Drinking and Driving Laws in South Carolina
It is illegal in the State of South Carolina to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or above. The limit is lower for commercial drivers and drivers under the age of 21. The .08 limit is the standard measurement of the "impaired" driver throughout the United States. In addition to alcohol, it is also illegal to drive in the State of South Carolina under the influence of controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine, inhalants and other intoxicating substances.
2008 Changes in the South Carolina Drunk Driving Law
On 04/28/08 the Governor of South Carolina signed House Bill 3496. This bill revises the period of time a person's privilege to drive must be suspended when he refuses to submit to a chemical DUI test. The new bill also relates to an administrative hearing and the immobilization of a motor vehicle owned by a person who has been convicted of driving under the influence. The bill also increases the fee for reregistering an immobilized motor vehicle and relates to videotaping a breath test. In addition the bill also requires a person to pay for costs of a breath test and relates to a restricted license and payment for alcohol treatment services.
For more information on this bill please CLICK HERE to Read. How many drinks does it take to reach the legal limit in South Carolina?
There isn't one correct answer to this question, there are calculators and tables that can serve as a reference, however these devices cannot predict with certainty what your exact BAC level will be at a given time. There are many factors that contribute to an individuals BAC score, including weight, sex, body-fat percentage and the time interval between drinks. Studies have show that a persons BAC could go up between .01-.05 percent for each drink taken. The fact is it takes very little alcohol to become legally drunk and each drink taken is a another step closer to becoming an "impaired" driver.
The best answer is not to drink and drive . The State of South Carolina has strict laws for drunk driving, and when you drink and drive in South Carolina, you risk your freedom, finances and your future.
Drunk Driving Laws in South Carolina
State of South Carolina BAC Laws:
All drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher.
Under 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher.
Commercial Vehicle Driver with a BAC of .04 or higher.
South Carolina Drunk Driving Fines & Penalties
First Drunk Driving Conviction
The first time you are arrested and convicted of drunk driving in the State of South Carolina your drivers license will be suspended for 6 months. You will also be fined $400 and you may be imprisoned from 48 hours to 30 days. If the court allows, you may be allowed to perform community service in lieu of jail time. The Department of Motor Vehicles will publish and release the names of all drivers who have had their license suspended because of a DUI.
Second Drunk Driving Conviction
The second arrest and conviction in South Carolina will result in a fine ranging from $2,100-$5,100 and your drivers license will be suspended for 1 year. You will also be sentenced to a minimum of 5 days in jail up to 1 year. If allowed the court may provide the option to sentence the convicted driver to no less than 30 days of community service. Multiple convictions for drunk driving may also result in a court ordered installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle at the convicted drivers expense. You may also be ordered to a alcohol or drug intervention program. The Department of Motor Vehicles will publish and release the names of all drivers who have had their license suspended because of a DUI.
Third Drunk Driving Conviction
The 3rd conviction for drunk driving in the State of South Carolina will result in a 2 year suspension of your drivers license. You could also face a permanent revocation of your drivers license under special circumstances. If the offense occurred within 5 years of the first offense, a drivers license suspension of 4 years will be issued. You will also be fined no less than $3,800 up to $6,300 and be sentenced to no less than 60 days in jail up to 3 years in jail for your 3rd offense. The Department of Motor Vehicles will publish and release the names of all drivers who have had their license suspended because of a DUI.
The Implied Consent Law in South Carolina
South Carolina's implied consent law means that any person who drives a motor vehicle on the roadways of the state is considered to have given their consent to a chemical test of their blood, breath or urine if they are detained by a peace officer who believes that the driver was driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol or both. If you refuse to submit to such a test, your drivers license will be immediately suspended for at least 90 days. In addition you can still be charged and convicted of a DUI without a chemical test if the peace officer convinces the court that you were intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle.
More on Drunk Driving Laws, Penalties and Fines in South Carolina
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