Industry News for Criminal Defense Law in Columbia, South Carolina

What Happens if I Ignore My Speeding Ticket in South Carolina?

Ignoring a speeding ticket in South Carolina can lead to a series of escalating legal and financial consequences. Whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state driver, understanding the potential outcomes of disregarding a ticket is crucial to avoiding severe penalties. This guide will walk you through what happens when you fail to pay or contest a speeding ticket in SC and offer advice on how to address an ignored ticket after the fact.

What Happens After Ignoring a Speeding Ticket? A Timeline of Consequences

  1. Ticket Issuance: Once you receive a speeding ticket, you typically have 30 days to pay the fine or contest the ticket in court.

   

  1. Missed Deadline: If you fail to take action within the designated time, you’ll receive a notice reminding you of the overdue ticket.

 

  1. License Suspension: Ignoring the ticket beyond the due date can result in the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) suspending your driver’s license. This is typically after 90 days of non-payment.

 

  1. Increased Fines and Fees: Late fees are added to your original ticket, and you may face collection efforts for unpaid fines.

 

  1. Bench Warrant Issued: Continued inaction could lead to a bench warrant for your arrest, especially if you ignore court dates related to your speeding ticket.

 

  1. License Points: Points will be added to your license, which may lead to higher insurance rates and eventual license suspension.

 

How Do Different SC Jurisdictions Handle Unpaid Tickets?

 

– Columbia: In Richland County, failure to pay a ticket typically leads to a court summons. If you don’t appear, a bench warrant may be issued, and your license can be suspended by the SCDMV.

 

– Myrtle Beach: In Horry County, ignoring a speeding ticket can lead to swift license suspension, especially during the busy tourist season. Myrtle Beach’s heavy traffic enforcement means tickets are strictly monitored, and out-of-state drivers are also subject to penalties through the Interstate Driver License Compact.

  

– Charleston: The Charleston Municipal Court often processes tickets quicker due to the high volume of tourist traffic. Ignoring a ticket here can lead to more immediate actions like arrest warrants and suspension.

  

– Greenville: In Greenville County, ignoring tickets may result in your case being handed over to collections, in addition to license suspension.

 

What Role Does the SCDMV Play?

 

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) plays a key role in enforcing penalties for unpaid speeding tickets:

 

– License Suspension: If your ticket goes unpaid, the SCDMV will suspend your license. This applies to both South Carolina residents and drivers from out-of-state.

  

– Point System: The SCDMV adds points to your driving record for each traffic violation, including speeding tickets. Accumulating 12 points can lead to automatic license suspension.

How Does the Interstate Driver License Compact Affect Out-of-State Drivers?

 

South Carolina is part of the Interstate Driver License Compact (IDLC), which means your unpaid speeding ticket could be reported to your home state’s DMV. This can lead to:

 

License Suspension in Your Home State: If SC suspends your license, your home state might also suspend your driving privileges.

  

Points on Your License: South Carolina may report points from your ticket to your home state, leading to increased insurance rates and penalties.

Statistics on Unpaid Speeding Tickets in SC

 

In 2023, South Carolina issued over 100,000 speeding tickets, many of which go unpaid. The state collects millions in revenue from traffic violations, but unpaid tickets also lead to a backlog of cases and lost revenue for municipalities.

What Are the Civil and Criminal Penalties for Ignoring a Ticket?

– Civil Penalties: Unpaid tickets lead to fines, late fees, and possible license suspension. This is considered a civil penalty and doesn’t directly involve jail time unless the case escalates.

 

– Criminal Penalties: Failing to appear in court after ignoring your ticket can result in criminal penalties, including a bench warrant for your arrest, which could lead to jail time.

Recent Changes in SC Law for Traffic Violations

South Carolina has recently made changes to its traffic violation laws to streamline the process of addressing unpaid tickets. In 2024, new rules allow for quicker license suspensions for unpaid tickets and increased penalties for habitual offenders. The introduction of online portals also makes it easier to resolve unpaid tickets without appearing in court.

How Do Ignored Tickets Affect CDL Holders?

Commercial Drivers License (CDL) holders face stricter penalties for traffic violations. Ignoring a speeding ticket can lead to:

 

Immediate Suspension: CDL holders can lose their driving privileges much faster than non-commercial drivers.

  

– Employment Consequences: Many trucking companies have zero-tolerance policies for ignored tickets, which could result in job loss.

How to Address an Ignored Ticket After the Fact: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve ignored your ticket, here’s how you can resolve the situation:

 

  1. Check Your License Status: Contact the SCDMV to confirm if your license is suspended.

  

  1. Contact the Court: Reach out to the court listed on your ticket to discuss options for payment or contesting the ticket.

 

  1. Pay the Ticket: You may need to pay late fees in addition to the original fine. This can often be done online or over the phone.

  

  1. Hire an Attorney: A local attorney can help you get your ticket dismissed or negotiate a reduced fine, especially if you have mitigating circumstances.

  

  1. Request a Court Date: If your ticket has resulted in a warrant, you may need to appear in court. An attorney can help navigate this process.

 

How Does the SC Point System Affect Ignored Tickets?

South Carolina’s point system adds points to your record for traffic violations:

 

– Speeding 10 mph over the limit: 2 points

– Speeding 15 mph over the limit: 4 points

– Speeding 25 mph over the limit: 6 points

 

Ignoring a ticket means points are automatically added to your license, which can lead to license suspension once you accumulate 12 points.

Are There Any Amnesty Programs in SC?

In some cases, local courts offer amnesty programs for unpaid traffic tickets, allowing you to pay a reduced fine or avoid late fees. These programs are typically offered during specific times of the year and may include opportunities for ticket forgiveness.

Real-Life Consequences of Ignoring Speeding Tickets: Case Study

In one case, a driver from Columbia ignored multiple speeding tickets, leading to a suspended license. When pulled over again for speeding, the driver was arrested due to the outstanding warrant and faced additional charges. Resolving these issues required paying all fines, late fees, and legal costs, which totaled over $2,000.

 

How Do Ignored Tickets Affect Background Checks?

Unpaid speeding tickets that lead to license suspension or warrants can appear on background checks, affecting your ability to secure employment, housing, or other opportunities.

How to Reinstate a Suspended License

 

To reinstate your license after it’s been suspended due to unpaid tickets, follow these steps:

 

  1. Pay All Fines: You’ll need to clear any outstanding tickets and associated fees.

   

  1. Complete a Driver Improvement Program: In some cases, you may need to take a course.

   

  1. Submit Proof to the SCDMV: Once fines are paid, provide proof of payment to the SCDMV, along with any required reinstatement fees.

 

FAQ: Ignoring Speeding Tickets in South Carolina

 

Q: How long do I have to pay my speeding ticket?  

A: You typically have 30 days from the date of the ticket to pay or contest it.

 

Q: Will my out-of-state license be suspended if I ignore an SC speeding ticket?  

A: Yes, your home state may suspend your license if South Carolina reports the unpaid ticket.

 

Q: Can I face jail time for ignoring a ticket?  

A: Yes, if a bench warrant is issued for your arrest, you could face jail time.

 

Conclusion: Take Action Now to Avoid Severe Consequences

Ignoring a speeding ticket in South Carolina can lead to long-term legal and financial problems, including license suspension, higher insurance premiums, and even arrest. Thompson & Hiller Defense Firm specializes in helping drivers resolve speeding ticket issues before they escalate. Contact us today for a consultation and protect your driving record!