South Carolina DUI Penalties — Fines, Jail & Probation
Common consequences to discuss with counsel.
First offense
A first DUI in South Carolina is classified as a misdemeanor (tiered by BAC).
- Jail: 48 hours (BAC < 0.10); 72 hours (BAC 0.10-0.16); 30 days (BAC > 0.16) minimum to 30 days (BAC < 0.10); 30 days (BAC 0.10-0.16); 90 days (BAC > 0.16) maximum
- Fine: $400 (BAC < 0.10) to $1,000 (BAC > 0.16)
- License suspension: 6 months
- Substance abuse program: enrollment in ADSAP (Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program) within 30 days of conviction is mandatory; clinical assessment, education and/or treatment as indicated
- Community service: available as alternative to jail time (equal hours to jail time that would have been required)
- Probation: available
Second offense
- Jail: 5 days (BAC < 0.10); 30 days (BAC 0.10-0.16); 90 days (BAC > 0.16) minimum to 1 year (BAC < 0.10); 2 years (BAC 0.10-0.16); 3 years (BAC > 0.16) maximum
- Fine: $2,100 to $6,500
- License suspension: 1 year (BAC < 0.10); 2 years (BAC ≥ 0.10)
Third and subsequent offenses
- Jail/prison: 60 days (BAC < 0.10); 90 days (BAC 0.10-0.16); 6 months (BAC > 0.16) minimum to 3 years (BAC < 0.10); 4 years (BAC 0.10-0.16); 5 years (BAC > 0.16) maximum
- Fine: $3,800 to $10,000
- License suspension: 3 years (4 years if within 5 years of first offense)
- Felony threshold: fourth offense within 10 years is a felony (1-7 years prison depending on BAC tier); permanent lifetime license revocation
Penalty comparison by offense tier
| Offense | Jail Range | Fine Range | License Suspension | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First DUI | 48 hours (BAC < 0.10); 72 hours (BAC 0.10-0.16); 30 days (BAC > 0.16)–30 days (BAC < 0.10); 30 days (BAC 0.10-0.16); 90 days (BAC > 0.16) | $400 (BAC < 0.10)–$1,000 (BAC > 0.16) | 6 months | |
| Second DUI | 5 days (BAC < 0.10); 30 days (BAC 0.10-0.16); 90 days (BAC > 0.16)–1 year (BAC < 0.10); 2 years (BAC 0.10-0.16); 3 years (BAC > 0.16) | $2,100–$6,500 | 1 year (BAC < 0.10); 2 years (BAC ≥ 0.10) | |
| Third DUI | 60 days (BAC < 0.10); 90 days (BAC 0.10-0.16); 6 months (BAC > 0.16)–3 years (BAC < 0.10); 4 years (BAC 0.10-0.16); 5 years (BAC > 0.16) | $3,800–$10,000 | 3 years (4 years if within 5 years of first offense) |
Lookback period
South Carolina uses a 10 years Lookback period to determine how prior offenses affect sentencing. Only DUI convictions within this window count toward the escalating penalty tiers.
Enhanced penalties for aggravating factors
- BAC ≥ 0.10 (higher penalty tier)
- BAC ≥ 0.16 (highest penalty tier)
- Child under 16 in vehicle (child endangerment charge in addition to DUI)
- Great bodily injury (§56-5-2945; 30 days to 15 years)
- Death (1-25 years, up to $25,100 fine)
What these penalties mean in practice
Mandatory minimums cannot be suspended or reduced by the judge — they must be served. Fines do not include surcharges, court costs, and program fees, which can substantially increase the total financial impact. License suspension affects employment, insurance rates, and daily logistics.
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Frequently Asked Questions
General answers to common questions. Specific outcomes depend on your facts and timing.
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