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South Carolina Driving Records

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) enforces motor vehicle laws, issues licenses and identification, and manages vehicle titling. Its mission extends beyond basic administrative tasks on road safety and protecting citizens' identities.

The department maintains a comprehensive database of driving records. These records are crucial for law enforcement, insurance companies, and employers conducting background checks. While committed to transparency, the SC DMV also prioritizes privacy protection.

The DMV adheres to the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) to balance public access and individual privacy. This act restricts the disclosure of sensitive personal information in motor vehicle records.

Types of Driving Records Available in South Carolina

Driving records contain all driving behaviors, violations, accident reports, and points. The SC DMV offers three driving records: a three-year driver history report, a 10-year driver history report, and a full driving report. A full report costs $6.

Three-Year Driver History Report

The three-year driver history report is a commonly requested document. Employers, insurance companies, and individuals who need to review recent driving behavior often use this report.

Ten-Year Driver History Report

The 10-year driver history report offers a more comprehensive view of a driver’s long-term behavior on the road.

Full Driver’s History

This record contains a full history of a driver's transactions, from first registration to recent violations.

How To Request a South Carolina Driving History Report?

Aside from an in-person visit to a local SC DMV office, individuals can request a driving history report online, by mail, or through a subscriber account.

The report has a new format as of April 12, 2023, featuring a certified watermark and the Director of Driver Services' signature.

Online Request Process

Requesting a driving history report online is convenient and quick. The SC DMV’s online portal guides users through the necessary steps, from providing personal details to payment information. Credit or debit cards are the accepted payment methods for online transactions.

Once the request is completed, the report is accessible online for immediate viewing or download.

By Mail Request

If businesses need to request a history report for their drivers and don't have subscriber account yet, they can send a completed Request for Driver Information (Form MV-70) and check payment to the following address:

South Carolina DMV

P.O. Box 1498

Blythewood, SC 29016

Subscriber Account

Businesses needing regular access to driving records may opt for a subscriber account. Effective March 1, 2020, the annual subscription fee is $125, billed to the account upon approval of the Subscriber Registration Agreement.

The fee allows access to various e-government services. However, an additional $7.25 applies whenever a user generates driver's records.

Uses of South Carolina Driving Records

Different entities, including government agencies, businesses, courts, and insurance companies, use these records for specific reasons with some restrictions provided in the DPPA.

Apart from personal use by the driver, here are some uses of driving records:

Data Analysis by Government Agencies

Government agencies frequently access driving records for regulatory and administrative purposes. The DMV reviews driving histories to determine license suspensions or reinstatements. Law enforcement agencies may use these records during traffic stops to verify a driver's status and prior offenses.

Verification of Information by Businesses

Employers, particularly those hiring for driving-related positions, rely on driving records to verify applicants' information and assess their suitability. 

This verification is crucial for managing commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), as businesses and regulatory bodies use these records to ensure drivers meet safety and compliance standards. A clean driving history is essential for maintaining a CDL, while violations may lead to disqualification or increased regulatory scrutiny.

Court Proceedings and Investigations

Driving records are crucial in court proceedings and investigations. Judges, attorneys, and law enforcement use them to establish behavior patterns, assess penalties, or determine sentencing in traffic-related cases.

Insurance Companies

Insurance companies review driving records during the underwriting process and when determining policy premiums and coverage eligibility.

Those with clean records often receive lower premiums, while those with multiple violations may face higher costs or coverage denial.

Understanding South Carolina Driving Laws

Driving laws are designed to promote safety and order on the roads. Here are some driving laws that residents must follow strictly:

General Requirements for Driver’s License

A valid driver’s license is required to operate a vehicle. Most driver’s licenses issued are valid for eight years and cost $25. Moreover, new residents must surrender their out-of-state licenses upon receiving a South Carolina license. The general requirements are as follows:

  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of residency
  • Proof of change in legal name (if applicable)

Note that the department will check driving history from other states when drivers apply for their licenses. Also, starting May 7, 2025, licenses not marked for federal identification cannot be used to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings under the REAL ID Act.

Proof of Insurance Inside the Vehicle

Drivers must always carry proof of insurance in their vehicles. Failure to provide proof during a traffic stop can result in fines and possible suspension of the driver’s license.

New residents should update their address with their insurance company before registering their vehicles.

If cited for not carrying proof of insurance, drivers have 30 days to present it to avoid license suspension.

Move Over Laws

Move-over laws protect roadside workers and emergency vehicles from accidents. When approaching emergency vehicles or tow trucks with flashing lights, drivers must slow down significantly or change lanes away from the stopped vehicle if it is safe. Violating these laws can result in fines and endanger lives.

Work Zones and Driving Safety

The state emphasizes driving safely in work zones, as these areas pose significant risks to workers and drivers. The state increases speeding fines in work zones, especially if the offense results in injury or death.

Drivers are urged to merge early when approaching work zones, following the designated signs to maintain safety.

Speed Limits

Speed limits vary based on the type of road. The statutory speed limit is 70 miles per hour (mph) on interstates and freeways, 60 mph on multilane divided highways, and 55 mph in other locations.

Unpaved roads have a 40 mph limit, and urban districts generally have a 30 mph limit. School buses are restricted to 45 mph on highways with posted speed limits above 55 mph.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

South Carolina law strictly prohibits DUI of alcohol, with severe penalties for offenders. A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher presumes impairment.

A first DUI offense can result in fines up to $992, imprisonment for up to 30 days, and a six-month license suspension. Repeat offenses carry increasingly harsher penalties, including substantial fines, extended imprisonment, and longer license suspensions.

Felony charges apply when DUI causes great bodily injury or death, leading to even more severe consequences, such as mandatory imprisonment and fines up to $52,244.50. Refusal to undergo BAC testing triggers automatic license suspensions.

The Points System in South Carolina

The state’s points system is designed to monitor and improve driving behavior by assigning points for traffic violations. These points accumulate on a driver's record, which can lead to warnings and penalties.

Violation Points Allocation

Points are allocated based on the severity of the traffic violation. Speeding less than ten mph over the limit results in 2 points, while speeding 25 mph or more adds 6 points to a driver's record. Serious offenses like reckless driving or passing a stopped school bus incur 6 points.

If a driver accumulates 12 or more points, their license may be suspended. Additionally, specific rules apply to younger drivers. Drivers under 17 who accumulate six or more points within the first year of driving face a six-month suspension.

Points from traffic violations committed in other states or through military court-martial convictions are reported to the DMV and added to the driver's record.

Ways to Reduce Points

Offenders can reduce points on their records by completing the 8-Hour Defensive Driving Course or an equivalent program. This course can be taken once every three years to reduce points.

Points naturally decrease over time one year after the date of the violation. For instance, a four-point violation in June will drop to two points by the following June.

However, some violations, such as DUI, are not affected by point-reduction efforts.

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in South Carolina

Navigating the legal landscape of driving offenses requires a clear understanding of the distinctions between criminal and civil infractions. These categories differ in severity and carry vastly different legal implications and potential consequences for drivers.

Criminal Driving Offenses and Penalties

Criminal driving offenses are serious violations that can lead to imprisonment and fines. They can be classified as felony or misdemeanor.

Felony Driving Offenses

Felony offenses are the most severe of driving violations. These include reckless driving causing death, DUI resulting in severe injuries, and refusal to stop for an accident.

Penalties include imprisonment, fines, and license suspension. Minimum fines are $400 for a first offense. For a second offense, fines can be as low as $5,100 without assessment fees. This amount doubles when an assessment is added.

Misdemeanor Driving Offenses

Although traffic misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, offenses such as driving without insurance, reckless driving, and running away from a law enforcement official still pose a significant danger to life and property.

Penalties for misdemeanors include fines ranging from $100 to several hundred dollars and jail time, typically not exceeding one year. Additionally, offenders may face license suspension. During hearings in traffic court, individuals can plead guilty or not guilty.

Civil Driving Offenses and Penalties

Civil driving offenses, or traffic infractions, violate the state's traffic codes that do not result in imprisonment. They are considered the least severe types of traffic violations. Penalties usually involve fines and administrative fees rather than jail time.

Common civil offenses include illegitimate parking, improper U-turns, loitering, and passing a red light or school bus. Careless vehicular operation, such as driving while using a phone and refusing to yield to law enforcement, also falls under this category.

When issued a traffic offense, drivers must respond within 15 days to avoid additional charges or potential arrest. They can pay the fine, seek a mitigation hearing, or plead not guilty and contest the ticket in court.

South Carolina Driving Statistics and Goals

South Carolina's driving statistics provide insight into traffic safety trends and highlight areas for improvement. These statistics identify key issues that affect road safety statewide.

Statistics on Driving Fatalities

The DMV works closely with other departments to keep public roads safe. One of these departments is the Department of Public Safety (DPS), which handles fatality statistics and maintains a comprehensive database of traffic collisions.

In 2021, the state experienced 1,198 traffic-related fatalities, marking a significant rise from previous years. Between 2017 and 2021, the state recorded 5,295 fatalities, averaging around 1,059 deaths annually. This trend includes a 16.96% increase in 2021 compared to the average of the prior four years and a 21.13% rise from 2017.

Based on 2024 preliminary statistics, the DPS has recorded more than 400 traffic fatalities. With this data, the department is adamant about pursuing campaigns that address the causes of these fatalities.

Goals to Keep Public Roads Safe

The Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs (OHSJP) employs several strategies to enhance road safety. Key initiatives focus on reducing impaired driving and speeding, utilizing both enforcement and preventive measures.

High-visibility enforcement (HVE) campaigns play a crucial role. Although state law prohibits sobriety checkpoints, South Carolina uses public safety checkpoints to detect traffic offenses and apprehend impaired drivers.

Additionally, saturation patrols target specific offenses like speeding and seat belt violations, which often reveal impaired driving.

Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina Driving Records

If users still have questions, here are popular FAQs that might be helpful.

How Can an Individual Clean Their Driving Record?

Drivers can improve their records by regularly reviewing and disputing errors. While some violations naturally expire over time, serious offenses may require legal assistance to contest. Still, maintaining a clean record through careful driving is the most cost-effective and reliable approach.

Can a Driving History Be Expunged or Sealed?

Expungement is the permanently deleting certain violations on record while sealing makes a record unavailable to others. Although these procedures are possible, expunging or sealing a record will take some time. It is subject to approval and evaluation of arguments as to why their records should be expunged or sealed.

How Public is a Driving Record?

Public accessibility of a driving record is limited. While basic information such as license status may be available, sensitive details such as addresses and medical information are typically redacted. Full disclosure requires the record holder's consent.

How Long Does a Criminal Offense Stay on a Driver’s History?

Criminal offenses on a driver's history remain permanently recorded. Unlike some criminal records, these infractions cannot be expunged or sealed. This lasting impact affects future insurance rates, employment opportunities, and driving privileges.

Are Violations Committed Out-of-State Appear on a Driving History Report?

All traffic-related violations, regardless of location, appear on a driving history report as long as they are reported. Although data is localized in the state, the DMV reports relevant data on traffic violations to other states.

If users still want to know more about driving records and laws, here are some helpful links that they can visit:

Counties in South Carolina

List of Content

  1. Types of Driving Records Available in South Carolina
    1. Three-Year Driver History Report
    2. Ten-Year Driver History Report
    3. Full Driver’s History
  2. How To Request a South Carolina Driving History Report?
    1. Online Request Process
    2. By Mail Request
    3. Subscriber Account
  3. Uses of South Carolina Driving Records
    1. Data Analysis by Government Agencies
    2. Verification of Information by Businesses
    3. Court Proceedings and Investigations
    4. Insurance Companies
  4. Understanding South Carolina Driving Laws
    1. General Requirements for Driver’s License
    2. Proof of Insurance Inside the Vehicle
    3. Move Over Laws
    4. Work Zones and Driving Safety
    5. Speed Limits
    6. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
  5. The Points System in South Carolina
    1. Violation Points Allocation
    2. Ways to Reduce Points
  6. Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in South Carolina
    1. Criminal Driving Offenses and Penalties
    2. Civil Driving Offenses and Penalties
  7. South Carolina Driving Statistics and Goals
    1. Statistics on Driving Fatalities
    2. Goals to Keep Public Roads Safe
  8. Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina Driving Records
    1. How Can an Individual Clean Their Driving Record?
    2. Can a Driving History Be Expunged or Sealed?
    3. How Public is a Driving Record?
    4. How Long Does a Criminal Offense Stay on a Driver’s History?
    5. Are Violations Committed Out-of-State Appear on a Driving History Report?
  9. Helpful Links and Resources