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 if driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is more than .15
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?
Refusing to take the test does not mean you escape any consequences. Anyone who refuses a test may still be penalized, including fines and a license suspension.
How Do I Get a Route Restricted Driver's License in South Carolina?
South Carolina allows some 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.
The license lets offenders drive to approved locations, often work, school, medical appointments, and similar locations.
South Carolina residents, here’s your checklist to get a route restricted license:
- Must have previously held a valid South Carolina driver’s license (or be exempt)
- Met requirements for any previous suspensions
- Must enroll in the Alcohol Drug and Safety Action Program
- Pay the license fee and any related fines
- Show proof of SR-22 insurance
- Install an ignition interlock device South Carolina approves
- Must have never been granted a route restricted license previously - only one is allowed per lifetime
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The Process: What to Expect
1. Consult with Legal Counsel
2. Get an Assessment
3. Obtain proof of SR-22 insurance
4. Schedule interlock install
5. Regular monitoring
6. Device removal
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.
Find an Install 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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The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.
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.