Traffic Violations

If you are charged with a speeding offense in South Carolina, you will receive a Uniform Traffic Ticket. This ticket contains important information, including:

• The charged offense (including whether you were charged with exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for conditions)
• Court appearance date
• Court that will decide your case

Speeding is a misdemeanor offense in South Carolina. Do not ignore your speeding ticket and allow it to become a major problem. If you fail to appear in court, you could be charged with a misdemeanor, fined up to $500 and jailed for up to 30 days.

Instead, exercise your right to be represented by an attorney who can help you by:

• Seeking a reduction of the charge – For instance, if you were charged with going 25 mph or more above the posted speed limit, your lawyer can seek a reduction to a lesser charge that keeps you from compiling driver’s license points and seeing your insurance rates go up).
• Enrollment in the Traffic Education Program (TEP) – This one-time option may be available if you have four points or less on your driving record. It involves a combination of driving school and community service. An attorney can work with the local solicitor’s office to explore this option.
• Challenging your charge in court– Your attorney may find weaknesses in the officer’s case. For instance, the radar gun that “clocked” your speed may have been defective. The lawyer may present evidence that casts a reasonable doubt on your guilt.

The outcome will depend on the unique facts of your case. However, none of these options will be available if you simply pay the ticket.