{"id":376273,"date":"2016-05-19T19:41:13","date_gmt":"2016-05-20T00:41:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/south-carolina-law\/what-are-the-south-carolina-dui-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-03-04T16:00:54","modified_gmt":"2025-03-04T21:00:54","slug":"what-are-the-south-carolina-dui-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/south-carolina-law\/what-are-the-south-carolina-dui-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"South Carolina DUI Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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South Carolina DUI Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Amy Vandervort-Clark, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Public safety is essential in South Carolina. Preventing intoxicated driving and reducing recidivism are crucial aspects of this goal.<\/p>\r\n

South Carolina’s driving under the influence (DUI) laws comprehensively look at the problem of drugged and drunk driving. Penalties are not simply punitive. They also involve substance use assessments that can provide treatment and education where needed.<\/p>\r\n

One person dies every 39 minutes<\/a> in the US due to an intoxicated driver, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). South Carolina takes this issue seriously.<\/p>\r\n

Whether you made a poor choice or have a substance use issue, facing a DUI is overwhelming. The law can be confusing. Here’s what to expect if facing a DUI charge in South Carolina.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits and Implied Consent<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>
BAC limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.08%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Zero tolerance (underage) BAC limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.02%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Enhanced penalty (aggravated) BAC limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n10.10% and 0.16%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Implied consent<\/a> to submit to BAC test?<\/td>\r\nYes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Select Penalties<\/th>\r\n <\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Minimum license suspension or revocation<\/a> (first, second, third offense)<\/td>\r\nSix months, one year, two years<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Mandatory alcohol education, or assessment and treatment<\/a><\/td>\r\nBoth<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Vehicle confiscation<\/a> possible?<\/td>\r\nYes (third offense)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Ignition interlock device<\/a> possible?<\/td>\r\nYes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note: State laws can change through legislative, judicial, or other means. While FindLaw works hard to ensure the accuracy of its legal resources, it’s a good idea to thoroughly research the law or check with an attorney to ensure you have the most recent information.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

South Carolina’s Intoxicated Driving Laws<\/h2>\r\n

South Carolina’s driving under the influence<\/a> (DUI) law divides it into two crimes:<\/p>\r\n