South Carolina’s penalties for a DUI are strict. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, the legal consequences are as follows:
Smart Start Ignition Interlock: We’re Here for the Palmetto State
When you’re coming back from a DUI, the road ahead can look long and difficult — but Smart Start has your back. With 24/7 multilingual customer care, skilled installers who often offer same-day service, and affordable pricing on Ignition Interlock Devices, we can get you on the road and help you stay compliant with your DUI program.
Ready to get started? Reach out to our Program Advisors for an affordable IID solution that matches your program requirements.
How do you get your license back in South Carolina after a DUI?
The following is general information, not legal advice, about the conditions you might have to complete before applying for a reinstated license.
Phase 1: Get Started
Consult Your Legal Counsel
License Hearing
Phase 2: Ignition Interlock Device
Schedule Installation
Obtain SR-22 Certificate
Phase 3: Judicial Requirements
Assessment and Education
Pay Fees and Complete Forms
Phase 4: Monitoring and Calibration
Service Appointments
Phase 5: Device Removal
Removal
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Disclaimer
Please note that the information in the following sections is for general informational purposes only. The materials contained herein are not intended to and should not be relied upon or construed as a legal opinion or legal advice or to address all circumstances that might arise. Information may be dated and may not reflect the most current developments. You should contact your 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. Smart Start expressly disclaims all liability regarding actions taken or not taken based on any or all content.
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Get In Touch With A Program Advisor Or Call (800) 831-3299 Now!Understanding South Carolina DUI Requirements
Basic DUI Requirements
- First Offense
- A fine of up to $992 (including assessments and surcharges)
- 48 hours to 30 days imprisonment
- Six-month suspension of your driver’s license
- Second Offense
- A fine of up to $10,744.50 (including assessments and surcharges)
- Five days to one year imprisonment
- One-year suspension of your driver’s license
- Third Offense
- A fine of up to $13,234.50 (including assessments and surcharges)
- 60 days to three years imprisonment
- Two-year suspension of your driver’s license
- Potential longer suspensions or vehicle confiscation if within 5-10 years of first offense
- Fourth/Subsequent Offenses
- One to five years imprisonment
- Permanent revocation of your driver’s license
Finally, drivers who cause great bodily injury or death in a crash may be eligible for felony DUI charges, which come with fees of up to $52,244.50 and may result in a prison sentence of up to 25 years.
License Reinstatement
South Carolina now requires Ignition Interlock Devices for all drivers with an arrest date after May 19, 2024 who want to continue to maintain driving privileges after a DUI. Here’s how it works, according to the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services:
- You’ll receive a letter from the state notifying you of eligibility for the Interlock Device program. Note that you’ll have to complete the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP) before having your device installed.
- Have your Interlock Device (called a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device, or BAIID, in South Carolina) installed at a service center by a state-approved provider like Smart Start. Be aware that you’ll have to have the BAIID serviced at least once every 60 days.
- Obtain an installation certificate for your BAIID. Bring the certificate to a South Carolina DMV office, present it, and apply for an Ignition Interlock Restricted License. You may not drive to the DMV office yourself, and you’ll only be allowed to drive vehicles equipped with a BAIID while the restriction is in place.
Getting your South Carolina driver’s license back requires following steps specific to your DUI program. Contact the SCDMV at 803-896-5000 to determine your eligibility for reinstatement, and keep the SCDMV’s links handy to pay your reinstatement fees and verify your eligibility for a payment plan.
How much does an Ignition Interlock Device cost in South Carolina?
A DUI can pose all kinds of financial difficulties, so we make your life a little easier with affordable Ignition Interlocks in South Carolina.
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Free, fast, and customized quotes from our friendly Program Advisors -
No long-term contracts required
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Financial assistance support
Free, fast, and customized quotes from our friendly Program Advisors Wondering what your options are if you can’t afford your IID? South Carolina provides financial assistance for qualifying individuals, and Smart Start simplifies the process! Our dedicated specialist will work directly with the state of South Carolina to get you the help you need.
Call (844) 778-0340 to learn more about financial assistance in South Carolina today!
To qualify for Interlock financial assistance in South Carolina, you must be indigent as determined by the state. For more information on the cost of an Ignition Interlock near you, see our IID cost guide for South Carolina.
Why Choose Smart Start in South Carolina?
Your DUI doesn’t have to define your life. With our knowledgeable Program Advisors who are ready to listen and address your needs, Smart Start is here to help you get on the road to a brighter future.
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No need to buy equipment or sign long-term contracts
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Convenient locations, often with same-day installation options
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24/7/365 multilingual customer support
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Easy-to-use Interlock Device technology
No need to buy equipment or sign long-term contracts 
South Carolina FAQs
It’s important to thoroughly understand how IIDs work, and what you’ll need to do to stay in compliance with your program. Get fast answers to your most common questions about Interlocks in South Carolina.
What Is An Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
Viewing 4 Topics
How Does It Work?
Show 9 Topics
How Do I Get An Appointment?
Show 3 Topics
How Can We Help?
Show 2 Topics
What is an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
An Ignition Interlock Device (IID), also called a car breathalyzer, is a device that measures breath alcohol content (BrAC). It is typically installed in your vehicle as part of an administrative or legal requirement after drunk driving. Learn more about Smart Start's Ignition Interlock here.
How do I know if Smart Start’s devices are compliant with my program?
Smart Start devices are compliant with all state and federal requirements. In addition, our devices are tested and certified to meet the standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Do I need the device on all of my vehicles?
No, you will only need the Ignition Interlock Device installed on the vehicle you will be driving during your requirement.
What if I have a requirement, but I don’t own a vehicle?
If you do not own a vehicle, but you do have an Ignition Interlock requirement, the state of South Carolina will sometimes allow you to complete your requirement by installing an ignition interlock on a borrowed vehicle. To do this, you will need a letter of permission from the registered owner of the borrowed vehicle stating that you have permission to install the Ignition Interlock Device (IID). Smart Start frequently installs on borrowed vehicles, so this will not pose a problem at any of our service centers as long as you have the required documentation.
What happens after I get my DUI?
After you get a DUI in South Carolina, your driver’s license will be revoked. You may apply for a restricted license, and you may be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for a determined period of time. Once you receive this requirement, you may contact Smart Start to begin working towards regaining your unrestricted driver’s license.
How do the consequences differ for a first and second DWI? Third? Fourth?
If you have more than one DUI, you will most likely be asked to have your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed for a longer period of time.
Where does installation fall based on my condition?
According to the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, you can install the Ignition Interlock Device at any time, but your participation in the IID program begins when the South Carolina DMV issues you an ignition interlock restricted driver’s license.
How often does my IID need to be serviced?
The state of South Carolina requires that you service your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) once every 30 days.
Where can I go for Ignition Interlock service?
South Carolina law states that you can service your Ignition Interlock Device at any of Smart Start’s more than 2,000 service center locations nationwide.
Where do I send a record of my service appointments?
Smart Start of South Carolina will send a record of your service appointments to the state authority you specify at the time of installation at no additional cost to you. Reports are downloaded and sent after each service appointment.
What happens if I violate?
If you violate during your time with the Ignition Interlock Device, you will be required to return to a Smart Start service center location for calibration and service within 72 hours of your violation. You will incur an additional charge for this violation, and you may also be subject to an extension of the program.
How do I know if I need a camera/GPS/etc.?
The state of South Carolina requires all Ignition Interlock Devices to be equipped with a camera. Smart Start will provide a compatible camera at the time of installation.
Is the Ignition Interlock Device connected to my horn and lights?
Yes, South Carolina state law requires that the Ignition Interlock Device be connected to your horn and lights. However, this connection does not harm your vehicle in any way.
What do I need to bring to my installation appointment?
Once you have scheduled your Ignition Interlock Installation with Smart Start, you will need to bring the following to your Ignition Interlock installation appointment:
- Cash or debit/credit card payment
- Photo identification
- A copy of your Order of Restricted Driver’s License
- Information regarding your State authority
- Vehicle registration (or, if you are installing on someone else’s vehicle, a letter of permission from the registered owner stating that you have permission to install an Ignition Interlock Device on the vehicle)
What should I bring back to my state authority after my device is installed?
Smart Start will provide you with proof of installation, which you will need to send to your state authority so that you receive credit for your time with your Ignition Interlock Device (IID).
How do I know who my state authority is?
In the state of South Carolina, your state authority will either be the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services and or the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
What do I need for removal?
In order to remove your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) at a Smart Start service center in South Carolina, you will need authorization from the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services.
If you are required to maintain an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) as part of your bond conditions, the Interlock Device cannot be removed without court
What do I need to install voluntarily?
To install an Ignition Interlock Device on your vehicle or a family member’s vehicle voluntarily, click the chat window below, fill out our online form, or call 800-831-3299 to speak with one of our Program Advisors.
What Is An Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
Viewing 4 Topics
What is an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
An Ignition Interlock Device (IID), also called a car breathalyzer, is a device that measures breath alcohol content (BrAC). It is typically installed in your vehicle as part of an administrative or legal requirement after drunk driving. Learn more about Smart Start's Ignition Interlock here.
How do I know if Smart Start’s devices are compliant with my program?
Smart Start devices are compliant with all state and federal requirements. In addition, our devices are tested and certified to meet the standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Do I need the device on all of my vehicles?
No, you will only need the Ignition Interlock Device installed on the vehicle you will be driving during your requirement.
What if I have a requirement, but I don’t own a vehicle?
If you do not own a vehicle, but you do have an Ignition Interlock requirement, the state of South Carolina will sometimes allow you to complete your requirement by installing an ignition interlock on a borrowed vehicle. To do this, you will need a letter of permission from the registered owner of the borrowed vehicle stating that you have permission to install the Ignition Interlock Device (IID). Smart Start frequently installs on borrowed vehicles, so this will not pose a problem at any of our service centers as long as you have the required documentation.
How Does It Work?
Show 9 Topics
What happens after I get my DUI?
After you get a DUI in South Carolina, your driver’s license will be revoked. You may apply for a restricted license, and you may be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for a determined period of time. Once you receive this requirement, you may contact Smart Start to begin working towards regaining your unrestricted driver’s license.
How do the consequences differ for a first and second DWI? Third? Fourth?
If you have more than one DUI, you will most likely be asked to have your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed for a longer period of time.
Where does installation fall based on my condition?
According to the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, you can install the Ignition Interlock Device at any time, but your participation in the IID program begins when the South Carolina DMV issues you an ignition interlock restricted driver’s license.
How often does my IID need to be serviced?
The state of South Carolina requires that you service your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) once every 30 days.
Where can I go for Ignition Interlock service?
South Carolina law states that you can service your Ignition Interlock Device at any of Smart Start’s more than 2,000 service center locations nationwide.
Where do I send a record of my service appointments?
Smart Start of South Carolina will send a record of your service appointments to the state authority you specify at the time of installation at no additional cost to you. Reports are downloaded and sent after each service appointment.
What happens if I violate?
If you violate during your time with the Ignition Interlock Device, you will be required to return to a Smart Start service center location for calibration and service within 72 hours of your violation. You will incur an additional charge for this violation, and you may also be subject to an extension of the program.
How do I know if I need a camera/GPS/etc.?
The state of South Carolina requires all Ignition Interlock Devices to be equipped with a camera. Smart Start will provide a compatible camera at the time of installation.
Is the Ignition Interlock Device connected to my horn and lights?
Yes, South Carolina state law requires that the Ignition Interlock Device be connected to your horn and lights. However, this connection does not harm your vehicle in any way.
How Do I Get An Appointment?
Show 3 Topics
What do I need to bring to my installation appointment?
Once you have scheduled your Ignition Interlock Installation with Smart Start, you will need to bring the following to your Ignition Interlock installation appointment:
- Cash or debit/credit card payment
- Photo identification
- A copy of your Order of Restricted Driver’s License
- Information regarding your State authority
- Vehicle registration (or, if you are installing on someone else’s vehicle, a letter of permission from the registered owner stating that you have permission to install an Ignition Interlock Device on the vehicle)
What should I bring back to my state authority after my device is installed?
Smart Start will provide you with proof of installation, which you will need to send to your state authority so that you receive credit for your time with your Ignition Interlock Device (IID).
How do I know who my state authority is?
In the state of South Carolina, your state authority will either be the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services and or the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
How Can We Help?
Show 2 Topics
What do I need for removal?
In order to remove your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) at a Smart Start service center in South Carolina, you will need authorization from the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services.
If you are required to maintain an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) as part of your bond conditions, the Interlock Device cannot be removed without court
What do I need to install voluntarily?
To install an Ignition Interlock Device on your vehicle or a family member’s vehicle voluntarily, click the chat window below, fill out our online form, or call 800-831-3299 to speak with one of our Program Advisors.
See What Everyone Says About Our Ignition Interlock
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