South Carolina DUI Laws

If you’ve been arrested or charged with DUI / DWI in the state of South Carolina, the first thing you should do is talk with an experienced local DUI lawyer!  South Carolina DUI laws are complex and an experienced South Carolina DUI lawyer will be able to negotiate the best possible outcome.  Call 1.855.700.0754 for a FREE South Carolina DUI consultation with a local DUI lawyer.

The BAC legal limit in South Carolina for adults is .08%.  You will be charged with a DUI in South Carolina if you are found to have a BAC higher than .08%.  In addition, South Carolina has a zero tolerance (underage) BAC of 0.02%, meaning that any underage driver found driving under the influence in South Carolina with a BAC higher then .02% will be charged with a DUI.  The BAC limit for commercial vehicle drivers is .04%.

Yes, South Carolina does have a enhanced or aggravated DUI charge if your BAC limit is over 0.16%.

South Carolina DUI laws include “implied consent”, which means you consent to submitting to sobriety testing or chemical testing when you accept your drivers license.  South Carolina DUI laws do include severe penalties if you refuse to take a field sobriety test or provide chemical testing.

It is a possibility that your vehicle could be confiscated if you are charged with a 3rd DUI offense in South Carolina.

Yes, a 2nd (or more) DUI / DWI conviction will require the use of an ignition interlock device in the state of South Carolina.

A first time DUI offense in South Carolina can cost  between $8,000 – $11,000.  Fines and cost associated with a DUI conviction will rise if you receive more than one DUI conviction.

Yes.  If you are convicted of a DUI in South Carolina, your insurance could increase by $4,000 to $6,000.

Yes, If convicted of a DUI offense in South Carolina you will face 48 hours to 90 days in jail on your first offense.  Possible jail time for a 2nd DUI is 5 days up to 3 years.  A 3rd South Carolina DUI conviction ranges from 60 days to 5 years.  A fourth DUI conviction requires 1 to 7 years in jail.

Yes, licence suspension or revocation is possible if convicted of a DUI in South Carolina.  A first time DUI conviction in South Carolina will result in a 6 month license suspension. A second DUI conviction faces 1  suspension, and a third DUI requires a 2 year license suspension.  A 4th DUI conviction will result in permanent suspension of your drivers license.