of attorney, if the vehicle is being leased.
- Paid property tax receipt from the county treasurer.
- $250 infrastructure maintenance fee and payment for title and registration.
Common causes of SC license suspension
Once new residents have all of their S.C. licensing and vehicle needs squared away, there are still some factors to be aware of to ensure they’re driving legally.
Master Trooper William Bennett of the South Carolina Highway Patrol said that some of the most common reasons he sees licenses get suspended are unpaid traffic tickets or property taxes, and changing addresses or insurance policies without notifying the DMV.
Here are some of the most common reasons why an S.C. driver’s license may be suspended without the driver being immediately aware.
1. Failure to pay tickets or fines
An S.C. driver’s license may be suspended if traffic tickets and fines have gone unpaid. These suspensions remain in effect until the outstanding balances are paid, and a license reinstatement fee must be paid at the SCDMV.
Bennett explained that many states have “agreements” when it comes to traffic tickets, so an unpaid ticket in one state could impact a license from another.
“For example, if you didn’t pay a ticket in North Carolina, your license could be suspended here and vice versa,” he said.
2. Lapses in insurance coverage
A lapse in insurance coverage can lead to the suspension of one’s license and vehicle registration in S.C. The SCDMV is notified when a policy is canceled or expires, and penalties may be applied.
Bennet noted the importance of ensuring that the SCDMV is notified when a new insurance policy is enacted to avoid suspensions.
3. Medical issues
If medical or vision issues are reported by a healthcare provider or discovered during license renewal, they could lead to the suspension of an S.C. driver’s license. Common examples of medical issues that could lead to suspension are epilepsy and diabetes if they cause seizures or loss of consciousness.
4. Failure to pay child support
Falling behind on child support payments may also lead to S.C. driver’s license suspension. Specifically, if a parent owes $500 or more in back child support and has not made any payments in the past 60 days, the S.C. Department of Social Services may initiate proceedings to have that parent’s license suspended.
5. Points accumulation
Accumulating points on a driving record from violations can automatically trigger a license suspension in S.C.
6. Failure to respond to DMV or court notices
Missing court dates or DMV hearings, or failing to respond to official mail, including if one has moved residences and misses any notices, can lead to license suspension in S.C.
Whatever the reason for suspension, fees may be required to get a license reinstated.
