Most Common Traffic Tickets in South Carolina (2024)

Traffic tickets and violations cover a broad range of infractions on South Carolina roads. The consequences are also equally broad, generally reflecting the relative risk of the different kinds of incidents that can occur. Many people believe that the penalties for these violations are unavoidable. However, if you’ve been accused of a traffic offense, you have a right to challenge that allegation, and a South Carolina traffic lawyer can help you in that effort.

Most Common Traffic Tickets in South Carolina

Not every traffic violation is caught by the police and results in a ticket. Most tickets that are handed out, though, are usually triggered by certain actions. Many come from violations on a particular stretch of road being targeted for enforcement, as there are a consistent number of violations there. Other cases occur when egregious violations catch the attention of an officer. As a result, the most common tickets involve a combination of two types of violations:

• Violations that are widely committed by drivers, such as speeding, failing to signal, or rolling stop signs
• Violations that are particularly egregious and recognizable, such as drunk driving, reckless driving, or texting while driving

Some of the most common tickets that are given on South Carolina roads include:

• Speeding – One of the most common violations and most ticketed is failing to follow the speed limit as posted.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) – Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most dangerous traffic violations that a person can commit. Because of this, any offense is heavily penalized.
• Failing to Stop for Stop Sign or Red Light – Tickets for this kind of behavior are fairly common. Rolling through a stop sign is a particularly frequent violation.
• Failing to Signal – It’s required that you always use your signal when doing things like changing lanes or turning.
• Expired Registration – Your car’s registration must be kept up to date.
• Not Using a Seat Belt – In South Carolina, all occupants of a vehicle must wear a seat belt.
• Texting While Driving – Using a handheld device while driving is prohibited by South Carolina law.
• Failure to Yield – It’s important to understand when you need to give the right of way to the other driver and then do so.

Consequences of a Traffic Violation in South Carolina

There is a broad spectrum of possible penalties that could result from a traffic violation. The more significant the violation is, the harsher the possible penalties could be. In the case of less severe violations, you may be given the opportunity to either pay a fine without contesting the ticket or contest the ticket if you would prefer.

To give yourself a strong chance of avoiding the harshest of penalties and possibly getting the ticket dismissed, you may want to consider working with a South Carolina traffic lawyer. Some of the possible penalties for a traffic violation include:

• Fines – Most violations will involve a fine based on the particular violation that someone is accused of.
• Points – Moving violations often result in points being put on your license, which can be a problem if they accumulate.
• Higher Insurance Rates – Tickets on your record could result in a higher premium for your car insurance.
• Traffic School – In some cases, attending a driving course could be a means of reducing other penalties, such as fines and points on your license.
• License Suspension – If you have multiple offenses or particularly severe violations, there is a chance that your license could be suspended or even revoked.
• Prison – For the most significant violations, such as a DUI or some instances of reckless driving that caused an accident, there’s a possibility of prison time, particularly for repeat offenses.

FAQs

Q: How Can a South Carolina Traffic Lawyer Help With a Traffic Ticket?

A: A South Carolina traffic lawyer can help assess the circumstances of your ticket and develop a strategy for defending against the accusation or even getting the violation dismissed. They can also represent you before the court and advocate for you. An experienced attorney can help you determine the most effective way to contest a traffic ticket.

Q: What Happens If You Fail to Pay a Ticket in South Carolina?

A: Not paying a ticket can create a series of potential challenges and issues for a driver in South Carolina. Failing to pay a traffic ticket will almost always lead to an increase in the financial burden, as the fines could be increased or late fees added to the amount you owe. An unpaid ticket can also make the process of renewing your registration difficult, as it may need to be paid before the renewal. Repeated instances of failing to pay or failing to address serious violations could result in a suspension of your license or even a warrant for your arrest.

Q: How Can You Get a Ticket Dismissed in South Carolina?

A: There are a number of possible ways in which a traffic ticket could be dismissed in South Carolina. However, not every approach is possible in every case. It’s important to speak with a South Carolina traffic lawyer to explore your options, as they understand what means might be applicable in your situation.

Q: Can a Red Light Camera Violation Result in a Ticket in South Carolina?

A: South Carolina law prohibits any traffic citations based on photographic evidence from red light cameras. However, running a red light is still dangerous and can result in a ticket if an officer observes the violation. If you are accused of running a red light, it is important to contact a seasoned traffic violation attorney, as they can help guide you through your options.

A South Carolina Traffic Lawyer Can Help You Fight Your Ticket

No matter what your South Carolina traffic violation may be, it’s important that you fight the accusations against you. For violations that result in more serious penalties, such as a DUI, you are facing more serious consequences. A defense should be made on your behalf.

Even with minor violations, though, it’s still important to consider challenging them. In particular, the element of driver’s license points makes it important to contest the violation, as those can add up quickly and later lead to serious consequences. To put forth your strongest defense, you should consider working with a South Carolina traffic lawyer from Axelrod & Associates. Contact us today to discuss your case.