South Carolina DUI Laws
South Carolina DUI Defense
What you're facing, what the deadlines are, and the questions your attorney needs to answer, specific to South Carolina (SC) law.
BAC Limit
0.08
Enhanced BAC
0.15
Higher penalties above this
Lookback Period
10 years
Prior offenses count within
30 days-Day DMV Hearing Deadline
In South Carolina, you have 30 days days from your arrest to request an administrative DMV hearing. Miss this deadline and your license suspension goes into effect automatically , even if the criminal case is later dismissed.
First Offense Penalties in South Carolina
Implied Consent & Test Refusal
Like all 50 states, South Carolina has an implied consent law, by driving on South Carolinaroads, you've already agreed to submit to a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine) if an officer has probable cause to believe you're impaired.
Refusal Penalty
6-month license suspension
South Carolina-Specific Detail
South Carolina allows a temporary alcohol license (TAL) that permits driving for 30 days after arrest. The Implied Consent hearing must be requested within 30 days.
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Other South Carolina defense topics
Facing a different charge in South Carolina? Penalty ranges, enhancements, and defense questions for related crimes:
Important: This page provides general legal information about South Carolina DUI laws as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. For guidance specific to your case, speaking with a South Carolina-licensed attorney is one option, or take the free Masked Researcher’s First Read to see where your case stands.