How to Get Your Driver's License Back After a South Carolina DUI Conviction

 

If you have been convicted of a South Carolina DUI offense, then your driver’s license will be suspended immediately. As a first-time offender, you will have your driving privileges taken away for 6 months, but if you have additional convictions, it may be one or two years before you are able to legally drive again.

 

Procedure for Driver’s License Reinstatement in South Carolina

 

For reinstatement, you must pay the required reinstatement fees, obtain SR-22 insurance for 36 months, and complete an Alcohol and Drug Safety Awareness Program. You may also need to take driving tests, including the written test which costs $20. If you have been convicted of a second or subsequent DUI offense, then you will be required to have an ignition interlock device installed on your car. Visit your local DMV or go online to pay your fees. You can learn about how much you owe on the SCDMV website.

 

As of January 1, 2011, the SCDMV offers a driver’s license reinstatement payment plan. In order to qualify, you must be a resident of the state, 18 years or older, have a driver’s license that would be eligible for renewal once reinstatement fees are paid, and must meet all conditions for reinstatement except paying the reinstatement fees. You cannot participate in a payment plan for a commercial driver’s license, and you cannot have participated in a payment plan program within the last 3 years. You can learn more about requirements and how to enroll on the SCDMV website.

 

Provisional Driver’s License Eligibility in South Carolina

 

In order to be eligible for a provisional license before your suspension is up, you must enroll in an alcohol treatment program, have no other suspensions, and purchase SR-22 insurance for your car. The provisional licenses cost $100. To find out if you are eligible, call 803-896-5000.

 

SR-22 Insurance Certificate

 

In order to get your driver’s license reinstated, you must show proof that you have met the minimum requirements for car liability insurance. If necessary, you can adjust your car insurance policy by contacting your insurance provider. Expect your insurance rate to double or triple what it was previous due to the conviction. Once you have made sure that you meet the requirements, you can ask your insurance provider to send an SR-22 filing to the South Carolina DMV. You are required to maintain this level of coverage for at least 3 years after your suspension is over. In the case of a provisional driver’s license, you will need to maintain the coverage for the entire 6 months as well.

 

Ignition Interlock Device

 

If you are ordered to have an ignition interlock device installed on your car, you will be required to pay for its initial installation as well as monthly maintenance. The device works by asking you to pass a breath test before your car engine will start and also periodically as you are driving. The device will record any failed tests as well as attempts to tamper with or disable it. This information can result in an additional driver’s license suspension or other penalties.

 

Learn More about South Carolina Driver’s License Reinstatement

 

If you have more questions, you can contact a qualified South Carolina DUI attorney to help. This can be particularly beneficial if you have multiple past DUI convictions, had very high blood alcohol content, or your case involved a fatality. You can also learn more by contacting the South Carolina DMV:

DMV Call Center
(803) 896-5000
Open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Mailing Address
Post Office Box 1498
Blythewood, South Carolina 29016

Email
help@scdmvonline.com