can lose your license for three months (S.C. Code Ann. §§ 56-5-1590, et seq.). Speed limits: Speed limits are those posted on traffic signs. If no limit is posted, the maximum speeds are 15 mph in school zones during recess or during opening and closing hours, 25 mph in cities and towns, 45 mph on county and state roads, and 45–65 mph on the interstate. Regardless of what speed limit is posted, you always have to obey the basic rule: you may drive only as fast as is safe under the prevailing conditions. During heavy rain, snow, fog or other bad conditions, you can be pulled over and fined for imprudent driving even if you weren’t going faster than the posted speed. Finally, driving more than 30 mph over the speed limit is a criminal offense, for which you can be arrested and, if convicted, sentenced to jail. DRIVING POINT SYSTEM Dangerous drivers are tracked through a points system within the state of South Carolina. You can accumulate points on your driving record for a variety of driving offenses. Once you have six or more points on your record, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will send a letter asking you to drive more responsibly and pointing out the consequences of continued bad driving. Points against your driving record are costly in numerous ways. Your auto insurance rates will increase with each offense; reinstatement fees are hefty. Since your driving record is accessible to employers, a bad record could cost you work. Drivers who keep their records clean and do not accumulate points are rewarded with discounts on their auto insurance premiums. When your point total reaches more than 12, your driver’s license will be automatically suspended. The state requires you to surrender your license to the DMV within a certain time period, or you will face hefty fines and possible jail time. The length of time your license will be suspended depends on the number of points you’ve accumulated: 12 to 15 points: suspended for three months 16 or 17 points: suspended for four months 5
18 or 19 points: suspended for five months 20 or more points: suspended for six months For more information visit: www.dmv.org/sc-southcarolina/point-system.php#Point_System WHAT TO DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT In South Carolina, you must stop after any accident in which someone is injured or another person’s property is damaged. You also must exchange names, addresses, driver’s licenses, vehicle licenses, insurance information and other relevant information. If anyone is injured or dies in the collision, the accident must be reported to the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) or to police. It is always advisable to call the police whenever a traffic accident occurs. Car crashes Even the best drivers can be in car crashes. If you are involved in one, you must stop as soon as you can without endangering traffic. If you hit an unoccupied vehicle, you must leave a note with your name and address. If you hit roadside property, you must try to find the owner and give him or her your name and address. If someone is injured, you must offer assistance and call a doctor or ambulance and police. You and the other driver must also exchange names, addresses, driver’s license and vehicle registration numbers, and insurance companies. If you leave the scene of an accident without providing this information, and there has been property damage or personal injuries, you may be subject to criminal prosecution. If the crash resulted in death or injury to anyone, or in property damage of $1,000 or more, you must immediately report it to the nearest law enforcement agency. You must also fill out an official report on the accident within 48 hours. If you are in a crash, get the names of witnesses; do not comment on the crash and do not place blame on yourself or others, even though you may think you know where the fault lies; assist the police if possible; see a doctor if you are aware of any injury whatsoever; and inform your insurance company as soon as possible.