Skip to content
English
Contact us
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

South Carolina (SC) - State Requirements for Ignition Interlock Devices

The Rhode Island Ignition Interlock Program

In South Carolina, anyone 21 and over who is caught driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over .08 percent risks being charged with DUI. First, second, and third-time offenders are given license suspensions of various lengths and are required to install an ignition interlock device.

What Happens if I Get a DUI in South Carolina?

There are multiple penalties for DUI offenses in South Carolina, including financial penalties and administrative penalties. Some offenders may be eligible for a restricted license if they install an ignition interlock device.

First DUI Offense

  • Up to 30 days in prison
  • Six-month license suspension
  • Fine of $400
  • Ignition interlock South Carolina approves of is required to regain driving privileges

Second DUI Offense

  • Five days to one year in prison
  • Up to $5,100 fine
  • One-year license suspension
  • Ignition interlock device South Carolina approves of is required to regain driving privileges

Third DUI Offense

  • 60 days to three years in jail
  • Pay up to $6,300 fine
  • Three-year license suspension
  • Ignition interlock South Carolina approves of is required
  • If the third offense is within 10 years of the first offense, offenders may have their vehicle confiscated

For a fourth offense, offenders can receive imprisonment for up to five years and permanent revocation of their driver’s license. For any offense, there may be additional penalties given by the court depending on the specifics of the incident.

What Happens if I Fail to Complete or Refuse to Submit to a DUI Test in South Carolina?

The Department of Motor Vehicles shall suspend the driver's license to a person who drives a motor vehicle and refuses to submit to a BAC test. The arresting officer shall issue a notice of suspension which is effective beginning on the date of the alleged violation.

Within thirty days of the issuance of the notice of suspension, the person may:

  • Request a contested case hearing before the Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings pursuant to its rules of procedure;
  • Enroll in the Ignition Interlock Device Program pursuant to Section 56-5-2941; and
  • Obtain a temporary alcohol license with an ignition interlock device restriction
    The ignition interlock restriction must be maintained on the temporary alcohol license for three months. If the contested case hearing has not reached a final disposition by the time the ignition interlock restriction has been removed, the person can obtain a temporary alcohol license without an ignition interlock restriction.

How Do I Get a Ignition Interlock License in South Carolina?

South Carolina allows offenders to get a limited driver’s license called a route restricted license. Per South Carolina interlock laws, an IID is required to qualify for this restricted license.

In lieu of serving the remainder of a suspension or denial of the issuance of a license or permit, a person may enroll in the Ignition Interlock Device Program, end their suspension or denial of the issuance of a license, and obtain an ignition interlock restricted license.

  • The ignition interlock device must be affixed to the vehicle equal to the length of time remaining on the person's suspension or denial of a license or permit.
  • If the time remaining is less than three months, the ignition interlock device must be affixed to the motor vehicle for three months.
  • The person must receive credit for the number of days the person maintained an ignition interlock restriction on the temporary alcohol license.
  • Once a person has enrolled in the Ignition Interlock Device Program and obtained an ignition interlock restricted license, the person cannot subsequently choose to serve the suspension.
  • A person's driver's license must be restored when the person's period of suspension or ignition interlock restricted license requirement pursuant has concluded.
  • A person shall be attending or have completed an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program before the person's driving privilege can be restored at the conclusion of the suspension period or ignition interlock restricted license requirement.