South Carolina Requirements
The South Carolina ignition interlock device process can be a bit daunting at first, but Intoxalock is here to help. This guide will cover what to do to regain your driving privileges with an IID in South Carolina.
The SC Ignition Interlock Program
In South Carolina, anyone 21 and over who is caught driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over .08 percent risks being charged with DUI. First, second, and third-time offenders are given license suspensions of various lengths and are required to install an ignition interlock device.
What Happens if I Get a DUI in South Carolina?
First DUI Offense
- Up to 30 days in prison
- Six-month license suspension
- Fine of $400
- Ignition interlock South Carolina approves of is required to regain driving privileges
Second DUI Offense
- Five days to one year in prison
- Up to $5,100 fine
- One-year license suspension
- Ignition interlock device South Carolina approves of is required to regain driving privileges
Third DUI Offense
- 60 days to three years in jail
- Pay up to $6,300 fine
- Three-year license suspension
- Ignition interlock South Carolina approves of is required
- If the third offense is within 10 years of the first offense, offenders may have their vehicle confiscated
For a fourth offense, offenders can receive imprisonment for up to five years and permanent revocation of their driver’s license. For any offense, there may be additional penalties given by the court depending on the specifics of the incident.
What Happens if I Fail to Complete or Refuse to Submit to a DUI Test in South Carolina?
The Department of Motor Vehicles shall suspend the driver's license to a person who drives a motor vehicle and refuses to submit to a BAC test. The arresting officer shall issue a notice of suspension which is effective beginning on the date of the alleged violation.
Within thirty days of the issuance of the notice of suspension, the person may:
- Request a contested case hearing before the Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings pursuant to its rules of procedure;
- Enroll in the Ignition Interlock Device Program pursuant to Section 56-5-2941; and
- Obtain a temporary alcohol license with an ignition interlock device restriction
The ignition interlock restriction must be maintained on the temporary alcohol license for three months. If the contested case hearing has not reached a final disposition by the time the ignition interlock restriction has been removed, the person can obtain a temporary alcohol license without an ignition interlock restriction.
How Do I Get a Ignition Interlock License in South Carolina?
South Carolina allows offenders to get a limited driver’s license called a route restricted license. Per South Carolina interlock laws, an IID is required to qualify for this restricted license.
In lieu of serving the remainder of a suspension or denial of the issuance of a license or permit, a person may enroll in the Ignition Interlock Device Program, end their suspension or denial of the issuance of a license, and obtain an ignition interlock restricted license.
- The ignition interlock device must be affixed to the vehicle equal to the length of time remaining on the person's suspension or denial of a license or permit.
- If the time remaining is less than three months, the ignition interlock device must be affixed to the motor vehicle for three months.
- The person must receive credit for the number of days the person maintained an ignition interlock restriction on the temporary alcohol license.
- Once a person has enrolled in the Ignition Interlock Device Program and obtained an ignition interlock restricted license, the person cannot subsequently choose to serve the suspension.
- A person's driver's license must be restored when the person's period of suspension or ignition interlock restricted license requirement pursuant has concluded.
- A person shall be attending or have completed an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program before the person's driving privilege can be restored at the conclusion of the suspension period or ignition interlock restricted license requirement.
Get a Free Quote! Call 877-274-3419
Thank you, a State Specialist will contact you in the next few minutes to guide you through the IID requirement and process.
Thank you, a State Specialist will contact you during business hours to guide you through the IID requirement and process.
The Process: What to Expect
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Consult with Legal Counsel
Seek guidance from a DUI lawyer to understand your legal options and rights following a DUI violation.
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Get an Assessment
Complete a court-ordered or voluntary assessment to evaluate your risk level and determine any required interventions.
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Obtain Proof of SR-22 Insurance, If Required
If applicable, provide proof of financial responsibility and insurance coverage with an SR-22 certificate.
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Schedule Interlock Install
Speak to our State Specialists to schedule your IID installation to meet court or state requirements.
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Regular Monitoring
Your ignition interlock usage will be regularly monitored to maintain compliance with legal requirements.
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Device Removal
After fulfilling your IID requirement and receiving approval from your monitoring authority, you can arrange to have your ignition interlock device removed at your local service center.
Interlock Cost in South Carolina
Per South Carolina ignition interlock laws, offenders are responsible for the cost of their ignition interlock. The state does offer financial assistance for eligible offenders. As of June 2021, offenders must fill out the Affidavit of Indigency to apply and must reapply every 90 days. Check with your legal representative or state monitoring authority if you need financial assistance, as they will have the most up-to-date information.
- The price can vary depending on your monitoring requirements, but the typical cost for an ignition interlock device South Carolina approves is between $2.50 and $3.50 a day.
- Intoxalock also offers a device protection plan in case of damage, for $10 a month.
- Intoxalock state specialists can help you determine costs and find a location near you.
Expert DUI Attorneys in South Carolina
Carroll Law Firm
Charleston, SC 29407
Law Office of Alex Toporek, LLC
Charleston, SC 29403
Savage Law Firm
Charleston, SC 29401
The Law Office of Brian P. Johnson, LLC
Greenville, SC 29601
South Carolina FAQs
Yes, anyone deemed eligible by the state can receive financial assistance. To apply, you can submit an Affidavit of Indigency to the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services.
Visit the South Carolina locations page to review all locations in South Carolina.
To see how an ignition interlock device works, visit our ignition interlock page and watch our video demonstrating how to use the device.
South Carolina Intoxalock customers will not pay a deposit or setup fee at installation, but there is a $30 monthly state fee that all non-voluntary customers pay. The monthly lease fee is $83.99.
South Carolina, like many states, requires some convicted DUI offenders to install an interlock device in order to regain driving privileges.
Check the South Carolina state page for all DUI penalties.
If you are certain you are required to install an IID, you can make an appointment with your chosen provider. Intoxalock specialists can help you make one, or you can search the location's website to find one nearby.
You should send your Program Complete Letter from SC Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services to SouthCarolina-Compliance@Intoxalock.com to schedule your removal.
You should bring your driver’s license or South Carolina state ID card, and have the name of the registered vehicle owner if it is not you.
An ignition interlock device is a safety feature that prevents the car from starting if the driver is intoxicated, acting as a deterrent against drunk driving.
You will know that you are eligible to remove the device when you receive a notification from the South Carolina’s Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services of your eligibility.
To learn more about ignition interlock information, please visit our ignition interlock device page.
We partner with many South Carolina attorneys who are experienced in these types of cases. If you need help finding one, contact our Intoxalock state specialists.
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Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation.
