How At-Fault Accident Points Work on Your South Carolina Driving Record
What happens to your driving record when you cause an accident in South Carolina
When you cause a car accident in South Carolina, the Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) adds points to your driving record. The number of points depends on what happened in the crash — whether anyone was injured, whether you were cited for a traffic violation, and what that violation was. These points stay on your record for a set time and can raise your insurance rates, lead to license suspension, or both.
The key thing to understand: you get points for the violation the officer cited you for, not simply for "causing" the accident. If you were cited for following too closely, you get points for that violation. If you were cited for failure to yield, you get points for that. If the officer did not cite you for any violation, you may have no points added even if you were at fault.
Points accumulate. If you collect too many within a certain time period, South Carolina will suspend your license. The threshold depends on your age and driving history.
Key Takeaways
- At-fault accident points come from the traffic violation you were cited for, not from the accident itself — no citation usually means no points.
- Most at-fault accident violations carry 4 to 6 points, and points remain on your record for three years from the date of the violation.
- Accumulating 12 or more points within a three-year period triggers a license suspension for drivers 18 and older.
- You can request a hearing with the SCDMV to challenge the points if you believe the citation was issued in error.
- Insurance companies use your driving record to set rates, and points typically increase your premiums for three to five years.
How many points you receive for an at-fault accident
The SCDMV assigns points based on the specific violation cited on your accident report. Common violations in at-fault accidents carry these point values: failure to yield (4 points), following too closely (4 points), improper lane change (4 points), reckless driving (6 points), and driving under the influence (6 points). If you were cited for a violation not listed here, you can find the point value on your citation or by contacting the SCDMV.
The violation cited is what matters, not whether you were injured or how much damage occurred. Two drivers in identical crashes can receive different points if they were cited for different violations. For example, if Driver A was cited for failure to yield and Driver B was cited for speeding, Driver A gets 4 points and Driver B gets 4 points — but the violations are different.
If the officer did not issue a citation for any traffic violation, no points are added to your record, even if you were found at fault by your insurance company. Being at fault and being cited for a violation are separate determinations.
How long points stay on your record
Points remain on your South Carolina driving record for three years from the date of the violation, not from the date you paid the fine or completed a traffic school course. After three years, the points drop off automatically — you do not need to request their removal.
This three-year window is important because it determines when you might face license suspension. If you receive 12 or more points within any three-year period, your license will be suspended. If you stay under 12 points, your license stays valid. Once a point falls off after three years, it no longer counts toward that 12-point threshold.
Your insurance company may keep the violation on record longer than three years for rate purposes. Even after points drop off the SCDMV record, your insurer may continue to use the accident in their underwriting for up to five years.
License suspension thresholds in South Carolina
The SCDMV suspends your license when you accumulate points within a rolling three-year period. For drivers 18 and older, the threshold is 12 points. For drivers under 18, the threshold is 12 points as well, but the suspension period is longer.
When you hit 12 points, the SCDMV sends you a notice of suspension. Your license is suspended for a set period: typically 3 months for a first suspension, 6 months for a second suspension within five years, and 12 months for a third or subsequent suspension within five years. You cannot drive during this period, even with a restricted license, unless you request a hearing and win.
You can request a hearing before the suspension takes effect if you believe the points were assessed in error or if you have circumstances the SCDMV should consider. The hearing is held by an SCDMV hearing officer, not a judge. You must request the hearing within 10 days of receiving the suspension notice.
How to check your points and driving record
You can view your driving record and current points through the SCDMV website or by visiting a local SCDMV office in person. Online, go to the SCDMV's official website and select the option to check your driving record. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The online record shows all violations, points, and suspensions on your file.
If you want a certified copy of your record — one you can print and use as proof for insurance or legal purposes — you can request it online or in person at an SCDMV office. There is a small fee for a certified record. An uncertified online view is free.
Check your record regularly, especially after an accident or citation. Errors do happen, and catching them early gives you time to dispute them.
Challenging points on your record
If you believe the citation was issued in error or the points were assessed incorrectly, you can request a hearing with the SCDMV. You must request the hearing within 10 days of receiving notice of the points or suspension. The hearing is informal and held by an SCDMV hearing officer.
At the hearing, you can present evidence that the violation did not occur or was cited incorrectly. You can bring documents, photographs, witness statements, or other evidence. The hearing officer will decide whether the points should be removed or reduced. If you lose, you can appeal to circuit court, but this is rare and requires an attorney in most cases.
If your citation was dismissed in traffic court, the points should be removed from your record automatically. However, this can take several weeks. If the points remain after a dismissal, contact the SCDMV to request removal.
How at-fault accident points affect your insurance
Insurance companies use your driving record to calculate your rates. An at-fault accident and the points that come with it typically increase your premiums. The increase varies by insurer and by the violation cited, but you can expect a rate increase of 20 to 40 percent or more, depending on your current rate and the severity of the violation.
The impact lasts longer than the three years the points remain on the SCDMV record. Most insurers consider accidents and violations for three to five years when setting rates. Some insurers may use the information even longer if the violation was serious (such as reckless driving or DUI).
You can shop for new insurance after an accident — some insurers are more forgiving than others. You can also ask your current insurer about discounts for defensive driving courses or other programs that may offset some of the rate increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove points from my record by taking a defensive driving course?
South Carolina does not allow you to remove points by taking a defensive driving course. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved course. The discount typically lasts three years. The points remain on your SCDMV record for the full three years regardless.
What if the other driver was at fault but I was cited for a violation?
You still receive points for the violation you were cited for. Fault and citations are separate. You can dispute the citation in traffic court, and if you win, the citation is dismissed and points are removed. If you lose in court, the points stay even if the other driver was mostly at fault.
Do points from an accident count the same as points from a speeding ticket?
Points are points — they count the same toward the 12-point suspension threshold regardless of whether they came from an accident or a speeding ticket. However, the specific violation matters for insurance purposes. An at-fault accident may be treated more seriously by insurers than a speeding ticket, even if both carry the same number of points.
Will my license be suspended immediately when I reach 12 points?
No. The SCDMV sends you a notice of suspension, and the suspension takes effect after a waiting period. You have the right to request a hearing within 10 days of receiving the notice. If you request a hearing, the suspension is delayed until after the hearing is held.
Can I get a restricted license during a suspension?
South Carolina does not issue restricted licenses for points-based suspensions. Your license is fully suspended, and you cannot drive for any reason during the suspension period. You may be able to request a hearing and argue for a reduction or dismissal of the suspension based on hardship or other circumstances.