South Carolina Speeding Ticket Costs
State Citation Reference & Guidelines|Verified: 2026-06-30
Quick Reference Summary
South Carolina Citation Profile
How to Handle Your South Carolina Speeding Ticket
Estimate your total expenses (including the estimated 20% insurance premium increase over 3 years) using our interactive fine estimator. Respond to the ticket within 30 days to avoid a $50 late fee or suspension.
Fines by Speed Exceeded
Ticket fine amounts in South Carolina scale incrementally based on how fast you were driving above the posted speed limit.
Speeding Ticket Cost Breakdown by MPH Over
Select common speeding increments to view exact point assessments, typical insurance cost impacts, and criminal misdemeanor thresholds in South Carolina.
| Speed Exceeded | Est. Fine Amount | Points Assessed | Est. 3-Year Insurance Increase | Misdemeanor? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| +5 MPH Over | $80 | 2 Points | +$1080 | No |
| +10 MPH Over | $80 | 2 Points | +$1080 | No |
| +15 MPH Over | $135 | 4 Points | +$1080 | No |
| +20 MPH Over | $185 | 4 Points | +$1080 | No |
| +25 MPH Over | $440 | 6 Points | +$1080 | Yes |
| +30 MPH Over | $440 | 6 Points | +$1080 | Yes |
§ Criminal & Misdemeanor Risk
Speeding over 25 mph over the limit can be prosecuted as Reckless Driving, a misdemeanor carrying up to 30 days in jail.
§ License Points & Record Duration
Accumulating 12 points in a 12-month period results in an automatic license suspension.
§ Traffic School Eligibility
Completing a defensive driving course removes 4 points from your record once every 3 years.
§ Deadlines & Late Fees
You must respond or pay within 30 days of citation issuance. Failure to pay triggers license suspension warning and referral to collections.
§ Out-of-State Drivers & Compact Rules
South Carolina reports citations via the Driver License Compact (DLC).
As a participating member of the DLC, South Carolina will automatically report speeding and other moving violations back to your home state's licensing department (DMV/BMV). The violation points and records will be applied to your home state license according to your state's local conversion rules.
County Court Payment Portals
Select your local county court below to check ticket records or pay fines online directly through government portals:
Other State Speeding Fine Guides
Select another verified state guide below for fine rates and license point limits:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a speeding ticket in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, speeding tickets typically cost between $80 and $440 depending on your speed. Fines in South Carolina are structured by speed tiers. Additional state court costs and assessments are added to all fines.
How many points is a traffic ticket in South Carolina?
Speeding violations in South Carolina assess between 2 and 6 points on your license record. Accumulating 12 points in a 12-month period results in an automatic license suspension.
Is speeding a misdemeanor in South Carolina?
Speeding over 25 mph over the limit can be prosecuted as Reckless Driving, a misdemeanor carrying up to 30 days in jail. Driving at speeds over 25 mph can lead to reckless driving or excessive speed charges, which are criminal misdemeanors.
Does a speeding ticket affect your insurance in South Carolina?
Yes. Speeding tickets in South Carolina typically increase auto insurance premiums by an average of 20%. This increase is calculated on your premium for up to 3 years.
Will a speeding ticket affect my out-of-state license?
Yes. South Carolina is a member of the Driver License Compact (DLC) and reports all moving violations to your home state DMV. Your home state DMV will apply local points and record guidelines.
Verified Reference Statutes
- Cited directly from: South Carolina Code Section 56-5-1520 (State legislative or department of motor vehicles domain)