1ST Offense:
-Jail: 48 hours to 30 days
-Fines: $400 or imprisonment for no less than 48hrs or 48hrs of public service

2ND Offense:
-Jail: 5 days up to 3 years
-Fines: $2100 to $6500
-License Suspension: 1 year
-IID Required: yes

3RD Offense:
-Jail: 60 days to 5 years
-Fines: $3800 to $10000
-License Suspension: 2 years
-IID Required: yes

4TH Offense:
-Jail: 1 to 7 years
-Fines: up to $10000
License Suspension: Permanent
-IID Required: ----

Lookback Period: 10 years

Multiple convictions for drunk driving could also end in a court-ordered installation of an Ignition Interlock Device on your car at the convicted driver's expense. You could also be required to attend an alcohol or drug intervention program. The Department of Motor Vehicles will issue and publish the names of all motorists who have had their license suspended as a result of a DUI.

How much do you have to drink for a DUI in South Carolina (BAC*)?

-Under 21 : .02 %

-21 or older: .08 %

-Commercial: .04%

** BAC = blood alcohol content

What if you refuse to take a chemical test in South Carolina?

South Carolina has a suggested consent law. This implies that if you refused to submit to a substance test, you will be subjected to a fine and license suspension.

Refusal to take the test :

1ST Offense
6-month license suspension

2ND Offense
9-month license suspension

3rd Offense
1-year license suspension

Drinking and Driving Laws in South Carolina

It is illegal in the State of South Carolina to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (*BAC) of .08 % or greater. The limit is lower for commercial drivers and drivers under the age of 21 (Legal Drinking Age). The .08 limit is the official measurement of the "impaired" driver in the United States. It is also illegal to operate a motor vehicle in the State of South Carolina under the influence of substances such as marijuana, cocaine, inhalants and other controlled substances.